Introduction to the Major
The Political Economy(link is external) major studies the relationship between government, society, and the economy in a holistic manner from a multi-disciplinary perspective. Political Economy majors investigate how real-world market systems are embedded in both politics and society. Students graduate with a mastery of a broad range of contemporary analyses as well as a deep understanding of classic works of political economy.
The major’s unique characteristic is the concentration; each student selects a series of four courses that directly address a question that they would like to investigate. The program has pre-designed concentrations as well as the possibility for a self-designed one.
PE Major Admission Requirements
The Political Economy major has two minimum requirements for entry. The first is an overall GPA of 2.7 at the time of application. The second is a B- grade in GLOBAL 45 on the first attempt at the class. We suggest taking GLOBAL 45 as early as possible in your college career as it is the single best predictor of how students will fare within the Political Economy major.
Amplify Your Major
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Join the Political Economy Students Association(link is external) (PESA).
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Study and intern in Washington D.C. with UCDC(link is external) or Cal in the Capital(link is external).
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Engage with political economy issues firsthand through study abroad(link is external).
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Complete a major paper or capstone project as part of an optional Senior Thesis(link is external).
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Apply to the year-long Honors Program (PDF file)(link is external) to learn how to formulate a hypothesis, conduct research, and complete a thesis paper.
Political Economy students graduate with a broad-based liberal arts background as well as the intellectual skills appropriate for careers in the public or private sector or for graduate study.
Jobs and Employers
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Analyst, Dropbox
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Blockchain Ecosystem Manager, BASF
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Consultant Analyst, Accenture
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Digital Strategy Analyst, Adobe
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Fellow, California State Assembly
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Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley
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Founder, Blue Mercury
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Management Analyst, City of Richmond
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Paralegal, Hawkins Delafield & Wood
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Policy Specialist, Google
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Public Sector Strategy Analyst, Deloitte
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Tax Associate, ACG CPA
- Teacher, public and private schools
Graduate Programs
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Anthropology, PhD
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Environmental Studies, PhD
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Information Technology, Masters
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International Relations and Global Studies, MS/PhD
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Law, JD
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Management Information Systems, Masters
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Political Science, PhD
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Public Policy, MA
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Sociology, PhD
Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey(link is external) of recent Berkeley graduates.
Connect With Us
Cal Day
Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House(link is external) in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more.
Golden Bear Orientation
Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation(link is external) program for all new students.
Events
Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit politicaleconomy.berkeley.edu(link is external) for news and updates.
Advising
Students can schedule appointments with a Political Economy advisor by visiting the Meet with an Advisor webpage(link is external)
Students can also schedule appointments with Political Economy peer advisors to obtain a student perspective on the major. Email askpe@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail) to schedule an appointment with a peer advisor.
How to Use this Map
Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.
