Economics is a social science that studies the efficient allocation of scarce resources to the activities carried out by consumers, businesses, governments, and nations. Modern economics is a quantitative science and its analysis requires a solid foundation in mathematics and statistical analysis. Students majoring in economics go on to careers in business, law, public policy, government institutions, and international relations. Training in economics provides substantive knowledge for advanced degrees such as masters in business administration and law, and Ph.D. degree in economics.

The Economics department at UCR currently offers four distinct majors.

The Economics major and Business Economics major offer students rigorous, analytical study of economics with a thorough grounding in microeconomic and macroeconomic theory and how this theory relates to problems in the modern economy.  The distinction between these two majors is in their upper-division electives, with the Economics major offering greater flexibility while the Business Economics major has greater emphasis on courses having business applications. Either of these majors would be suitable for students planning to pursue masters level studies in economics. These majors also provide training to the students for becoming a practicing economist.

The Department also offers two other majors with more diverse course requirements. The Economics, Law and Society major combines perspectives from several departments with CHASS, offering students a wider perspective on the law than is customary within a single department. The program coherently organizes requirements to help students develop critical thinking about law and social institutions. The Economics/Administrative Studies major is a highly structured interdisciplinary major within CHASS that some students may find to be an attractive alternative to Business Administration.