Economics

The Economics program at the University of California is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles that govern economic activity, both at the individual and societal levels. This multidisciplinary program combines theoretical frameworks with empirical analysis, equipping students with the analytical tools necessary to interpret and influence economic phenomena in diverse contexts. Students will explore core topics such as microeconomics, which examines the decision-making processes of individuals and firms; macroeconomics, which analyzes overall economic performance, including inflation, unemployment, and economic growth; and international economics, focusing on global trade and finance. The curriculum emphasizes quantitative skills, including calculus, statistics, and econometrics, enabling students to conduct rigorous data analysis and develop evidence-based solutions to economic issues. Throughout the program, students will engage with real-world case studies, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities applicable to careers in finance, policy-making, consulting, and academia. The program also offers specialized electives in areas such as behavioral economics, development economics, and economic history, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and career aspirations. The faculty comprises renowned experts committed to excellence in teaching and research, providing mentorship and opportunities for undergraduate research projects. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities, access to extensive economic data resources, and collaboration with industry and government agencies further enrich the educational experience. Graduates of the Economics program are well-prepared for diverse career paths and graduate studies, with many securing positions in financial institutions, governmental agencies, international organizations, and think tanks. The program's strong emphasis on analytical skills, economic theory, and real-world application ensures that students graduate with a solid foundation to understand complex economic challenges and contribute effectively to their fields.

Pre-Major

• Class
• Economics 1
• Economics 2
• Economics 41
• Math 31A
• Math 31B
• Economics 11
• Any L&S Writing II Requirement

Major

• Class
• Economics 101
• Economics 102
• Economics 103 and 103L/Economics Elective *
• Economics Elective
• Economics Elective
• Economics Elective
• Economics Elective
• Economics Elective
• Economics Elective

Pre-Major Requirements

Complete all pre-major courses with a minimum 2.5 grade point average and a "C" or better in each course. Note that your grade in the Writing II course is not calculated into the pre-major GPA, but you must earn a minimum grade of "C" in it.If you are a transfer student, your grades in pre-major courses taken prior to entering UCLA will be calculated into your pre-major GPA (each course will be calculated as four quarter units). Applications to enter the major are accepted year-round. You must apply for the major between 72 and 135 units. (AP units will not be included if they bring your total over 135.)

All courses for both the pre-major and the major must be taken for a letter grade.

You are allowed a maximum of one course repeat in the pre-major and you can repeat that one course one time only.

You must be in good standing at UCLA at the time you apply in order to be considered for admission. This means that you cannot be on Probation or Subject to Dismissal status.

You are permitted to enroll in upper division Economics courses prior to being admitted to the major (except for courses restricted to Business-Economics majors (Economics 106's)) provided you have fulfilled the prerequisites for the courses. Most upper division Economics courses require completion of at least Economics 11 and many also require completion of Economics 101 and/or 102. Prerequisites will be enforced by URSA and no exceptions will be granted.

Please note that you are subject to any requirement changes in both the pre-major and the major until you are officially admitted to the major. You are not "protected" for the major requirements under the catalog in which you were admitted to UCLA. Your "protection" applies only to General Education and other University and College requirements (such as English Composition and Quantitative Reasoning). Subscribe to Econ-Alert for requirement updates.

Major Requirements

You must complete the courses in the major with a minimum 2.0 grade point average.You must receive a minimum grade of a "C-" or above in Economics 101, 102, 103 and 103L.

Economics 102 should be taken soon after Economics 101 (Economics 11, 101, and 102 must be taken in sequence).

*Students admitted to the major Fall Quarter 2011 or later must complete Economics 103 and 103L, and six Economics electives for the major. Students who entered the major prior to Fall Quarter 2011 are not required to take Economics 103 and 103L, although Economics 103/103L is still an option as one of the seven Economics electives. Note that some Economics elective courses will have Economics 103/103L as a prerequisite.

Students majoring in Economics are permitted to substitute two upper division Management courses for two upper division Economics electives. You may select from Management 120A, 120B, 122, 127A, 130A, 130B and 180(Real Estate Finance only) .

Requirements

• To be considered for admission to UCLA, international students must have completed secondary school with a superior average in academic subjects and have earned a certificate of completion which enables the student to be admitted to a university in the home country.
• All freshman applicants are expected to take the following tests: The ACT Assessment plus the ACT Writing Test. - or - The SAT Reasoning Test. Note: you must complete the essay portion of the SAT. We will not accept your scores if you opt not to write the essay.
• UCLA requires records from all secondary schools attended, showing subjects taken and grades received as well as any national or government certificates earned. Documents of all college or university coursework must also be sent in the original language, along with English translations. Do not send these documents now. If you apply and are admitted to UCLA, your admission packet will contain instructions on how to send your original records to us.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• A competitive score is above 100 (with sub-scores above 22).
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• A competitive score is 7 or higher.

Scholarships

UCLA does not award scholarships or financial aid to undergraduate students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States. International students must prove that they have sufficient funds available to them to pay for their educational and living expenses. For example, students admitted to Fall Quarter 2016 will need a minimum of about $60,000 (with an additional $5,000 recommended for additional personal expenses, contingencies and summer expenses). This minimum amount usually grows each year.

UCLA also requires that all international students on non-immigrant visas have adequate medical insurance during all periods of enrollment. More information about these requirements will be sent to students when they are admitted.

The Economics program at the University of California offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with a strong foundation in both microeconomics and macroeconomics. The program emphasizes analytical thinking, quantitative skills, and an understanding of economic theory and policy. Students have the opportunity to explore various fields within economics, including development, international trade, financial economics, and public policy. The faculty comprises leading scholars who bring cutting-edge research and real-world experience into the classroom, fostering an engaging learning environment. The program includes coursework that develops critical skills in data analysis, econometrics, and economic modeling, preparing graduates for careers in finance, government, international organizations, and research institutions. Students can participate in research projects, internships, and seminars that enhance practical understanding and professional development. The university also promotes interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to integrate insights from other fields such as political science, sociology, and history to deepen their economic analysis. The program offers undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees, with flexible options for specialization and minors to tailor the educational experience. Additionally, students benefit from the university’s strong connections to Silicon Valley and the economic hub of California, facilitating access to internships and employment opportunities. Graduates of the UC Economics program are well-prepared to analyze complex economic issues, contribute to policy development, or pursue advanced studies in economics or related disciplines. The program’s commitment to research excellence and global perspective ensures that students are equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing economic landscape.