Economics and Business

Business economics students dressed in suits stroll together in front of Royce Hall.

Are you a critical thinker who enjoys using different approaches to solve real-world problems? Can you see yourself evaluating public policy or helping organizations make informed decisions? Or maybe you’re passionate about starting your own company. The field of economics and business may be a good fit for you.

Academic Majors and Minors

Here are some of the majors and minors available in this field of study:

Most Popular Majors

  • Business Economics
  • Economics
  • Mathematics/Economics

Trending Majors

  • Data Theory
  • International Development Studies

Intriguing Minors

  • Accounting
  • Asian Languages
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Social Thought
  • Statistics and Data Science 

What do you have access to when studying economics and business at UCLA? 

The third largest economic metropolitan area in the world. And if California were its own nation, the fourth largest economy.

Noteworthy Faculty

Here are just a few of the many professors in this field of study who’ve had a remarkable impact in their area of expertise.

A headshot of Professor Andrew Atkeson

Andrew Atkeson

Professor of Economics and Finance

Atkeson’s awards include eight National Science Foundation grants. His research interests are macroeconomics and international economics, and he is the director of UCLA’s undergraduate business economics program.

A headshot of Professor Pablo Fajgelbaum

Pablo Fajgelbaum

Professor of Economics

A 2017 Sloan Fellow, Fajgelbaum has also received grants from the National Science Foundation and the United States Department of Agriculture. He enjoys teaching international trade theory at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

A headshot of Professor Kathleen McGarry

Kathleen McGarry

Professor of Economics

McGarry, who served as a senior economist at the White House, focuses her research on the financial aspects of aging, including issues related to health insurance and transfers of resources within families.

Notable Alumni

Bruins have achieved great heights in all walks of life — health, sports, entertainment, public service, science and technology, and arts and letters. Here are some alumni in this field of study who have had a noticeable impact on the world.

A headshot of UCLA alum Guy Kawasaki

Guy Kawasaki

M.B.A. ’79

Apple software evangelist who ignited a creative revolution in personal computing

A headshot of UCLA alum Brian Lee

Brian Lee

Economics ’93; J.D. ’96

Created LegalZoom in 2000, ShoeDazzle in 2009 and The Honest Company in 2012

A headshot of UCLA alum Rosie O’Neill

Rosie O’Neill

Communication Studies ’00, M.B.A. ’05

Co-founder and chief creative officer of Sugarfina, the fastest-growing confections brand globally since it started in 2012

Growth Careers in the Field

Here are a few examples of areas where this exciting field of study is growing and developing.

Financial Managers

As the economy fluctuates, services provided by financial managers, such as planning, directing and coordinating investments, creating financial reports and developing long-term financial goals, should be in high demand, leading the field to expand 10% by 2035.

Management Analysts and Consultants

Organizations continue to look for high-level ways to boost efficiency, raise profits, control costs and adapt to rapidly changing technology. The demand for this occupation is expected to grow 10% by 2035.

Operations Research Analysts

This field, which involves using advanced mathematical modeling, statistics and scientific methods to help companies solve specific, complex logistical and operational problems, is expected to grow 12% by 2035.

Related Careers

Below, find examples of additional careers related to this field of study:

  • Account Executives
  • Accountants
  • Actuaries
  • Auditors
  • Business Managers
  • Cost Estimators
  • Financial Consultants
  • Insurers
  • Market Research Analysts
  • Merchandise Manager/Buyers
  • Personal Financial Advisors
  • Stockbrokers

Testimonials

A headshot of UCLA student Sewit Tesfamicael

Bruin Development Academy gave me the resources to navigate a career in consulting. I was able to network with various alumni/professionals across a variety of established firms that gave insight into the career path.

— 
Sewit Tesfamicael, business economics major

See What This Field is Like at UCLA

Students interact with a diverse range of employers at a career fair.

Students meet and connect with a diverse range of employers who are looking to hire Bruins at career fairs on campus.

Students walk down the front steps of the UCLA Anderson School of Management.

One of the nation’s leading business schools, the UCLA Anderson School of Management offers a minor in accounting that prepares undergrads for work in the public and private sector.

Students listen and take notes on their laptops as Adjunct Professor Terry Kramer lectures.

Adjunct Professor and UCLA graduate Terry Kramer lectures in a small, semicircle-style classroom, an interactive learning environment that allows students to engage easily.

Bunche Hall is shaded by pretty trees.

Bunche Hall, home to the Department of Economics, was named after Ralph Bunche ’27, the first African American and person of color to attend UCLA and to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Institutes and Research

UCLA offers many resources for deepening your knowledge in your chosen field, including hundreds of research centers, institutes and labs that encourage collaboration across disciplines. Here are a few of the many options in this area:

Startup UCLA

Through the Blackstone LaunchPad at UCLA and the Summer Accelerator, Startup UCLA provides a community in which students and alumni can develop and launch their ideas under the guidance of top entrepreneurs, investors and skill experts.

Von Gremp Workshop in Economic and Entrepreneurial History

With the establishment of the Von Gremp Workshop, UCLA joined a small number of leading universities with regular workshops in economic and entrepreneurial history.

 

UCLA Center for Economic History

The center seeks to understand the long-run trends that have led to current public challenges, including social security and pensions, immigration, economic and financial development and technological innovation.

UCLA Social Enterprise Academy

Since 2011, this award-winning program has helped over 40 local nonprofits by connecting them with undergrads who can help them identify earned-income opportunities. Training is led by UCLA faculty, alumni and industry professionals from the Academies of Social Entrepreneurship.

 

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