The Department of Economics unites students, scholars, and alumni by providing a vibrant setting for education, research, and community engagement. Its mission is to cultivate intellectual curiosity and critical thinking while promoting a strong grasp of economic theories, principles, and their real-world applications. With a focus on academic excellence, the Department challenges conventional approaches to economic research and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration. Consistently ranked among the top 20 research institutions in the U.S., it is dedicated to tackling society’s most urgent issues with innovation and rigor.

Our distinguished faculty members tackle exciting economic questions:

    Theory Group

    Analyzes how markets can be designed to improve efficient outcomes for all, including children and adolescents, and the strategic aspects of game theory in public policy and business.

    Applied Economics Group

    Studies the consequences of climate change on globalization, migration, financial risks, and urban dynamics; the impact of labor market policies; and the underpinnings of productivity, growth, and state capacity in developing countries.

    Macroeconomics Group

    Studies the link between macro-financial cycles, financial crises to better understand the long-run risks of widening income and wealth gaps.

    Econometrics Group

    Ranked 5th worldwide, is creating new methods for analyzing the explosions of Big Data with special emphasis on causal relationships rather than just improving forecasts.

    Doheny Library stained glass ceiling.
    Doheny Library stained glass ceiling.
    Doheny Library stained glass ceiling.
    Doheny Library stained glass ceiling.

    Undergraduate Studies

    The undergraduate program in economics teaches students to think critically and become creative problems solvers. Students learn to utilize economic theory to better understand and shape social practices, political policy, financial marketplaces, and business models.

    Master’s Studies

    Our department offers five innovative Master’s programs, with each providing a distinct and rigorous education across the interdisciplinary fields of economics, finance, law, and data analysis. Choose your path and let us prepare you for leadership roles in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape.

    Doctoral Studies

    This program is designed to prepare students for careers in teaching, research, industry, and government. The Department emphasizes economic theory and econometrics, applied economic analysis, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, international and development economics, behavioral economics, urban, and regional economics.

    Quick Facts

    12th

    National Research Ranking

    1

    Research Center

    7,000

    Alumni

    31

    Core Faculty

    36

    RTPC Faculty

    11

    Associated Faculty

    1,308

    Undergraduate Students

    300

    Masters Students

    80

    Doctoral Students

    Featured News & Events

      Faculty

      Introducing the MS in Economics and Data Science (MECDS) at USC

      Professor Thomas Chaney honored as a Fellow of the Econometrics Society

      Read More News

      Students

      Outstanding 2Y Paper Award

      Outstanding 3Y Paper Award

      Alumni

      So-Cal Alumni Happy Hour

      Building a Legacy Through Philanthropy: Charles Isham ’65

      MS AEE Alumni Networking Event

      Events

      Upcoming Events

      Contact Us

      Chairs and Directors

      Department of Economics

      Address: 3620 South Vermont Avenue
      Kaprelian (KAP) Hall, 300
      Los Angeles, CA 90089-0253

      General Inquiries: econ@usc.edu or (213) 740-8335

      Feedback: Economics Website Survey

       

      Undergraduate Office of Economics

      Location: KAP 357

      Advisement: (213) 821-4316

      Graduate Office of Economics

      Location: KAP 300

      General Inquiries: econ_gradadm@usc.edu