This handbook explains the application process for the major and the course requirements that students enrolled in the major must satisfy to graduate. For other questions, students can contact the Undergraduate Office, 543 Evans Hall, (510) 642-6674. The Undergraduate Advisor is available daily or can refer students to faculty advisors, as needed.
Department course schedules, faculty and GSI office hours and office room numbers are available at the Department Office, 549 Evans Hall and on the Economics website at http://econ.berkeley.edu Updated information is also available from the online schedule of classes, http://schedule.berkeley.edu/
The Department of Economics offers a major in economics that begins with intermediate theory courses in the two broad areas of microeconomics and macroeconomics. These areas are introduced in either of the lower division courses, Economics 1 or Economics 2. Students who major in economics have the opportunity to take a range of courses to expose themselves to various kinds of economic analysis. The Department of Economics organizes its courses into three broad categories to guide students in course selection: Economic Theory; Applications and Institutions; and Economic History and History of Economic Thought.
Roughly speaking, economic theory comprises courses emphasizing mathematical and quantitative methods. The largest category, applications and institutions, contains courses in which all of the tools economists use are brought to bear on particular economic phenomena. The history courses cover ways in which economic analysis can offer insight into past events and social evolution, as well as the evolution of economic analysis itself. Within these three broad categories, students in the major have considerable opportunity to build a study program that reflects their particular interests.
[an error occurred while processing the directive] Next section [an error occurred while processing the directive] [an error occurred while processing the directive] [an error occurred while processing the directive]The major may be declared as soon as the major prerequisite courses are completed, and students are admitted in spring, summer or fall semesters. A department application is required and is available from the Undergraduate Advisor in 543 Evans Hall during the first four weeks of each term only only and is due by the Friday of the fourth week of the application period. It is also available on the departmental website at http://econ.berkeley.edu/ugrad/ugrad.shtml . Students may apply to the major when all prerequisites are completed or they are enrolled in their final prerequisites. Because of large enrollments and limited resources, it is necessary to restrict the number of students accepted into the major. Many factors are considered in determining admission. The main criterion is academic performance as measured by GPA in the prerequisite courses. The average GPA in prerequisite courses for students admitted to the major in recent years has been a 3.4. The economics major is impacted and to be considered for admission students should have a minimum of a 3.0 in the prerequisite courses. Students with a GPA of less than a 3.0 are typically not admitted.
Please be aware that freshmen admitted to UC Berkeley Fall 2004 and after are only allowed to apply to the economics major if, including work in progress, they have reached less than or equal to 80 total units. This total excludes high school enrichment units, e.g. Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or other college units earned prior to high school graduation.
Transfer students admitted to UC Berkeley Fall 2006 and later are required to enroll in missing prerequisites and apply to the major during their first semester at Cal. The unit cap does not apply to transfer students.
[an error occurred while processing the directive] Next section [an error occurred while processing the directive] [an error occurred while processing the directive] [an error occurred while processing the directive]All five classes (or their equivalent) must be completed prior to acceptance to the major and all must be taken for a letter grade. Students may apply while in progress of completing any remaining prerequisites. Transfer students should apply in their first semester at Berkeley. Admission decisions will not be made until any prerequisite courses in progress are finished and grades are available.
Introduction to Economics (one course or equivalent required) Economics 1 or 2 (at Berkeley these courses include both micro and macro economics in one course)
Math/Statistics (A-B series and Stat required)
Math 1A or 16A (or equivalent)
Math 1B or 16B (or equivalent)
Statistics 20, 21, 25 or any upper division statistics course
At least one math or stat prerequisite course must be taken at UC Berkeley.
Intermediate Economic Theory (one course required)
Economics 100A or 101A (or equivalents)
Economics 100B or 101B (or equivalents)
The prerequisite intermediate theory course must be taken at UC Berkeley.
To graduate in economics, all students must complete the following courses:
The honors thesis course, H195B, if taken for three units and a letter grade, may be counted as one of the major electives. All major courses must be taken for a letter grade.
Students completing double majors or simultaneous degrees are only allowed to overlap a maximum of two courses. This includes micro and/or macro economics.
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I. Economic Theory
Economics C103 Mathematical Economics
Economics 104 Advanced Microeconomics
Economics C110 Game Theory in Social Sciences
Statistics 155 ** Game Theory
III. Economic History and History of Economic Thought
Economics 105 History of Economic Thought
Economics 113,114,115 Economic History
History 159A-B** European Economic History
History 160**International Economy of the 20th Century
Economics 115 and History 160 are considered by the university to be equivalent courses. Students will not receive credit for both courses.
**A maximum of two approved upper division courses may be taken outside the department towards upper division major requirements. This includes courses transferred to UCB, courses taken through EAP, at summer school elsewhere, and the pre-approved courses offered at UC Berkeley through other departments (Business, History, Legal Studies, IDS, etc.). For more information, please contact the Economics Undergraduate Advisor. Courses officially cross-listed with upper-division economics courses do not count toward the two course maximum.
[an error occurred while processing the directive] Next section [an error occurred while processing the directive] [an error occurred while processing the directive] [an error occurred while processing the directive]The following advanced placement examinations are accepted by the Economics Department as fulfilling course credit:
If you have taken an economics course at another university and wish to have it considered for major credit, please consult with the Undergraduate Advisor to determine course equivalency. If the course is a mathematics or statistic prerequisite that has been taken at another four-year university, those courses will be evaluated by the mathematics and statistics departments. Students should bring the course description as found in the school catalog, a course syllabus, and a transcript showing the final grade. The transcript can be unofficial. A maximum of two upper-division courses for the major may be accepted
You can earn University of California credit while studying abroad. General requirements for participation are available through the Education Abroad Office, 160 Stephens Hall, (510) 642-1356, http://www.ias.berkeley.edu/bpsa/. The University will accept all transferable units toward your overall unit total. The Economics Department may accept a maximum of two pre-approved upper division economics courses toward your major requirements. If at all possible, proposed coursework should be discussed with the Economics Undergraduate Advisor before enrollment in courses.
[an error occurred while processing the directive] Next section [an error occurred while processing the directive] [an error occurred while processing the directive] [an error occurred while processing the directive]In addition to completing the major requirements, an honors student must:
The level of honors (honors, high honors, highest honors) is determined by the major GPA. The department awards the Earl Rolph Prize and the Departmental Citation to the outstanding honors student during the yearly Commencement Ceremony held in May. The recipient of these awards is also asked to be the undergraduate speaker. The prize is based on both the honors thesis and student's overall academic performance. All honors students are listed in the Commencement program, with the title of their thesis shown. The honors designation also appears on all transcripts and the UC diploma.
Honors students are required to turn in two copies of their theses: one bound copy to the Undergraduate Office for the departmental files and one copy to their thesis advisor(s). Fall semester theses are typically due by the first day of finals. Spring semester theses are usually due in late April.
[an error occurred while processing the directive] Next section [an error occurred while processing the directive] [an error occurred while processing the directive] [an error occurred while processing the directive]Any economics major whose cumulative grade point average in the upper division major courses falls below a 2.0 may be placed on departmental probation. In addition, if your overall grade point average falls below a 2.0 you will be placed on probation by U.C. and you will need to raise your overall GPA to a 2.0 or be subject to University dismissal.
[an error occurred while processing the directive] Next section [an error occurred while processing the directive] [an error occurred while processing the directive] [an error occurred while processing the directive]The minimum requirements of the Economics undergraduate major are not designed to be training for graduate or professional school. Students who plan to continue their education should take more quantitative courses than the minimum required for the major. Preparation should start early in your undergraduate education.
Specific recommendations are:
See an advisor early for assistance in planning your undergraduate program if you hope to go to graduate or professional school. You should also check the L&S website, http://ls.berkeley.edu/stepbystep/ for helpful information on preparation for grad school.
[an error occurred while processing the directive] Next section [an error occurred while processing the directive] [an error occurred while processing the directive] [an error occurred while processing the directive]The Department of Economics at the University of California, Santa Cruz offers a dual degree program for those students wishing to pursue a Master's Degree in Economics. Advanced planning is critical, since all Berkeley economics major requirements must be finished by the end of your third year at Berkeley. The Master's program is then begun during your fourth year, while you take courses at Santa Cruz. All MS requirements will be completed by the end of a student's fifth year. Interested students must take the GRE General Test no later than February of their third year, to be admitted in the following Fall. Further information is available from UCSC at or http://econ.ucsc.edu
[an error occurred while processing the directive] Next section [an error occurred while processing the directive] [an error occurred while processing the directive] [an error occurred while processing the directive]All majors and intended majors are encouraged to meet with the Undergraduate Advisor and/or with faculty members in planning their academic programs. The Undergraduate Advisor signs and/or processes all program change forms, double/simultaneous program plans, declaration of major petitions, etc.
[an error occurred while processing the directive] Next section [an error occurred while processing the directive] [an error occurred while processing the directive] [an error occurred while processing the directive]The Economics Commencement ceremony is held once each year, generally during the last week of the spring semester at the Hearst Greek Theatre. Students who will have completed their degrees by the following fall semester or have completed their degrees the prior year are eligible to participate along with those who graduate in May. Students who wish to participate and/or be listed in the commencement program need to sign up on line at the economics commencement website, generally available from mid February preceding commencement. The Economics website will also contain detailed information about the ceremony, cap and gown rentals, photography, etc.
[an error occurred while processing the directive] Next section [an error occurred while processing the directive] [an error occurred while processing the directive] [an error occurred while processing the directive]Undergraduate Economics Association - The Undergraduate Economics Association (UEA) is a student organization whose members enrich their undergraduate careers through academic and social activities. Members can provide peer advising for course selection, instructor recommendations, and general information regarding the department. Events and activities include a new majors party given each semester to welcome new students to the major, interview and resumé workshops, pizza nights, study groups; etc. Panel presentations from employers are also held, as well as faculty speaker evenings. Information about the UEA and upcoming events can be found at http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~uea. Membership is open to all students at Berkeley.
Omicron Delta Epsilon - Omicron Delta Epsilon (ODE) is an international economics honors society for any student who has upper division standing, has completed at least twelve upper division units in economics, and has a GPA of at least 3.5 in 12 upper division economics units and a 3.0 overall. You do not have to be an economics major to belong. According to the international Omicron Delta Epsilon handbook, the ODE objectives are to confer suitable honors on the more promising students and also to encourage scholarship. For information or a membership application, please contact the Economics Advisor or the ODE website at http://www.omicrondeltaepsilon.org/
[an error occurred while processing the directive] Next section [an error occurred while processing the directive] [an error occurred while processing the directive] [an error occurred while processing the directive](PLEASE NOTE: All admission decisions for the University of California, Berkeley, are made by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Relations with Schools, not by the Economics Department. For any and all admissions questions, please consult them at (510) 642-3175 or read their website at http://admissions.berkeley.edu.)
Located in 113 Campbell Hall, the College has advisors to assist you with planning your academic program, fulfilling college breadth requirements, and the general university degree requirements such as American Cultures, History and Institutions, etc. They are also familiar with the prerequisite courses for all departments under the College and will direct you to the appropriate advisor in the various departments for major information. For information regarding College of Letters and Science requirements and general assistance, please call (510) 642-1483 or e-mail or check their website at http://ls.berkeley.edu. You should also refer to the College of Letters and Science publication, Earning Your Degree: A Guide for Students in the College of Letters and Science, updated annually and available on the web.
Office of Financial Aid - 250 Sproul Hall, 642-6442
Academic Partnership for Excellence (APEX):
Student Learning Center - tutoring services, 198 Cesar E. Chavez Student Center, 642-1069;
Student Life Advising Services (EOP) - 140 Cesar E. Chavez Student Center, 642-7224;
Disabled Students Program (DSP) - 230 Cesar E. Chavez Student Center, 642-0518, (TTY/TDD - 642-6376)
Re-Entry Students Program, 105 Cesar E. Chavez Center, 643-8070.
University Health Services (UHS) - 2222 Bancroft, Tang Center, 642-2000; provides comprehensive medical care, counseling services, etc.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) - 3rd Floor Tang Center, 2222 Bancroft, 642-9494
Career Planning and Placement - 2111 Bancroft, 642-1716 (TDD-642-0592)
Career and Graduate School Services (CGSS) - 2111 Bancroft, 642-5207. Faculty in the Department of Economics are also good sources of information regarding graduate programs in economics and business.
Additional listings of University offices are located in the General Catalog or can be found via the Berkeley website at http://www.berkeley.edu
[an error occurred while processing the directive] Next section [an error occurred while processing the directive] [an error occurred while processing the directive] [an error occurred while processing the directive]Fishlow, Albert
Gale, David
Goldman, Steven M.
Grossman, Gregory
Keeler, Theodore E.
Letiche, John M.
Pierce, James L.
Smale, Stephen
Ulman, Lloyd
Ward, Benjamin N.
Williamson, Oliver E.
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Inquiries may be directed as follows: Sex discrimination and sexual harassment: Title IX Compliance Officer, (510) 643-7985; disability discrimination and access: ADA/504 Compliance Officer, (510) 643-5116 (voice or TTY/TDD); age discrimination: Age Discrimination Act Coordinator, (510) 642-8471. Other inquiries may be directed to the Academic Compliance Officer, 200 California Hall #1500, (510) 642-2795.
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