Mathematics/Economics

Mathematics/Economics BS Learning Outcomes

The Mathematics/Economics major has the following learning outcomes:

• Strong mathematical content knowledge of single and multivariable differential and integral calculus and differential equations
• Familiarity with linear algebra, techniques of proof, and the foundations of real analysis
• Ability to synthesize material, problem solve, and think abstractly
• Ability to perform basic computer programming, especially in C++
• Familiarity with various principles of macro- and microeconomics (analysis, institutions, policy)

Students entering UCLA directly from high school or first-term transfer students who want to declare the Mathematics/Economics premajor at the time they apply for admission are automatically admitted to the premajor.

Current UCLA students need to apply for the Mathematics/Economics major by filing a petition with the Student Services Office in 6356 Mathematical Sciences. All students are identified as Mathematics/Economics premajors until they satisfy the following minimum requirements for the major: (1) achieve grades of C or better in all premajor mathematics sequenced courses (Mathematics 31A or 31AL, 31B, 32A, 32B, 33A, 33B, 61, Program in Computing 10A) with a minimum 2.7 grade-point average and no more than two repeats, (2) achieve grades of C or better in all premajor economics courses (Economics 1, 2, 11) with a minimum 2.7 grade-point average and no more than one repeat, (3) complete one 12-unit term in residence in regular session at UCLA, (4) be enrolled in UCLA regular session at the time of application, and (5) file a petition to declare the major before completing 160 quarter units.

Required: Mathematics 31A or 31AL, 31B, 32A, 32B, 33A, 33B, 61, Economics 1, 2, 11, Program in Computing 10A, one Writing II course. Each course must be taken for a letter grade. The economics preparation for the major courses (Economics 1, 2, 11) are calculated separately from the mathematics preparation for the major courses (Mathematics 31A or 31AL, 31B, 32A, 32B, 33A, 33B, 61, Program in Computing 10A). The economics preparation courses must be completed with a minimum overall 2.7 grade-point average and a grade of C or better in each course, as must the mathematics preparation courses. Students must receive a grade of C or better in the Writing II course.

Repetition of more than one economics preparation course, more than two mathematics preparation courses, or of any economics or mathematics preparation course more than once results in automatic dismissal from the major.

To enter the major, students must petition after they have completed the six sequenced courses with a 2.7 minimum overall grade-point average, have completed one 12-unit term in residence in regular session at UCLA, are enrolled in UCLA regular session at the time of application, and before completing 160 quarter units.

Transfer applicants to the Mathematics/Economics major with 90 or more units must complete as many of the following introductory courses as possible prior to admission to UCLA: two years of calculus for majors, one introduction to discrete structures course, one microeconomic theory course, one macroeconomics course, and one C++ programming course.

Transfer credit for any of the above is subject to department approval; consult with an undergraduate counselor before enrolling in any courses for the major.

Refer to the UCLA transfer admission guide for up-to-date information regarding transfer selection for admission.

After satisfying the preparation for the major requirements, students need to petition to enter the major at the Student Services Office after completing one 12-unit term in residence in regular session at UCLA, and while enrolled in UCLA regular session at the time of application.

Required: Eight mathematics courses, including Mathematics 115A, 131A, 131B, 164, 170A, 170B, 174E (or Economics 141 or Statistics C183), and one elective course from Mathematics 134, 135, 136, or 171; five economics courses, including Economics 101, 102, 103 (with 103L), and two additional courses from 106E through 199B. Each course must be taken for a letter grade. Transfer credit is subject to department approval; consult with an undergraduate counselor before enrolling in any courses for the major.

To graduate, the eight Mathematics Department courses must be completed with an overall grade-point average of 2.0, with grades of C− or better in Mathematics 115A and 131A, as must the five courses from the Economics Department, with grades of C− or better in Economics 101 and 102.

Mathematics 115A is intended to be the first upper-division course taken. It is strongly advised that students take Mathematics 115A as soon as the major is declared, if not earlier.

Students who wish to graduate with departmental honors should apply for admission to the honors program in the Mathematics Department Student Services Office. They may apply any time after completing the preparation for the major courses and meeting the following requirements: (1) be officially enrolled in the Mathematics/Economics major, (2) complete all the preparation for the major courses, (3) achieve a minimum 3.5 grade-point average in the mathematics preparation for the major courses, (4) achieve a minimum 3.5 grade-point average in the economics preparation for the major courses, and (5) achieve a minimum 3.5 grade-point average in Economics 11, 101, and 102.

To qualify for honors at graduation, students must (1) complete Mathematics 115AH, 131AH, and 131BH, (2) complete Economics 198A and 198B (the thesis process requires enrollment in a two-term sequence for economics courses), (3) present the thesis in Economics 198B, and (4) complete the major requirements with a minimum 3.5 grade-point average in both the upper-division economics and mathematics courses. Highest honors are awarded at the discretion of the departmental honors committee based on grade-point average and quality of the senior thesis.

Majors in Mathematics/Economics may select a Computing specialization by (1) satisfying all the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in the major; and (2) completing Mathematics 61 or 180, Program in Computing 10A, 10B, two courses from 10C, 15, 16, 20A, 20B, 30, 40A, 60, and at least two courses from Mathematics 149 through 159, with a minimum grade of C− in each course and a combined grade-point average of at least 2.0. Students must petition for admission to the program and are advised to do so after they complete Program in Computing 10B (petitions should be filed in the Mathematics Department Student Services Office). Students graduate with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics/economics and a specialization in Computing.