Student Guide
Find the resources you need
Academic Success
Build a strong foundation
Plan thoughtfully, ask questions early, and use the people and programs available to support your progress.
When possible, take one pre-major course per quarter so you can focus on mastering the material while meeting your declaration timeline.
Your instructors and TAs are important resources. Ask questions, discuss concepts, and get help before small problems become larger ones.
Form study groups, explain concepts to one another, and always follow the collaboration rules established for each course.
Economics builds cumulatively. Material that is not emphasized on one test may become important in later courses, research, or professional work.
Friends can be helpful, but requirements and policies change. Use official department resources for academic decisions.
Math Preparation for Econ 11
Review the mathematical concepts and skills used in Econ 11 through the department’s Bruin Learn preparation site.
Econ 105
Introduction to Mathematical Economics may be taken alongside Econ 11. It develops mathematical tools used in economic analysis, academic research, and policy work.
Tutoring
Economics Student Ambassadors offer free drop-in tutoring for core Economics courses during the academic year.
Career Preparation
Connect learning with possibility
Economics graduates work across business, consulting, data, government, finance, research, technology, and many other fields. Explore broadly and build experience before graduation.
Career Pathways
Explore career areas, related Economics electives, academic options, and professional resources.
Jobs & Internships
Internships provide experience, professional connections, and opportunities to apply classroom learning.
UCLA Career Center
Use career advising, workshops, interview preparation, and job and internship resources available to UCLA students.
12twenty
Connect with jobs, internships, recruiting events, career fairs, and appointments through UCLA’s career platform.
UC Alumni at Work
Explore employment industries, earnings, and other outcomes for University of California graduates.
Alumni Career Stories
See how UCLA Economics alumni have applied their degrees across industries and professions.
Featured Resource
Explore Careers in Finance
Learn more about finance-related career paths and how Economics coursework can help prepare you for the field.
UCLA login and course access may be required.
Career-Focused Economics Courses
Economics 95
A two-unit, P/NP internship course for eligible freshmen and sophomores in an Economics Department pre-major. Connect economic theory with an internship focused on financial or economic analysis.
Economics 195A
A two-unit, P/NP internship course for eligible juniors and seniors in an Economics Department major whose internship is focused on financial or economic analysis. The course does not apply toward the majors.
Programs & Opportunities
Learn by participating
Build relationships, practice professional skills, and connect your Economics education with real-world experience.
William F. Sharpe Fellowship
Connect with alumni and employers through mentorship, professional development, and career-focused programming.
Board of Visitors Research Fellows
Work alongside a faculty member on an Economics research team while receiving professional development training and personalized coaching.
Social Enterprise Academy
Partner with a participating social venture to develop earned-income opportunities and present recommendations to potential investors.
Benjamin Graham Value Investing Program
Develop technical knowledge, professional skills, and an understanding of value investing through coursework and applied learning.
Economics Student Ambassadors
Support the department community through peer mentorship, tutoring, events, and student leadership.
Economics in Action
Connect classroom learning with applied research, presentations, and feedback from alumni and industry professionals.
Departmental Scholars Program
Qualified students may pursue the Economics B.A. and M.A. concurrently, complete graduate-level coursework, and experience advanced study in Economics.
Excellence in Economics (EXEC)
A cohort-based program that supports new transfer students through shared Economics courses, academic support, career training, and community building.
Research & Graduate Study
Investigate important questions
Research experience can deepen your understanding of economics and help you prepare for graduate study or analytically focused careers.
Undergraduate Research
Explore department research opportunities, preparation guidance, and ways to connect with faculty research.
Preparing for a Ph.D.
Review recommended coursework, mathematics preparation, research experience, and graduate application resources.
Undergraduate Research Center
Find campus-wide research programs, workshops, advising, and opportunities for undergraduate researchers.
WI+RE Research Tutorials
Build practical research and writing skills through short, student-centered UCLA Library tutorials.
Economists & Perspectives
Explore economics topics presented by scholars with a variety of backgrounds, research interests, and perspectives.
Economics 199A: Directed Research
Economics 199A is a four-unit directed research tutorial that allows eligible juniors and seniors to complete an independent research project under the supervision of a faculty mentor. The course requires an individual contract and culminates in a paper or research project.
Economics 198A: Departmental Honors
The first course in the two-term honors sequence. Senior Departmental Honors students develop an honors thesis or comprehensive research project under direct faculty supervision.
Economics 198B: Departmental Honors
The second course in the honors sequence. Students complete the thesis or comprehensive research project begun in Econ 198A under direct faculty supervision.
Campus Support
Know where to turn
UCLA offers academic, personal, writing, wellness, and community-based support. Reaching out early is a strength.
Academic Advising
- Economics Undergraduate Advising for Economics and Business Economics major requirements, enrollment, and department policies
- College Academic Counseling for College requirements and broader degree planning
Writing & Research Skills
Well-Being & Community Support
Use Be Well Bruin to find UCLA resources supporting health, wellness, financial well-being, basic needs, identity, belonging, and community.
Financial Resources
Plan with reliable information
Use official sources for financial aid deadlines, student employment, borrowing information, and personalized financial guidance.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Review financial aid processes, annual application information, deadlines, and available support directly from UCLA.
Financial Wellness
Attend workshops or meet with a peer coach to build skills in budgeting, credit, saving, and managing financial decisions.
Federal Student Aid
Use the official federal resource to understand student loans, interest rates, repayment, and federal work-study.
Student Employment
On-campus work may offer scheduling that fits more easily around courses and exams. Explore UCLA and ASUCLA opportunities.
Work-Study
If work-study is part of your financial aid award, confirm eligibility and job requirements before accepting a position.
Annual Applications
Financial aid applications and priority deadlines may change by academic year. Check UCLA’s current instructions rather than relying on an older deadline.
Departmental Scholarships
Explore scholarships funded by UCLA Economics donors, review current eligibility and application information, and learn when the next application cycle opens.
Stay Informed & Get Involved
Do not miss important information
Econ-Alert
Join Econ-Alert, the department’s main undergraduate announcement channel for policy updates, course information, scholarships, fellowships, application notices, and other opportunities.
Follow UCLA Economics for student life, events, programs, deadlines, and department updates.
Follow UCLA Economics for research, faculty insights, alumni stories, career information, and professional updates.
