Economics Minor
The Economics minor at UC Merced gives students a strong foundation in understanding how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions in a world of limited resources. Through coursework that emphasizes economic reasoning, data analysis, and the evaluation of public policy, students develop the analytical and quantitative tools needed to interpret real-world issues and make informed decisions. Whether you're majoring in engineering, political science, psychology, natural sciences, public health, or the humanities, an Economics minor deepens your ability to think critically, evaluate evidence, and make well-reasoned decisions.
The program complements a wide range of majors by enhancing critical-thinking skills, introducing students to data-driven approaches, and providing insight into how markets and institutions shape economic outcomes. Students minoring in Economics gain a versatile skill set that is highly valued across industries from business, finance, and consulting to public administration, law, health, and technology. Whether you plan to pursue private-sector careers, government roles, or graduate study, the Economics minor broadens your academic preparation and strengthens your ability to understand and address complex challenges. It is an ideal option for students who want to deepen their analytical capabilities and add depth to their undergraduate education.
Minor Requirements
Lower Division Minor Requirements [8 units]
Complete the following courses:
ECON 001: Introduction to Economics: 4 Units
ECON 010: Statistical Inference Units: 4 Units
Upper Division Minor Requirements [16 units]
A minimum of four upper division ECON courses
Plan your minor at UC Merced
Many courses required for the minor have pre-requisites. Include these pre-requisites in your planning to ensure that you can enroll in the upper division courses required for the minor.
Program Learning outcomes
1. Describe the underlying economic incentives and tradeoffs associated with the decisions made by individuals, firms, organization, institutions and governments.
2. Apply economic concepts in analyzing policy debates and evaluating policy outcomes.
3. Design and conduct research that can inform managerial and economic policymaking by collecting, analyzing and interpreting data using relevant software.
4. Demonstrate critical evidence-based, thinking about economic phenomena, whether encountered in coursework or in media reports, so that students can evaluate the accuracy of hypotheses presented.
5. Communicate clearly and cogently in written and oral form in academic and professional environments.
