Overview

The Department of Economics is home to over 2,000 undergraduate students and offers two majors: Economics (BA) and Economics & Accounting (BA).

Students of both majors will be prepared with a thorough understanding of Economic Theory, problem solving and analytical skill sets that apply to careers in many different fields. The Economics & Accounting major additionally provides accounting and financial management courses to prepare students for the CPA exam.

Advising Services

The undergraduate advising office operates mainly on a walk-in basis. Our walk-in hours are Monday-Thursday 9:00am-11:30am & 1:30pm-4:30pm. Fridays we are closed to walk-ins and accept appointments and email inquiries only. Students must join the QLess line, via this link, in order to queue for drop-ins. Students will receive a text message once they are at the front of the queue.

All advising inquiries can also be sent via email to ugrad@econ.ucsb.edu. An advisor will return your message within 2 business days.

Appointments can be made using this link.  Please note that we do not offer appointments during weeks 1 and 2 of each quarter as well as during Pass 1.  As a reminder, most inquiries can be addressed via a walk-in session or email, so we ask that appointments be made only for those with more complex issues to address. 

Opportunities for Undergraduates

The Department offers a number of resources to help students succeed in the major. Students are encouraged to enhance their undergraduate experience by:

• Participating in Economic research
• Exploring student-run organizations to gain research and career opportunities
• Visiting the Academic Advising or Career Connection office for guidance regarding the major and career opportunities
• Studying Economics abroad

To learn more about opportunities within the major and tracking one’s degree progress, please visit the Prospective/Current Students pages.

Why Study Economics

Economics can be broadly defined as the study of human behaviors aimed at finding solutions to help improve peoples' lives. A degree in economics doesn't have to be about finance, banking, business, or government. It can lead to many interesting and fulfilling career choices.

Watch the video "A career in Economics . . . it's much more than you think" presented by the American Economic Association to hear the perspective of four individuals offering insights on how economics can be a tool for solving very human problems.