Economics

The Economics program at the University of California offers a comprehensive and rigorous education designed to equip students with a profound understanding of how economies function and how economic agents interact within various markets. This degree provides a solid foundation in both microeconomics and macroeconomics, allowing students to analyze individual behaviors and broader economic trends with a critical perspective. Students will explore key topics such as supply and demand, market structures, fiscal and monetary policy, international trade, economic development, and public finance. The curriculum emphasizes analytical skills, quantitative methods, and critical thinking to prepare graduates for a broad range of careers in government, finance, consulting, research, and academia. Through a combination of lecture-based learning, data analysis, and participatory projects, students gain the ability to interpret economic data, evaluate policies, and make informed decisions. Opportunities for research initiatives and internships are available to enhance practical understanding and professional readiness. The program is designed for students interested in understanding the complexities of economic systems and applying economic principles to real-world issues. Graduates will leave the program with a strong analytical toolkit, a nuanced understanding of economic policies, and the skills necessary to succeed in dynamic and competitive environments. The University of California’s Economics program is committed to fostering intellectual curiosity, analytical rigor, and a global perspective, ensuring that students are well-prepared for impactful careers and lifelong learning.

• ECON 002 Introduction to Macroeconomics
• ECON 003 Introduction to Microeconomics (5) 
• ECON 006 Introduction to Environmental Economics (4) 
• ECON 060 Engineering Economics (4) 
• ECON 101 Statistics for Economics (5)
• ECON 102 Intermediate Microeconomics (5) 
• ECON 103 Intermediate Macroeconomics (5)
• ECON 104A Intermediate Microeconomic Theory (5) 
• ECON 104B Intermediate Microeconomic Theory (5) 
• ECON 105A Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory (5) 
• ECON 105B Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory (5) 
• ECON 107 Introductory Econometrics (5)
• ECON 108 Introductory Econometrics (5)
• ECON 110 Mathematical Economics (5)
• ECON 112 Forecasting in Business and Economics (5)
• ECON 115 Marxian Political Economy (4) 
• ECON 116 Foundations of Political Economy (4)
• ECON 117 Economics and Philosophy (4) 
• ECON 119 Law and Economics (4) 
• ECON 121 (E-Z) Readings in Economics (2) 
• ECON 121E The Wizard of Oz (2) 
• ECON 121F The Revolutions in Agricultural Biology (2)
• ECON 121G The Great Crash and the Great Depression (2) 
• ECON 123 American Economic History (4)
• ECON 124 World Economic History (4)
• ECON 125 History of Economic Thought (4) 
• ECON 129 Health Economics (4) 
• ECON 130 Introduction to Money, Banking, and Credit (4) 
• ECON 132 Public Finance (4)
• ECON 134 Introduction to Financial Management (4) 
• ECON 135 The Stock Market (5)
• ECON 136 Empirical Financial Economics (4) 
• ECON 143A Environmental Economics (4) 
• ECON 143B Natural Resource Economics (4)
• ECON 143C Ecological Economics and Environmental Valuation (4) 
• ECON 146 Urban Economic Problems (4)
• ECON 148 Land and Resource Economics (4)
• ECON 153 Labor Economics (4)
• ECON 155 Women’s Labor and the Economy (4) 
• ECON 156 Population Dynamics and Economic Well-being (4) 
• ECON 160 Industrial Organization (4) 
• ECON 162 Managerial Economics (4)
• ECON 163 Economics and Business Strategy (4) 
• ECON 170 (E-Z) Case Studies in Economic Development (2)
• ECON 170E Economic Development in India (2)
• ECON 171 International Finance (4) 
• ECON 173 Global Poverty (4) 
• ECON 173S Global Poverty (5)
• ECON 175 Comparative Analysis of Economic Systems (4)
• ECON 178 International Trade (4) 
• ECON 181 Economic Development: Theory and Policy (4) 
• ECON 182 Trade, Globalization, and Development (4) 
• ECON 183 Population and Development (4) 
• ECON 184 Economic Development in Africa (4)
• ECON 185 Economic Development in Latin America (4) 
• ECON 187 Contemporary Public Policy Challenges in Latin America (4) 
• ECON 189 Economic Development in Brazil (4) 
• ECON 190 Special Studies (1-5)
• ECON 193A Senior Seminar (4) 
• ECON 193B Senior Seminar (4) 
• ECON 198-I Individual Internships in Economics (1-12)
• ECON 199H Senior Honors Research (1-4)

Requirements

Applicants must complete a rigorous college preparatory program that includes the following academic subject requirements:

• History/Social Science: 2 years
• English/Language of School Instruction: 4 years
• Mathematics: 3 years (4 years recommended)
• Laboratory Science: 2 years (3 years recommended)
• Foreign Language (English must be the foreign language studied if it was not the language of instruction.): 2 years (3 years recommended)
• Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year
• College-Preparatory Elective: 1 year

UC Riverside is aware that not all educational systems include academic courses in these areas, which will be taken into consideration during the application review.

• The applicant must earn a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.4 on a 4.0 scale, equivalent to an 85 percent on a 100 percent scale. The assessment of a qualifying GPA is based on “a-g” courses completed in 10th and 11th grades.
• If the secondary school offers a different curriculum, the applicant’s academic achievement will be based on that educational system’s grading scale.
• The ACT with Writing or the SAT Reasoning Test must be taken no later than December of the final year of secondary school.

English Language Proficiency

If English is not the applicant’s native language, or the language of instruction at the applicant’s school, then they must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following options:

• Pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 80 or higher (iBT).
• Pass the International English Testing Language System (IELTS) with a score of 6.5 or higher.
• Achieve a score of 560 or higher on the “Writing” section of the SAT Reasoning Test.
• Achieve a score of 3, 4 or 5 on the AP Exam in English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition.
• Achieve a score of 5, 6 or 7 on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level Examination in English (Language A).
• Complete a transferable college course in English Composition with a C grade or better.

Also

• Academic records
• Test scores
• Estimated household income (optional)
• Citizenship status
• Application payment method

Answer Personal Insight Questions

• The personal insight questions are an opportunity for applicants to tell us about themselves in their own words, and an opportunity for us to get to know them better.
• Freshmen must answer four out of eight questions.
• Each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words.
• Applicants should draft their answers in a word processing program first, then copy and paste them into the UC application. (Applicants are automatically logged out of the UC application after 30 minutes.)
• The personal insight questions are just one part that we consider when making our admission decision. The important thing is that applicants express who they are, what matters to them and what they want to share with UCR!

Scholarships

• Regents Scholarship
• Chancellor’s Scholarship
• Highlander Excellence Scholarship

The Economics program at the University of California offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with a solid understanding of microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and their applications in real-world scenarios. The program emphasizes analytical thinking, quantitative skills, and critical analysis to prepare graduates for diverse careers in finance, policy analysis, research, and academia. Students have the opportunity to engage in rigorous coursework that covers both theoretical foundations and practical implementations of economic principles. The program also provides access to state-of-the-art research facilities, faculty expertise, and internships that enhance experiential learning. Students can choose electives that focus on specialized areas such as development economics, environmental economics, international trade, and public policy. The undergraduate degree typically spans four years, with opportunities for minors and double majors, fostering interdisciplinary knowledge. State-of-the-art laboratories and data analysis resources are available to support research activities. Faculty members are nationally and internationally recognized for their contributions to economic theory and policy. The program encourages participation in seminars, workshops, and conferences to foster academic growth and professional networking. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for entry into graduate studies or to pursue careers in government agencies, private sector firms, non-governmental organizations, and international institutions. The university promotes a vibrant campus community where students can collaborate and develop leadership skills. Overall, the Economics program at the University of California provides a rigorous, interdisciplinary education designed to develop economists who can analyze complex problems and contribute innovative solutions in various economic fields.