Program Scope
The Bachelor of Arts in Economics provides students with a foundation in economic theory while allowing them to apply what they have learned in real-world settings. The program fully exposes students to the primary methods of economic inquiry and analysis. Courses in the program call on students to use both quantitative and qualitative reasoning to analyze and explain economic events and problems. Students also develop practical skills in collecting and statistically analyzing economic data to reach conclusions about economic issues. The undergraduate program in economics provides excellent preparation for students planning to enter careers in business, government, and non-profit organizations. It can also serve to fully prepare students for advanced graduate and professional studies in economics, business, public policy, urban and regional planning, law, and other related fields.
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Students can declare economics as a major at the economics department office in HSS 142. The department requires that all majors meet with an advisor each spring. Advisors counsel students on the selection of economics courses, as well as G.E. requirements and other courses in the University. Students who do not see an advisor will not be able to register for the fall semester.
For more information, see Bulletin: Bachelor of Arts in Economics.
View or download the pdf flyer for the Bachelor of Arts in Economics.
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Economics SF State Scholars program
The Economics SF State Scholars program provides an accelerated route for students to acquire advanced skills and preparation for in-demand careers in government, business, and non-profits, especially in quantitative and data analytics professions. The program provides an essential bridge and foundation for students who wish to pursue Ph.D. programs in Economics or related fields. The Economics SF State Scholars program enables talented students to spread the challenge of a Master of Science in Quantitative Economics over their undergraduate and graduate careers, allowing them greater flexibility in acquiring a master's degree that will enhance their career prospects greatly.
For more information, see SF State Scholars (Blended Bachelor's +Master's) Programs
Major Degree Roadmaps
A degree roadmap is a semester-by-semester guide to the course requirements necessary to complete a bachelor’s degree in a designated major. A roadmap is designed to help students select classes that satisfy General Education (GE) requirements, major requirements, other all-university requirements and to graduate in four years. The roadmap cannot replace consultation with an advisor in your major or an advisor in the Undergraduate Advising Center. You should always use your degree roadmap in conjunction with the Bulletin and your DARS report, ASE (if applicable), and transcript to select classes for an upcoming semester.
For Economics Freshman and Transfer Roadmaps, see Bulletin: Economics Degree Roadmaps.
Minor in Economics
Economics is highly complementary to a number of other disciplines and some students may choose to minor in economics while pursuing a major in another field. Students often decide to minor in economics after having already taken several economics courses and realizing that a few more courses will satisfy the minor requirements. To learn more information, see Bulletin: Minor in Economics.
Complementary Studies
Bachelor of Arts students must complete at least twelve units of complementary studies outside of the primary prefix for the major. Note: Students may not use an alternate prefix that is cross-listed with the primary prefix for the major.
Students who complete two majors or a major and a minor automatically complete the complementary studies requirement. Economics is a 43-unit major and students are required to take enough units to fulfill the 120 units required for graduation. Any of these extra courses taken outside the major will fulfill complementary studies requirements. Consult with your major advisor for assistance to update your Degree Progress Report before you apply for graduation.