Introducing Concentrations in the UCLA Department of Economics

The UCLA Department of Economics is pleased to announce the addition of concentrations to our undergraduate majors. These concentrations, in fields such as finance, strategy, data analytics, public economics, and global economics will provide students with the opportunity to complete a set of courses focused on a particular career goal or disciplinary interest. This training, coupled with our tradition of a strong liberal arts education, will provide our students with a valuable advantage in a competitive job market.

What is a Concentration?

Concentrations in Economics are suggested lists of upper division courses for students in the Business Economics major, the Economics Major, or the Mathematics/Economics Major with a particular focus on subject matter and skills relevant for specific careers. The Economics Department will initially post the following four concentrations:

  1. Finance: Value Investing in a Market Economy
  2. Finance: Risk and Portfolio/Wealth Management
  3. Corporate Strategy and Competition
  4. Public Finance and Economic Policy

The Department eventually plans to post two additional concentrations.

  1. Data Analytics
  2. Global Economics

Concentrations are not separate “majors” or “minors” and do not appear on students’ transcripts.  These concentrations are intended solely as a guide to students as to groupings of upper division courses relevant for particular career tracks. Students who complete the suggested courses within a concentration can indicate that they have completed the concentration on their resumes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to the concentration?  What is the deadline?

Concentrations are not separate “majors” or “minors” and do not appear on a student’s transcript. The Value Investing Concentration application procedures are listed here.

Will the concentration appear on my diploma and/or my transcript?

No, concentrations will not appear on your diploma or your transcript.

Will I receive priority enrollment in the courses listed for the concentration?

No, you will not receive priority enrollment in the courses listed for the concentration. Concentrations in Economics are simply suggested lists of upper division courses for students in the Business Economics major, the Economics Major, or the Mathematics/Economics Major with a particular focus on subject matter and skills relevant for specific careers.

Some of these courses are rarely offered.  How am I supposed to complete the concentration if I don’t have access to them?

There is no requirement that students complete a concentration. Concentrations in Economics are simply suggested lists of upper division courses for students in the Business Economics major, the Economics Major, or the Mathematics/Economics Major with a particular focus on subject matter and skills relevant for specific careers. Your ability to complete your major is not impacted by the availability of courses in a particular concentration.

I am not in the Business Economics major.  How will I be able to enroll in an Economics 106F and an Economics 106P course during regular quarters?

Enrollment in the Economics upper division courses follows the standard procedures already in place, and is not affected by concentrations.

How many people do you accept into the concentration?

We do not accept people into concentrations. There is no application for concentrations.

What are the criteria?

There is no application for concentrations.

Why was I not notified of concentrations earlier?

The first time the concentrations are being announced is in the Fall, 2017 quarter.

What do I do if a course for the concentration is full before I can enroll?

Enrollment in upper division courses follows the standard procedure and is not affected by concentrations.

Why is a concentration beneficial?

Concentrations in Economics are suggested lists of upper division courses for students in the Business Economics major, the Economics Major, or the Mathematics/Economics Major with a particular focus on subject matter and skills relevant for specific careers.

What is a concentration?

Concentrations in Economics are suggested lists of upper division courses for students in the Business Economics major, the Economics Major, or the Mathematics/Economics Major with a particular focus on subject matter and skills relevant for specific careers.

What other concentrations are there? Will more be created?

We will offer further concentrations as we have faculty to teach the courses.

Is a concentration required to complete my major?

There is no requirement that students complete a concentration. Concentrations in Economics are simply suggested lists of upper division courses for students in the Business Economics major, the Economics Major, or the Mathematics/Economics Major with a particular focus on subject matter and skills relevant for specific careers.

Why are there two concentrations connected with Finance? What is the difference between these concentrations?

The concentration Finance: Value Investing in a Market Economy takes a microeconomic approach to finance. Courses in this concentration typically study the microeconomic forces that determine the value of a particular asset. Students interested in this concentration might pursue careers in Investment Banking, Private Equity, Accounting, in house Corporate Finance, and Consulting.

The concentration Finance: Risk and Portfolio/Wealth Management takes a macroeconomic approach to finance. Courses in this concentration typically study the macroeconomic forces that determine the value of entire portfolios and classes of assets. Students interested in this concentration might pursue careers in Portfolio Management and Financial Advising.