Research In Economics
Learn about the various research opportunities available in
the Department of Economics.
Directed Reading Group Program
A reading focused program facilitated by faculty or graduate students on a specific theme. Must be an Economics Major.
Application calls go out a week before the quarter begins through email to Economics majors.
- Reading Groups Meet Weekly weeks 2-10 and discuss papers/books
- No Credit
Independent Research
Students completing an undergraduate research (ECN 99/199) will receive lower/upper division credit toward graduation requirements (180 unit requirement) but will not receive credit toward the Economics major. Typically 1-2 units per quarter (on rare occasion up to 4 units) are given for research credit.
Click Here for ECN 99/199 Form: Individual Study & Special Study Courses for Undergraduates
ECN 99
ECN 99 (Individual Study for Undergraduates): Undergraduates students who have 83 units or less completed (lower division credit). ECN 99 provides a student with the opportunity to do special projects, research, or assignments under the supervision of an economics professor. Students may earn between 1-5 units, graded on a P/NP basis. Individual study projects are developed in consultation with a faculty member.
ECN 199
ECN 199 (Special Study for Advanced Undergraduates): Undergraduate students who have 84 units or more completed (upper division credit). These courses involve supervised independent study and research requiring adequate background in the subject proposed for study as well as prior completion of 84 overall units. Students may earn between 1-5 units, graded on a P/NP basis. Economics 199 units may not be counted toward fulfilling the 44 upper division economic unit requirement for the major. Exception to this rule may be made if a student is taking 199 in conjunction with a university or departmentally sponsored special program (MURALS). Visit the MURALS Program website for more information.
Research Fellows Program
Focused on a faculty or graduate student advisor's chosen research project.
Prerequisites: Economics Major. May require ECN 102 and/or ECN 140.
Application calls go out a week before the quarter begins through email to Economics majors.
- Research Work on Advisor’s Chosen Project weeks 2-10
- Credit ECN 199 or Hourly Pay (details provided in each quarterly call)
Testimonial from an Undergraduate Research Fellow
I truly appreciate the opportunity to work on this project. Over the past ten weeks, I’ve gained invaluable skills, from critically reading papers to identifying overlooked points, designing experiments to test hypotheses, and exploring how research findings can be applied to society. This experience has significantly boosted my confidence in navigating academic work, especially in preparing for graduate studies. I now feel better equipped to tackle literature reviews, build structured research, and connect results to real-world implications. I’m also thrilled that our department offers such a meaningful Research Fellow program—it’s an incredible opportunity for students to engage deeply with academic work. Looking ahead, I’m excited to explore more data-driven research, as this project has inspired me to advance to the next stage of my academic journey. Thank you for such an impactful experience!"
Economics Honors Program
The Economics honors courses are designed to permit students to pursue a program in their major at a level significantly beyond that defined by the normal curriculum. It represents an opportunity for the qualified student to experience aspects of the major that are representative of advanced study in the field.
Connect with Economics Advisors
Please contact an Economics undergraduate advisor to inquire about summer prerequisite work that may be required should you decide to pursue the honors program. You must complete all necessary prerequisite work in order to enroll in the honors courses.