What Are the UCLA Math Econ Major Requirements?

The University of California Los Angeles, more often referred to as UCLA, is a public research university in Los Angeles, California.

It's the largest of the universities in the University of California system and offers a range of programs.

One program is a bachelor's degree in mathematics/economics, an interdepartmental major that provides a strong education in both math and economics and is ideal for those wanting a higher degree in economics.

This program has several prerequisite course requirements as well as many course requirements for the major itself.

Keep reading to learn more about the UCLA math/econ major requirements.

What Are the UCLA Math Econ Major Requirements?

The Bachelor of Science in mathematics/economics at UCLA is designed to give students a solid foundation in both mathematics and economics by stressing the areas of mathematics and statistics that are most relevant to economics.

Before students can begin the math/econ major, they must first take all required prerequisite courses.

Then they'll take the required math/econ core.

Many students in the math/econ major also add a specialization in computing. This requires an additional series of courses.

UCLA Math Econ Pre-Major Requirements

Prerequisite courses are courses that must be completed before a student can begin the courses for their major.

UCLA requires 12 prerequisites for the math/econ major.

All students in the math/econ major must take one Writing II course and the following math, economics, and computing courses:

• Differential and Integral Calculus
• Integration and Infinite Series
• Calculus of Several Variables (two parts)
• Linear Algebra and Applications
• Differential Equations
• Introduction to Discrete Structures
• Principles of Economics (two parts)
• Microeconomic Theory
• Introduction to Programming

Each pre-major course must be passed with a 'C' or better.

Pre-major GPAs for mathematics and economics courses are calculated separately, and both pre-major GPAs must meet a minimum of 2.7.

UCLA Math Econ Core Major Requirements

Once students have completed their prerequisite courses with the minimum grade, they can begin taking the core courses within the math/econ major program.

The math/econ major is divided into two types of courses: math (and some statistics) and economics.

Required Mathematics Courses

Students in the math/econ major at UCLA are required to take eight mathematics courses as part of the major.

These courses are:

• Linear Algebra: This course covers techniques of proof, abstract vector spaces, linear transformations, matrices, determinants, inner product spaces, and eigenvector theory.
• Analysis (Two parts): These courses provide a rigorous introduction to the foundations of real analysis
• Optimization: This course covers the fundamentals of optimization, including linear programming, nonlinear programming, and unconstrained optimization
• Introduction to Probability and Statistics: Probability: This course offers an introduction to probability theory with emphasis on topics relevant to applications
• Introduction to Probability and Statistics: Statistics: This course provides an introduction to statistics, covering topics like sampling, estimation, regression, and confidence intervals

Students must also one of the following three courses:

• Mathematics of Finance for Math/Economics Students
• Topics in Microeconomics: Mathematical Finance
• Statistical Models in Finance

Finally, students choose one mathematics elective course from the following:

• Linear and Nonlinear Systems of Differential Equations
• Ordinary Differential Equations
• Partial Differential Equations
• Stochastic Processes

Required Economics Courses

The math/econ major also requires students to complete six economics courses.

The core courses required for all students are:

• Microeconomic Theory: This course covers the theory of factor pricing and income distribution, general equilibrium, implications of the pricing process for optimum allocation of resources, game theory, and interest and capital
• Macroeconomic Theory: This course focuses on the theory of income, employment, and price level, analysis of secular growth and business fluctuations, and monetary and fiscal policy
• Introduction to Econometrics: This course introduces the theory and practice of univariate regression analysis with emphasis on its use in economics
• Econometrics Laboratory: This course focuses on econometric analysis of case-based studies, hands-on data collection and problem-solving, and the use of econometric software

Students are also required to choose two economics electives from an extensive list of options that cover topics like:

• Financial markets
• Pricing and strategy
• Investment
• Development
• International economics
• Labor economics

UCLA Math Econ Major With Computing Specialization Requirements

Some students in the math/economics program at UCLA opt to add a specialization in computing.

This specialization provides an extensive education in elementary computer science and an introduction to its applications in mathematics.

This specialization requires seven total courses.

Students first start by choosing between two math courses, either Introduction to Discrete Structures or Graph Theory.

Students must also take two programming courses:

• Introduction to Programming: Explores the basics of programming
• Intermediate Programming: Covers more abstract data types

Next, students will choose two computing electives from the following:

• Advanced Programming
• Introduction to Lisp and Symbolic Computation
• Python with Applications
• Principles of Java Language with Applications
• Introduction to Programming for the Internet

Finally, students choose two mathematics electives from the following options:

• Applied Numerical Methods
• Numerical Analysis Part 1
• Numerical Analysis Part 2
• Mathematical Imaging
• Machine Learning

Students must petition for admission to the program and are advised to do so after they complete Intermediate Programming.

Earn a Math/Econ Degree at UCLA

The mathematics/economics major at UCLA requires several math and economics courses both before the major and in the major itself.

For more information on the UCLA math/econ major requirements, reach out to Learn.org.