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 on a walk-in basis.  Our drop-in hours are Mondays from 1:30pm-4pm (via ZOOM only) and Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Thursdays from 9:00am-11:30am and 1:30pm-4:00pm. Fridays are closed to drop-ins, we will be accepting 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. While we encourage all students to attend drop-in advising, those with lengthy advising inquiries can request an appointment.

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

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.