Frequently Asked Questions
1. What classes do I need for my major?
You can find information about requirements here.
2. How do I get into my major?
For Economics, come into the undergraduate counseling office in 2263 Bunche Hall to see a counselor. You must have completed 137 or fewer units, have a minimum of 2.5 pre-major GPA, and a "C" or better in each course to qualify.
For Economics/International Area Studies, come to the undergraduate counseling office to see a counselor. You must have completed fewer than 137 units if you took all of your coursework at UCLA (not including AP units), (150 units if you transferred from a community college with 105 quarter units.) You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher and a "C" or higher in each course to qualify.
For Business Economics, applications are sent out over Econ-Alert and are accepted only the first three weeks of each quarter. You must complete the pre-major courses with a 3.0 or better and a C or better in each course.
The requirement for non-transfer students is a 3.3 Primary Score. You may determine your eligibility for the major by visiting the Primary Score Calculator and inputting your grades.
The requirement for transfer students is either:
1. A minimum 3.5 GPA in Econ 11 and 101 and a 3.3 cumulative UCLA GPA.
or
2. Have a minimum 3.3 GPA in Econ 11 and 101 and a 3.5 GPA in Econ 11, 101 and all Econ courses taken by the time Econ 101 is completed (must have Econ 11 as a prerequisite) and a 3.3 minimum cumulative UCLA GPA.
For all majors: If you have transferred any coursework for the pre-major from any other college, please provide a transcript for grade verification.
3. Is there an order to the classes?
All pre-major courses must be taken before you can officially enter the major. Many classes also have prerequisites. Check with the counselors or consult the current schedule of classes for prerequisites. Please note that Economics 11, 101, and 102 must be taken in sequence.
4. How do I get into a "Business Economics majors only" class?
For Business Economics classes you may not enroll over URSA if you are not in the Business Econ major. However, there are two ways to enter Business Economics courses if you are not in that major:
1. Summer classes are not restricted to Business Economics majors
2. If you are a Senior in a Department of Economics major, have a minimum 3.0 in Econ 11 and Econ 101, and a minimum of a 3.2 UCLA GPA, please contact an Economics counselor for more information.
5. Do I need Economics 103?
Economics 103 is required for Business Economics majors and Economics/International Area Studies majors. It is not required for Economics majors.
6. If I drop a class, does that count as a repeat?
A drop does not count as a repeat. Students may not drop "Impacted" classes except due to extreme emergencies. Students needing to drop an impacted class due to an extreme emergency should see College Academic Counseling in A316 Murphy Hall.
You may repeat a class only if you get a "C-" or lower. The UCLA college allows students to repeat up to 16 units of courses where the second grade replaces the first. After 16 units, the two grades are averaged into your GPA.
You are allowed to repeat only one pre-major course and may repeat that course only one time.
7. I want to go abroad, how many economics classes can I take?
Economics/International Area Studies students may take two economics electives and three Social Science classes. All courses must be pre-approved.
Business Economics and Economics majors may take three economics classes. To ensure the classes will count toward the major, students must submit course syllabi to the Undergraduate Counselors for pre-approval.
8. How do I get into Economics Department Honors Program?
You can find information on the Honors Program here.
9. How do I find out if a class I took at a community college counts here?
If you took pre-major courses at another school, to be accepted into the major, you will need to bring your transcripts from those other schools to a counselor. The counselor will verify that your grades in those classes are acceptable for you to be accepted into the major.
10. What are your office hours? Where are you located?
Our office hours are 9am-4pm, Monday-Friday. We are located in 2263 Bunche Hall.
11. How do I get into the Specialization in Computing?
Once you are officially in a Department of Economics major and have completed PIC 10A and PIC 10B with a "C-" or better, go to the Undergraduate Counseling Office for entry.
12. How do I get into the Accounting Minor?
Click here for more information.
13. How do I locate one of my professors?
Go to our web site, http://www.econ.ucla.edu/people/, to get their email addresses and office locations.
14. How do I find a tutor?
15. How do I get information on scholarships, internships, jobs, and updates on department rules and requirements?
Subscribe to Econ-Alert (for department updates and scholarship information) by e-mailing: listproc@econ.ucla.edu.
Write in the body of the e-mail: Subscribe econ-alert (your name). Note: Do not put parentheses around your name.
Subscribe to CareerNet for internship and job listings by e-mailing: listproc@econ.ucla.edu. Write in the body of the email: Subscribe econ-careernet (your name). Note: Do not put parentheses around your name.
16. I think I took the wrong statistics class. What do I do?
Please come in to see a counselor.
17. What if I can't get into Business Economics?
If you have not met the requirements for the Business Economics major, you may still be able to be accepted into the Economics or Economics/International Area of Studies majors. See a Department of Economics counselor.
18. How do I get a PTE?
PTE stands for "Permission to Enroll." PTE's are not given out for Economics classes.
19. Can I start major classes before I am officially accepted into the major?
You may take any economics class as long as it is not restricted and you meet the required prerequisites.
20. How do I read my DPR?
You can access your DPR from URSA. If you need assistance understanding it, see a College counselor or an Undergraduate Economics Counselor for assistance.
21. Do I need to work before getting an MBA?
Each graduate school has different requirements and preferences. Contact the admission department of the schools you are interested in attending for details.
22. Can I double-major in Business Economics and Economics/International Area of Studies?
No. However, if you decide to major in Business Economics, you may decide to pursue other courses, another major, or minor that meets your international interests. If you decide to major in Economics/International Area of Studies.
23. Which professors do you recommend?
The best way to learn about professors is by talking to students who have already taken a particular professor's course. There is also http://www.bruinwalk.com for student feedback.
You can also explore the Department of Economics website for information on a professor's interests, research, and background by clicking on the Faculty link on the left side of the page.
24. Which regions does the Economics/International Area of Studies major cover?
Students may choose one of the following geographical concentrations:
a. East Asia
b. Europe
c. Latin America
d. Middle East
e. Former Soviet Union
f. Individual Concentration
