Undergraduate

Tips & Resources

Make the most of your UCLA Economics experience with practical academic guidance, career tools, research opportunities, campus support, and ways to stay connected.

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.

1
Plan a manageable course load.
When possible, take one pre-major course per quarter so you can focus on mastering the material while meeting your declaration timeline.
2
Use discussion sections and office hours.
Your instructors and TAs are important resources. Ask questions, discuss concepts, and get help before small problems become larger ones.
3
Study actively and collaboratively.
Form study groups, explain concepts to one another, and always follow the collaboration rules established for each course.
4
Learn beyond the exam.
Economics builds cumulatively. Material that is not emphasized on one test may become important in later courses, research, or professional work.
5
Confirm information with an advisor.
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 selected lower- and upper-division 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.

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.

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.

Campus Support

Know where to turn

UCLA offers academic, personal, writing, wellness, and community-based support. Reaching out early is a strength.

Academic Advising
Writing & Research Skills
Health & Well-Being
Community & Identity-Based Resources

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.

Stay Informed & Get Involved

Do not miss important information

Economics Updates

Read messages from the Economics Undergraduate Advising Office for enrollment information, deadlines, opportunities, and department announcements.

Accounting Minor Updates

Follow program information, academic requirements, and opportunities connected with the Accounting Minor.

Entrepreneurship Minor Updates

Review requirements, application information, courses, and opportunities connected with the Entrepreneurship Minor.

Questions about your academic plan?