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UCI’s BA in Economics offers a blend of theoretical and applied economics with a strong quantitative emphasis, perfect for students aiming for careers in finance, consulting, or graduate studies. The program fosters critical thinking and analytical skills through diverse course offerings.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1–2
Students start with ECON 20A (Principles of Microeconomics) and ECON 20B (Principles of Macroeconomics), supported by calculus and statistics courses. This stage builds a solid economic foundation and quantitative aptitude.
Year 2–3
Intermediate courses like ECON 100A (Intermediate Microeconomic Theory) and ECON 100B (Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory) deepen conceptual understanding. Students also take ECON 104 (Econometrics) to enhance empirical research skills.
Year 3–4
Advanced electives cover topics such as Public Economics, Behavioral Economics, and International Trade. A senior seminar or capstone project offers practical experience in applying economic theory and quantitative methods.
Focus areas: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, Behavioral Economics, Public Policy
Learning outcomes: Analyze economic problems using quantitative tools, conduct empirical research, communicate economic insights clearly, prepare for diverse career paths
Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by UCI’s School of Social Sciences; meets standards for economics and analytics careers
Reputation (employability rankings): UCI economics graduates are highly regarded for analytical rigor and career readiness in business, government, and academia
UCI’s Economics program balances rigorous academics with practical application through internships and research.
Experiential learning includes:
Internships in Orange County’s diverse economic sectors.
Use of software such as Stata, R, and Excel for data analysis.
Research opportunities with faculty in applied economics.
Active Economics Student Association for professional development.
Group projects addressing regional economic challenges.
UCI’s BA in Economics combines solid theoretical foundations with practical skills, preparing graduates for careers in financial analysis, economic research, policy advising, and business consulting. Graduates typically work as financial analysts, policy researchers, economic consultants, and market analysts. Here’s how UCI supports students’ success:
The UCI Career Center offers dedicated internship programs, employer networking events, and personalized career coaching specifically for economics majors.
Approximately 88% of graduates secure employment or enter graduate programs within six months, with average starting salaries around $58,000.
UCI collaborates with Southern California’s thriving business community, government agencies, and research institutes, providing valuable internship opportunities.
Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the program maintains rigorous academic standards.
Alumni often advance to influential roles in finance, government, consulting, and technology sectors.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates commonly pursue master’s degrees in economics, business analytics, public policy, or law, expanding their professional horizons.
Complete UC application, Unofficial transcripts from all high schools and colleges/universities attended, A letter of intent, Letters of recommendation (Optional), TOEFL, A minimum GPA of 3.4Economist – Analyze economic data and trends to advise government agencies private corporations or consulting firms on policy markets or business strategyInvestment Banking Analyst – Support capital raising mergers and acquisitions and financial transactions by building detailed financial models and conducting valuations at investment banksData Analyst or Data Scientist – Use programming languages like Python R and SQL and statistical techniques to analyze large datasets and provide actionable insights for business or policy decisionsActuary – Combine economics statistics and mathematics to assess and manage financial risks for insurance companies pension funds and financial service firmsManagement Consultant – Advise organizations across industries on operational efficiency market entry and strategic challenges to improve overall performanceFinancial Analyst – Evaluate company financial statements market conditions and investment opportunities to guide corporate finance portfolio management or banking decisionsPolicy Analyst – Research and assess public policies related to economics labor health or education for think tanks NGOs or government agenciesQuantitative Analyst or Econometrician – Apply advanced quantitative methods and econometric models to forecast economic outcomes and guide investment or policy decisionsCertified Public Accountant CPA – Provide auditing tax planning and financial consulting services combine economic understanding with regulatory compliance in accounting firms or corporationsEconomic Researcher – Conduct academic or applied research for universities government bodies like the Federal Reserve or Bureau of Labor Statistics or international organizationsMarketing Analyst – Analyze consumer data and market trends to optimize pricing strategies product launches and promotional campaigns for corporationsFinancial Risk Analyst – Identify and quantify financial risks in banking insurance or corporate finance to develop risk mitigation strategiesInternational Development Specialist – Work on economic development projects focused on poverty reduction trade or policy reform for international agencies like USAID or the World BankFederal Reserve Analyst or Central Banker – Support monetary policy economic research and financial regulation to promote economic stability and growth at regional Federal Reserve Banks or the Board of GovernorsEntrepreneur or Startup Founder – Leverage economic principles to build businesses especially in sectors like fintech healthtech or analytics-driven platforms
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University of California Irvine
