Minor in economics

Program outline

A minor is an optional program that allows you to study in an area outside of your major program area. 

The minor consists of:

• Two required first year courses: One of ECON103 or ECON180, and ECON104
• Nine units of 200-level or higher ECON electives. At least 3 units must be for 300- or 400- level courses.

Who should take a minor?

A minor in economics is ideal if you’re interested in a career in public policy or just want a better understanding of key policy debates.

Our courses will teach you about public policy issues including health care, environmental issues, education, macroeconomic management and trade and globalization. Most of our third-year courses have prerequisites that can be easily met by students doing a minor in economics.

Declaring a minor

To declare a minor, you must have finished at least 12 units of course work (e.g. 8 1.5-unit courses) and all lower-level requirements for your program. You must also have satisfied the University English Requirement.

If you meet all the requirements you may declare your minor by logging into Online Tools and navigating to:

1. Student Services
   1. Grades & Records
      1. Program declaration or change

Advising support

ECON 225 Writing for Economists is a prerequisite for many courses in economics. If your major is in a writing-intensive field, you may email to the undergraduate advisor to request a waiver.

Can't decide which electives to take in third and fourth year? The Assoicate Chair has put together a document to aid students in choosing their path for an ECON Minor.