Economics

Economics is an impacted ("capped") major. Due to very high demand, special restrictions on declaration of the major are in effect. Transfer students must apply during their first semester. Non-transfer students must apply prior to exceeding 80 units of post-high school coursework. See the department website for details.

Economics is the study of choices people make under conditions of scarcity and the results of those choices for society. The Economics major at Berkeley focuses on micro- and macro-economic theory and policy, and the effects of alternative economic systems.

Lower Division Requirements and Prerequisites* for the Economics Major

*(prerequisites are major requirements that must be completed before declaring the major)

Note: Enrollment limits are in effect for the Economics major.

Many factors, including grade-point average, are considered in determining admission to the major. Before declaring the major, students should complete:

1. the L&S reading and composition requirement,

and must complete:

2. one year of calculus (Mathematics 1A* - 1B* or Mathematics 16A* - 16B*) and one semester of statistics (Statistics 20*, 21*, 21X*, 25*, or upper division equivalent) (At least one semester of the required calculus/statistics must be completed while in residence at Berkeley),
3. Economics 1* or 2*,

and

4. either Economics 100A* or 100B* or 101A*.

View the video of advisers from the College of Letters and Science, the Economics Department, and the Haas School of Business as they discuss how to plan classes for your first semester.