BA Economics at University of California, Santa Cruz

Programme overview

Economics studies how individuals, firms, governments, and other organizations within our society make choices, and how these choices affect the society’s use of its available resources. Economists study a wide range of questions such as: How do individuals make decisions in the face of uncertainty?

Faculty: Social Sciences Division | Department: Economics | Study mode: full-time | Location: Santa Cruz, CA, United States

What you will study

Required courses listed in the catalogue include Mathematical Methods for Economists I, Calculus with Applications, Calculus for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics, Introductory Microeconomics: Resource Allocation and Market Structure, Introductory Macroeconomics: Aggregate Economic Activity, Mathematical Methods for Economists II.

Career pathways

The Economics Department offers its majors the opportunity to integrate their academic knowledge with career-related work in areas connected to economics or business.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Catalogue preparation guidance for the major (admission to the university is separate): The Economics Department administers four undergraduate majors: economics, business management economics, global economics, and economics/mathematics. (Qualifications for the environmental/economics combined major differ from above; see environmental studies for details.) Students should declare the major as soon as they have completed these requirements.

Domestic applicants: USD 14,202 a year (2026-27). UC undergraduate Tuition for California residents first enrolled in 2026-27 (Tuition Stability Plan cohort rate); one rate for all undergraduate majors. Excludes Student Services Fee, campus fees, UC SHIP health insurance and records fee. Non-residents ad Source

Fall quarter entry (classes for fall 2026 began September 24, 2026); winter quarter entry (winter 2027 instruction begins January 4, 2027).

UC Application for fall 2027 opens October 1, 2026 and the filing deadline is November 30, 2026; the application is available online from August 1, 2026. Fall 2027 first-year decisions appear on the Admissions Portal late February to mid-March 2027; transfer decisions April 1-30, 2027. Transfer Academic Update due January 31, 2027; UCSC TAG filing period September 1-30, 2026.

UC Santa Cruz does not use ACT/SAT scores in its comprehensive review and selection process. Applications are made through the UC Application. Minimum GPA is 3.00 for California residents and 3.40 for non-residents and international applicants.

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