COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Economy requires 46–47 units within the major as part of the 120 total units needed for graduation. The program is designed to provide students with a strong interdisciplinary understanding of economic systems, political structures, and social issues. It combines foundational training in economics with perspectives from related fields such as sociology, geography, history, and political science, allowing students to analyze real-world economic challenges from multiple viewpoints.The lower-division requirements, totaling 12–13 units, introduce students to key economic concepts and analytical tools. Students begin with an introductory economics course and select supporting coursework in statistics and mathematics to build quantitative skills. Additionally, they choose one course from areas such as accounting, communication, writing, or geographic information systems, which helps develop practical and analytical competencies relevant to political economy.At the upper-division level, students complete 34 units focused on advanced economic theory and its social and political applications. Core courses include political economy, money and banking, economic analysis tools, history of economic thought, research methods, and writing in economics. These courses emphasize critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to evaluate economic systems within broader societal contexts.Students also select electives that allow them to specialize in areas such as public economics, labor economics, environmental economics, global inequality, and behavioral economics. In addition, interdisciplinary electives from fields like sociology, geography, philosophy, and political science enable students to explore topics such as social movements, race and ethnicity, sustainability, and political structures.Overall, the program provides a comprehensive and flexible curriculum that prepares students for careers in public policy, government, research, business, or non-profit organizations, as well as for graduate study in economics or related disciplines.