High School Preparation High school students planning to major in economics at UC Santa Cruz need no special preparation other than the courses required for UC admission. However, they are encouraged to develop a strong background in mathematics. Transfer Preparation Students transferring to UC Santa Cruz may fulfill some of the requirements for the major by completing equivalent courses, with a grade of C or better, at another recognized institution. Transfer students must present their course syllabi or descriptions to an Economics Department adviser. The department approves courses applicable for economics prerequisites and major requirements. All transfer students must complete the comprehensive requirement at UC Santa Cruz. UC Santa Cruz lower-division requirements in economics are: • Applied Mathematics and Statistics 5, Statistics • Economics 1, Introductory Microeconomics: Resource Allocation and Market Structure • Economics 2, Introductory Macroeconomics: Aggregate Economic Activity • Economics 11A-B, Mathematical Methods for Economists (two quarters) (or equivalent)
While it is not a condition of admission, students from California community colleges may complete the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) in preparation for transfer to UC Santa Cruz. Transfer course agreements and articulation between the University of California and California community colleges can be accessed on the ASSIST web site. Recognition Professor of economics Lori Kletzer co-authored a ground-breaking wage insurance proposal to help workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. The proposal has attracted support from a broad spectrum of government policy makers, free-trade proponents, and commentators. Professor of economics K.C. Fung received an $80,000, two-year grant from the Chiang Ching-Kuo Foundation to study trade and investment links between mainland China and Taiwan. Careers Administration Banking Business administration Economic forecasting Financial management Government research International economics Law Public policy Statistical analysis Teaching
These are only samples of the field’s many possibilities. Education Abroad Program (EAP) The Education Abroad Program (EAP) offers economics undergraduate students the opportunity to study at more than 140 host universities and colleges in 34 countries as part of their regular UC academic program. Students receiving financial aid can apply their award to a program abroad. In addition, special scholarships are available for students going to some countries. Funds for small scholarships have been provided by alumni of the program and the UC Office of the President. Mathematics and Statistics Content Requirement Successful completion of Economics 11A and 11B, Mathematical Methods for Economists (or equivalent; two quarters) and Applied Mathematics and Statistics 5, Statistics, is required of all economics majors. Economics 11A and 11B are prerequisite to Economics 100A, Intermediate Microeconomics and 100B, Intermediate Macroeconomics. (Course 11B, the second quarter of Mathematical Methods for Economists, can be taken concurrently with Economics 100A, Intermediate Microeconomics and 100B, Intermediate Macroeconomics.) Therefore, students are advised to take Economics 11A-B or its equivalent as early as possible in their undergraduate career. Mathematics 11A-B, Calculus with Applications (two quarters) with Mathematics 22, Introduction to Calculus of Several Variables or Mathematics 19A-B, Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics (two quarters) with Mathematics 22, Introduction to Calculus of Several Variables are acceptable equivalents to Economics 11A-B. Students should not attempt to meet the requirement by combining courses from the economics and math sequences. Students must complete whichever sequence they begin. Students planning to do graduate work in economics or business should seriously consider more intensive mathematical training (consult adviser). Economics Field-Study Program The Economics Department offers its majors the opportunity to integrate their academic knowledge with career-related work. The field-study program places students in internships under the supervision of a faculty sponsor and a professional at the workplace. Students can select from a wide variety of field placements such as accounting firms, community non-profits, government agencies, brokerage firms, marketing agencies, banks, and businesses in Santa Cruz and beyond. Students apply and prepare for field study a quarter in advance. Acceptance into the field-study program is determined by academic standing, class level, and successful completion of Economics 100A, Intermediate Microeconomics, Economics 100B, Intermediate Macroeconomics, and Economics 113, Introduction to Econometrics. Students may earn a maximum of 10 academic credits and complete up to two quarters in a field placement. Comprehensive Requirement The comprehensive requirement may be satisfied in one of the following ways: (1) by passing a comprehensive examination administered by the Economics Department several times during the academic year; (2) in exceptional cases and with consent of an instructor, by completion of a senior thesis. |