Undergraduate Experiential Learning
Undergraduates in the Economics Department have many different types of opportunities to get hands-on experience outside of the classroom that enhances their academic journey. Students can participate in ground-breaking research alongside faculty or study abroad to gain global perspective through immersion in different cultures and economic systems. Additionally, there are many internship opportunities available for students who are preparing for careers in accounting.
Undergraduate research opportunities
Students who are interested in conducting research in economics alongside our faculty should visit the Research Areas page to familiarize themselves with the topics that our professors are investigating and see what aligns best with their own interests. Students can reach out directly to faculty members to inquire about potential opportunities to support research. Some faculty prefer for students to have completed more advanced classes before getting involved with research, but not all faculty require this.
We especially recommend that undergraduates check out the LEEPs Lab, which conducts laboratory experiments with paid human subjects. To express your interest in doing research, fill out the research interest survey—you must be signed in to your UCSC Google account. For general information about undergraduate research in the Division of Social Sciences, visit Undergraduate Research.
UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP)
UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) is the University of California’s official study abroad program and a global leader in international education for over 50 years. All the benefits of home—UC credit, grades, and financial aid—travel with you, including counting courses from the Pre-Approved EAP (Study Abroad) course list toward your economics major or minor requirements.
UCEAP provides opportunities for UCSC sophomores, juniors, and seniors to study in 46 countries around the world, including a direct exchange program in economics at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. The direct exchange program is specifically for economics juniors and seniors in good academic standing, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above, who are at least 18 years old.
Accounting opportunities
The following accounting firms have internships and work opportunities available for students who intend to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). See the Courses and Class Schedules and Undergraduate Advising pages for more information about preparing for CPA careers and the credentialing process.