Undergraduate Specializations

Specialization Areas for B.A. in Economics

The major provides flexibility for a student to group the required economics electives so that competency in a particular area is demonstrated and future career/study choices are clearer. However, as an economics B.A. graduate, many of these career paths are open to you, regardless of specialization choice. Below are some of the possible tracks available for specialization within the degree. When considering courses, students are required to meet the class requirements of their catalog year.

“General Economics” Specialization: 15 units, of which at least six (6) units must be at the 400-level. Receive exposure to many aspects of the discipline for a wide range of career and educational options. Post B.A. options could include post-secondary teaching and graduate school in an interdisciplinary M.A. program or law school.

International Specialization: Nine (9) units from the list below, of which at least three (3) units must be at the 400-level; the remaining six (6) units are electives, which students are free to choose. Focus on courses with an international component; show interest/training in global issues. Post B.A. options could include preparation for graduate school in international economics/development/area studies, as well as employment as an international trade specialist or as a research assistant such as for IMF or some global development banks.

Quantitative Analysis Specialization: Nine (9) units from the list below, of which at least six (6) units must be at the 400-level; the remaining six (6) units are electives, which students are free to choose. Focus on courses with math components. Students interested in preparation for graduate school in economics/math or employment/internships as an economic data analyst or business forecaster should include additional math preparation, beyond the choices from the required economics electives listed. [Advising note: take ECON 440 – Econometrics in upper-division core; take MATH 150B or 270A in the lower-division core.]

Public Policy Specialization: Nine (9) units, of which at least three (3) units must be at the 400-level; the remaining six (6) units are electives, which students are free to choose. Focus on courses with policy and analytic components. Post B.A. options could include preparation for law school/M.A./MPA in public policy, planning or government/non-governmental positions (i.e. tax economist, policy analyst, consumer affairs director and regulatory policy analyst).

Applied Microeconomics/Sector Specialization: Nine (9) units, of which at least three (3) must be at the 400-level; the remaining six (6) units are electives, which students are free to choose. Focus on courses with quantitative and analytical applications in microeconomics. Post-B.A. options could include sector employment (i.e. healthcare administrator or graduate work).