Navigating the Economics Program at UC Berkeley: A Comprehensive Overview

Economics, at its core, is the study of decision-making and the rationale behind choices. Intriguingly, economics extends beyond monetary considerations, encompassing a vast array of everyday decisions. The University of California, Berkeley, stands as a leading institution in the field of economics. While the academic environment can be demanding, success is attainable through dedication and hard work.

Admission and Initial Steps

All students admitted to the College of Letters and Science at UC Berkeley are initially considered "undeclared." If you indicated "Economics" as your intended major on your UC application, a separate application for the major is not required. The Economics Department maintains a list of students interested in economics and will notify you of your inclusion on this list.

Transfer Student Requirements

As a transfer student, maintaining a GPA of 2.7 or higher in your economics pre-requisite courses is essential. This GPA requirement is due to the capped nature of the economics major, meaning that space is limited and meeting the GPA threshold is necessary for admission. You can use the grading scale provided by UC Berkeley to calculate your GPA.

If you do not meet the GPA requirement, you will have the opportunity to provide additional information explaining your circumstances and outlining your plan for success in the major.

Minors and Course Load

Pursuing a minor as a transfer student is possible, with data science being a popular choice among economics majors. However, this entails taking on additional units and completing the pre-requisites for the minor. It is advisable to pursue a minor only if you are genuinely passionate about it, as you will also need to dedicate time to fulfilling your major requirements for graduation.

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Transfer students are typically granted up to five semesters at Berkeley (excluding summer semesters). If you are considering a minor, be prepared to take on a heavier course load or take classes during the summer. Note that only the major is displayed on your college diploma, not the minor.

Registration and Course Planning

Registering for classes at Berkeley is more complex than at community college. It is highly recommended to meet with a counselor before registering to ensure you are on the right track. Check Cal Central, the UC Berkeley Student Portal, for your registration date and register promptly, as classes tend to fill up quickly.

Students enrolled in 13 units or more are considered full-time. Class registration within the College of Letters and Science is divided into phases. During Phase I, you can enroll in a maximum of 13.5 units, while Phase II allows for a maximum of 17.5 units.

A typical first-semester course load for an economics major might include Microeconomic Analysis (Econ 100A) or Macroeconomic Analysis (Econ 100B), Introduction to Probability and Statistics (Stat 20), and an American Cultures class. Students may also opt for the Econ 101A/101B series, which involves calculus, although it is not mandatory. A one-unit course is often taken to meet the 13-unit requirement.

Core Course Requirements and Electives

In addition to the core economics courses, you are required to complete five electives. The selection of these courses is entirely up to you, allowing you to tailor your studies to your specific interests. Some professors may assign substantial readings or homework that demands more technical skills. It is advisable to consult with friends and upperclassmen who have taken these courses to gain insights into their experiences. UC Berkeley does not offer concentrations, providing flexibility in choosing your elective courses. You are allowed to take a limited number of classes outside of the department to fulfill your economics electives.

Problem Sets and Software

You will typically be assigned a Problem Set every week, due on Friday nights. These Problem Sets resemble the Free Response Questions (FRQ) format used in AP testing. You will be presented with a set of questions to answer, some of which involve using Excel. Familiarity with the basics of Excel is essential, as you will be using it extensively as an economics major.

Another core course requirement is Econometrics (Econ 140), which utilizes the econometric software Stata. Collaboration with classmates is encouraged, but ensure that you submit your own original work. Piazza, a Q&A platform, can be a valuable resource for hints and clarification.

Academic Support and Expectations

The Student Learning Center (SLC) provides assistance in various subjects, and you will likely utilize this service frequently. Many of the concepts covered in the problem sets can be challenging, and tutoring can help solidify your understanding. Come prepared with questions to maximize the benefits of tutoring sessions. The SLC also hosts review sessions before exams, covering key concepts and practice questions to supplement your studies.

Academic expectations at Berkeley are high, and the workload is rigorous. Expect to dedicate time to homework and studying on weekends. For example, a Stats 20 class might involve two mini-quizzes (with conceptual questions) and one main quiz per week, using the R language for coding. Quizzes and exams are timed, and graders can be meticulous, so it is important to submit your best work and ensure your answers are accurate. Some questions may be highly conceptual, making it crucial to collaborate with professors, GSIs (Graduate Student Instructors), and classmates to ensure a thorough understanding of the concepts.

It is important to note that some classes are graded on a curve based on the overall performance of your peers, so do not solely rely on the grade displayed on bCourses. If you have other commitments, such as a job, you can request a reduced course load.

Time Management and Resources

Studying often takes up more time than completing homework. While some homework assignments may require time to grasp, once you understand the concepts, you should be able to complete them more efficiently. Prioritize assignments and focus on the most important ones first. Some classes may not assign homework, but the midterm and final exams may constitute a significant portion of the grade, making self-discipline crucial.

Many students use Google Calendar to stay organized. It is important to distinguish between lectures and sections. Lectures are when the professor teaches the class, while discussion sections are led by a Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) or Undergraduate Student Instructor (UGSI) who delve into the concepts taught in class in more detail. Sections are smaller and designed to be more engaging. Worksheets are often provided in advance, so review them to get an overview of the topics to be discussed.

Building Connections and Exploring Opportunities

With over 40,000 students at Berkeley, it is important to avoid being just a name or number on the roster. Take advantage of the opportunity to get to know your professors. When attending office hours, your questions do not have to be limited to course content; you can inquire about research opportunities or their perspectives on current economic events. Consistent attendance will help the professor recognize you.

Numerous programs are available on campus, such as EOPS STEM, the Transfer Center, the Starting Point Mentorship Program (SPMP), and research opportunities. You can also explore economics student organizations. Berkeley offers a multitude of opportunities, and it is up to you to select the organizations that align with your interests and to which you want to dedicate your time and effort. It is better to be actively involved in a few clubs rather than being a passive member of many.

Undergraduate research opportunities are available at UC Berkeley, but you need to actively seek them out. Do not hesitate to apply for internships, even if you are a transfer student, although it is common not to hear back from companies after applying. Utilize resources such as the Transfer Center, Career Center, and Handshake. Handshake is particularly useful because it connects you with companies that specifically target students at certain schools. Be aware that some companies may require you to submit an external application in addition to your resume on Handshake. The Career Center provides counseling services geared towards your future career goals. Attending events posted on the Career Center can be beneficial, as participants are typically UC Berkeley students, fostering valuable connections.

Career Paths and Outcomes

An economics major opens doors to various industries, including banking, finance, consulting, and public policy.

The median salary for economics graduates with a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley is $80,446, which is higher than the national median of $51,722 for all economics bachelor's degree recipients.

While pursuing their bachelor's degree at UC Berkeley, economics students borrow a median amount of $42,984 in student loans.

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