Undergraduate Program

Business Economics, B.A.

A business-oriented economics major combining economic theory, accounting, and data-driven analysis to understand markets, organizations, and strategic decision-making.

About the Major

Apply economics to business decisions

The Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics offers a major for students seeking a business orientation in their study of economics.

It does not replicate a traditional undergraduate business curriculum. Instead, it provides a focused program grounded in economic theory, quantitative analysis, and accounting.

The program is designed to prepare students for careers in finance, consulting, and business strategy, as well as graduate study in business, economics, and law. Coursework includes offerings from both the Department of Economics and the Anderson School of Management.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the Business Economics major, students develop economic, accounting, analytical, and problem-solving skills for evaluating business problems, markets, and policy.

Markets & Policy

  • Understand the interaction of individuals and organizations in markets
  • Analyze regional, national, and global economic systems
  • Evaluate the role of public policy in shaping outcomes

Accounting & Data

  • Apply accounting principles to business problems
  • Use data to evaluate hypotheses and decisions
  • Interpret tables, charts, and statistical analysis

Strategy & Problem Solving

  • Frame complex problems using economic and business perspectives
  • Develop effective strategic approaches
  • Organize and apply information to support decisions

Major Requirements

Requirement worksheets vary by admit type and entry year. Students should review the worksheet that matches their UCLA admission category.

First-Year Admits

New students admitted Fall 2023 and beyond.


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Transfer Admits

New students admitted Fall 2023 and beyond.


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Earlier Cohorts

Major requirements checklist for students declaring Fall 2020 to 2022.


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Declaration timing

Beginning Fall 2025, for non-transfer students, the deadline to complete the pre-major requirements will be by the end of your 8th regular quarter, excluding summer terms.

Students should apply to the major as soon as their final pre-major grades are posted to DARS.

For 2025–2026, both the 135-unit deadline and term deadline apply. Beginning Fall 2026, only the term deadline will apply.

Courses and Academic Planning

Explore prerequisite planning, course offerings, and detailed descriptions to understand the structure of the Business Economics major.

Prerequisite Guide

Review prerequisite sequencing and preparation for Business Economics coursework.


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Course Information

Browse detailed course descriptions across Economics and Business Economics requirements.


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Declare the Major

Explore what steps you should take to declare the Business Economics major or pre-major.


Declare the Major

Additional Information

Key policies and application details for the Business Economics major.

English Comp 131B

Required for Business Economics majors and restricted to students in their final quarter. Students must finalize their Degree Expected Term (DET) by February 1 to reserve a seat. The course is not restricted in summer, space permitting.

Applying for the Major

Students must complete all Pre-Major courses before applying.

Applications are announced during the first three weeks of each regular quarter and Summer Session A.

Admission decisions are released approximately two weeks after the application deadline. Students should apply only once all requirements are met.

Check your Primary Score

Use the Primary Score Calculator to evaluate your eligibility for the Business Economics major.


Primary Score Calculator

Stay Informed

Connect with undergraduate advising

Visit our contact page for advising information and register for Econ-Alert to receive department announcements.