Explore the intersection of government, society, and economy.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Economy in the College of Letters & Science allows students to study 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, and can study such topics as economic development, trade and investment, global inequality, climate change, resource distribution, gender relations, financial systems, information technology, or health policy. Students graduate with a mastery of a broad range of contemporary analyses as well as a deep understanding of classic works of political economy.
Highlights
- Get involved with the Political Economy Student Association.
- Engage with political economy issues firsthand through study abroad.
- Complete a major paper or capstone project as part of an optional Senior Thesis.
- Apply to the Political Economy Honors Program.
Curriculum
Undergraduates should have the following knowledge and skills when they graduate with a major in Political Economy: interdisciplinary training in the social sciences; analysis of political economy theory and practice; historical knowledge; and language skills. The program accomplishes this through a major curriculum consisting of three lower division courses in economics, world history, and statistics, along with nine upper division courses including coursework in classical and contemporary political economy theory, intermediate micro and macroeconomics, and historical context, and four courses in an area of concentration. Additionally, students achieve foreign language proficiency equivalent to four college-level semesters through coursework, AP credit, examination and/or study abroad.
Learn more at politicaleconomy.berkeley.edu/undergraduate-programs/
Major Concentration
The major concentration allows students to apply the theoretical and methodological knowledge they have gained to a political economy topic about which they feel particularly drawn or curious. Students should think about an existing or potential issue or question in political economy, and then identify four courses that will inform or increase their understanding about that issue.
A concentration is formulated by the student with the assistance of a Political Economy advisor who can help to explain, clarify, or perhaps challenge that issue.
Declaring the Major
Political Economy is a high-demand major, meaning admission is competitive and not all applicants can be accepted. There are two pathways for students admitted to UC Berkeley in Fall 2023 or later:
- Admission to the College of Letters & Science as an intended Political Economy major.
- Discovering the Political Economy major while on campus and then applying to it through comprehensive review.
For the second pathway, you must apply no later than the end of your sixth semester (for four-year students). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
The Political Economy major is designed to provide a broad-based liberal arts education, as well as the intellectual skills appropriate for careers in both the public and private sectors, including business, economic policy, finance, international development, and public administration. Additionally, the major offers excellent preparation for those students who might plan a post-graduate career in the social science disciplines or professional schools.
UC Berkeley offers a number of career resources for students studying Political Economy. The Political Economy Program hosts career resources, including career advising. The Social Sciences Career Readiness Internship Program helps prepare students for internships and the job market. The College of Letters & Science offers advising for undergraduates pursuing medical or health professions programs, law school, or masters and PhD programs. Additionally, Berkeley Career Engagement provides career and graduate school advising, job and internship listings, and events such as career and graduate school fairs.
Employment
Alumni find employment in a variety of fields and industries after graduation. Examples include:
- Blockchain Ecosystem Manager
- California State Assembly Fellow
- Consultant
- Data Scientist
- Digital Strategy Analyst
- Director of Marketing and Communication
- Financial Advisor
- Investment Banking Analyst
- Paralegal
- Policy Specialist
- Project Manager
- Public Sector Strategy Analyst
- Researcher
- Tax Associate
- Teacher
Graduate Study
Alumni pursue graduate education to gain more depth of knowledge in their field as well as prepare for jobs that require advanced degrees. Examples include:
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Environmental Studies
- Information Technology
- International Relations and Global Studies
- Law
- Management Information Systems
- Political Science
- Public Policy
- Sociology
Larry, class of 2002
As a UC Berkeley student, Larry Kao (BA, Political Economy) worked as a college marketing representative for EMI Music and manager of the Lower Sproul student-run concert series. He received his MA in East Asian Studies from UCLA before embarking on his entertainment career, which includes positions at 20th Century Fox and The Walt Disney Company where he currently works as a special projects supervisor.
“College is the best time to build a foundation of analytical skills through coursework regardless of major, and communications and interpersonal skills through extracurricular activities and learning to interact well with a diverse group of people.”
First Year
Plan Your Studies
- Start exploring with L&S 1 and the L&S New Freshman Student Guide.
- Visit L&S Advising for help with major exploration and degree requirements.
- Familiarize yourself with the Political Economy major by checking out sample program plans and enrolling in POLECON 85.
- Enroll in lower division requirements (STAT 2, C8, 20, 21, or W21, and ECON 1 or 2) as well as language courses.
- Join Berkeley Connect for 1:1 mentoring and to meet peers with shared interests.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Get involved with a student organization such as the Political Economy Student Association.
- Visit Berkeley Discovery to get started with research, entrepreneurship, public service, and creative projects.
- Learn how to prepare for office hours and build relationships with faculty.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Visit UHS Career Counseling and Berkeley Career Engagement.
- Start exploring career paths for the major; check out career resources on the Political Economy website.
- Begin making a plan to get career ready.
- Create or update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Use Handshake to start connecting with career events and opportunities.
Second Year
Plan Your Studies
- Finish lower division requirements including GLOBAL 45 or POLECON C45; enroll in POLECON 106 and 107.
- Meet with your major and college advisor to discuss your academic plans; think about major concentrations.
- Look into study abroad; check out options for Economics and Political Science abroad.
- Enrich your studies with a course thread, certificate, or minor such as Public Policy.
- Apply to the major if you did not select PE when applying to UC Berkeley.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Check out the Berkeley Economy and Society Initiative and Berkeley Center for Economics and Politics.
- Develop your skills in the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy.
- Explore research opportunities on the OURS website; apply to URAP to work on a faculty research project.
- Apply for a FLAS award, Boren Scholarship, or Critical Language Scholarship to support your language study.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Meet with a BCE career educator to discuss career options and goals.
- Build your network and explore career fields via job shadowing and informational interviews.
- Pursue an internship to build skills and explore fields; see the Social Sciences Career Readiness Internship Program.
- Considering graduate school? Explore resources from the Graduate Division, L&S Advising, and BCE; look into the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship.
Third Year
Plan Your Studies
- Work on upper division requirements (POLECON 100 and 101, historical context, and elective courses).
- Review your degree progress with your major and college advisor.
- Develop your writing and critical thinking in an Art of Writing seminar.
- Spend a term off-campus through UCDC or the Intercampus Visitor Program.
- Consider applying to the Political Economy Honors Program; look into the Haas Scholars and SURF programs.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Help other students as a Political Economy Peer Advisor.
- Check out the Public Service Internship, College Corps, and Haas Public Service Leaders Program.
- Browse grants from the Institute for the Study of Societal Issues.
- Welcome new students to Berkeley as a Golden Bear Orientation Leader.
- Attend a world affairs event hosted by the Commonwealth Club.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Speak with faculty, advisors, and career educators about post-graduate options.
- Join a professional association such as The American Political Economy section of the American Political Science Association.
- Interested in public service careers? Consider applying to the John Gardner Fellowship, Huntington Award, or Truman Scholarship.
- Attend a career event hosted by the Political Economy Student Association.
Fourth Year
Plan Your Studies
- Finish all upper division requirements and electives, including courses for your concentration.
- Complete any remaining degree requirements and prepare for graduation.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Interested in teaching? Give it a try by teaching your own DeCal course.
- Submit a course research project for the Library Prize, American Cultures Student Prize, or other awards.
- Get published! Submit your thesis or research paper to the Political Economy Journal or Berkeley Undergraduate Journal.
- Pursue a special project after graduation with the Stronach Prize.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Check in with a BCE career educator.
- Start connecting with alumni groups; check out alumni resources on the Political Economy website.
- Apply to graduate school or post-graduate programs.
- Meet employers at info sessions, on-campus recruiting, and career fairs.
- Utilize job search tools from BCE and apply for job opportunities.
- Learn about alumni career services.
Summer
- Make progress on degree requirements with a Summer Sessions course like POLECON N100, N101 or 150.
- Go abroad through Berkeley Study Abroad or UCEAP.
- Look into a summer internship with Cal in the Capital, Cal in Sacramento, or Berkeley Global Internships; and the Social Sciences Career Readiness Internship Program.
- Pursue a summer minor or certificate—check out programs in Journalism and Global Digital Infrastructure.
- Apply to the GiGS program to learn about graduate school.
First Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Get your bearings with L&S 198 Transitioning to Cal and the L&S New Transfer Student Guide.
- Meet with your major and college advisor to discuss your academic plans; decide on a major concentration.
- Enroll in lower division requirements (GLOBAL 45, POLECON C45, etc.) and language courses, if needed; take one Historical Context course (ECON 115, HIST 160, 133A or 162B, POLECON C160, UGBA C172, or ECON 134 or 135).
- Join Berkeley Connect for 1:1 mentoring and to meet peers with shared interests.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Get involved with a student organization such as the Political Economy Student Association.
- Find support at the Transfer Student Center or Re-entry Student Program.
- Visit Berkeley Discovery to get started with research, entrepreneurship, public service, and creative projects.
- Learn how to prepare for office hours and build relationships with faculty.
- Check out the Berkeley Economy and Society Initiative and Berkeley Center for Economics and Politics.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Visit UHS Career Counseling and Berkeley Career Engagement.
- Start exploring career paths for the major; check out career resources on the Political Economy website.
- Create or update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Use Handshake to start connecting with career events and opportunities.
- Meet with a BCE career educator to discuss career options and goals.
- Apply to the Social Sciences Career Readiness Internship Program.
Second Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Enroll in POLECON 100 and one Intermediate Microeconomics course (POLECON 106, ECON 100A or 101A, UGBA 101A, or ENVECON 100); continue language courses (if needed).
- Look into study abroad; check out options for Economics and Political Science abroad.
- Enrich your studies with a course thread, certificate, or minor such as Public Policy.
- Consider applying to the Political Economy Honors Program; look into the Haas Scholars and SURF programs.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Attend a world affairs event hosted by the Commonwealth Club.
- Explore research opportunities on the OURS website; apply to URAP to work on a faculty research project.
- Check out the Public Service Internship, College Corps, and Haas Public Service Leaders Program.
- Apply for a FLAS award, Boren Scholarship, or Critical Language Scholarship to support your language study.
- Browse grants from the Institute for the Study of Societal Issues.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Build your network and explore career fields via job shadowing and informational interviews.
- Pursue an internship to build skills and explore fields.
- Considering graduate school? Explore resources from the Graduate Division, L&S Advising, and BCE.
- Speak with faculty, advisors, and career educators about post-graduate options.
- Attend a career event hosted by the Political Economy Student Association.
Third Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Enroll in POLECON 101 and one Intermediate Macroeconomics course (POLECON 107, ECON 100B or 101B, or UGBA 101B); enroll in courses for your concentration if you haven’t done so already.
- Review your degree progress with your major and college advisor.
- Develop your writing and critical thinking in an Art of Writing seminar.
- Spend a term off-campus through UCDC or the Intercampus Visitor Program.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Help other students as a Political Economy Peer Advisor or Transfer Peer Advocate.
- Develop your skills in the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy.
- Interested in teaching? Give it a try by teaching your own DeCal course.
- Welcome new students to Berkeley as a Golden Bear Orientation Leader.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Check in with a BCE career educator
- Join a professional association such as The American Political Economy section of the American Political Science Association.
- Interested in public service careers? Consider applying to the John Gardner Fellowship, Huntington Award, or Truman Scholarship.
- Apply to graduate school or post-graduate programs.
Fourth Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Continue taking concentration courses as needed.
- Finish all upper division requirements and electives, including courses for your concentration.
- Complete any remaining degree requirements and prepare for graduation.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Submit a course research project for the Library Prize, American Cultures Student Prize, or other awards.
- Get published! Submit your thesis or research paper to the Political Economy Journal or Berkeley Undergraduate Journal.
- Pursue a special project after graduation with the Stronach Prize.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Meet employers at info sessions, on-campus recruiting, and career fairs.
- Utilize job search tools from BCE and apply for job opportunities.
- Start connecting with alumni groups; check out alumni resources on the Political Economy website.
- Learn about alumni career services.
Summer
- Get ready for Berkeley with RHETOR 100 Writing at the University.
- Thinking about a PhD? Apply to the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship before your first semester.
- Make progress on degree requirements with a Summer Sessions course like POLECON N100, N101, or 150.
- Go abroad through Berkeley Study Abroad or UCEAP.
- Look into a summer internship with Cal in the Capital, Cal in Sacramento, or Berkeley Global Internships; and the Social Sciences Career Readiness Internship Program.
- Pursue a summer minor or certificate—check out programs in Journalism and Global Digital Infrastructure.
- Apply to the GiGS program to learn about graduate school.
Undergraduate Advising
Have questions about Political Economy or choosing a major?
The Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Program offers undergraduate advising for the Political Economy major and minor. PE Peer Advisors provide insights on navigating the major, connecting with peers, research opportunities, internships, study abroad, student organizations, and career pathways. PE Advisors are available for program guidance, major declaration, and other major-related inquiries. Visit politicaleconomy.berkeley.edu or email global_polecon@berkeley.edu for more information.
The College of Letters & Science helps students with non-major-specific academic topics, including major exploration, general program planning, and finding campus resources. L&S College Advisors are available for in-person and virtual meetings. Visit lsadvising.berkeley.edu or email asklns@berkeley.edu.
Related Programs
Looking for programs similar to Political Economy? UC Berkeley also offers the following major, minor, and certificate programs:
