The Department of Economics brings together students, scholars, and alumni in a dynamic environment that fosters education, research, and community engagement. Our mission is to inspire intellectual curiosity and critical thinking while equipping students with a strong foundation in economic theories, principles, and their real-world applications. Committed to academic excellence, the department champions interdisciplinary approaches to economic research and consistently ranks among the top 20 research institutions in the United States.

Our distinguished faculty members tackle exciting economic questions:

  • Theory Group
  • Applied Economics Group
  • Macroeconomics Group
  • Econometrics Group

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

17th

National Research Ranking

#1

Major in Dornsife

7,000

Alumni

34

Core Faculty

34

RTPC Faculty

10

Associated Faculty

1,366

Undergraduate Students

300

Masters Students

80

Doctoral Students

Featured News & Events

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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