University of California-Santa Cruz
International Economics
Field of study · Santa Cruz, California, United States
Level
Bachelor
Duration
4 years
Campus
Santa Cruz
Intl. Tuition
US$56,502 (2026-27)
Home Tuition
US$17,232 (2026-27)
Intake
Fall 2027
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Course Overview
International Economics at University of California-Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz, California, United States is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Economics graduates are among the most versatile, entering finance, government economic analysis, consultancy, research and the civil service fast-stream. Many pursue further professional qualifications including CFA, ACA or an MSc Economics.
Student life (indicative)
Life in Santa Cruz revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.
The University at a Glance
Undergraduate Population
17,940
Staff Ratio
22.0:1
International
3.0%
Career Prospects
Completion Rate
75%
finish their degree (not an employment rate)
Avg Starting Salary
£42,660
First-year earnings
Placement Year
✓ Available
Work experience option
Costs & Living
University Life
Urban
City & Location
Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of International Economics
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate International Economics topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced International Economics
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
No specific entry requirements listed.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
17,940
Degree-seeking undergraduates (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release). Graduate students are not included.
Staff Ratio
22:1
Students per staff
International Students
3%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
Campus Type
Urban
City Size
Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Mild coastal
Safety Index (indicative)
7.5/10
Transport
Good (close to station or regional airport)
Social Scene
Friendly community | Coastal lifestyle
Student Life & City (indicative)
Life in Santa Cruz revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.
- Life in Santa Cruz revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.
What Students Love
- Beach lifestyle
- Thriving student social scene
- Parks & green spaces
- Outdoor & nature activities
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Completion Rate
75%
Completion rate (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release): share of students who finish their degree. Not an employment rate.
Avg Starting Salary
£42,660
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✓ Available
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Economics graduates are among the most versatile, entering finance, government economic analysis, consultancy, research and the civil service fast-stream. Many pursue further professional qualifications including CFA, ACA or an MSc Economics.
- Economics graduates are among the most versatile, entering finance, government economic analysis, consultancy, research and the civil service fast-stream.
- Many pursue further professional qualifications including CFA, ACA or an MSc Economics.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Business
- Healthcare
- Education
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Total Programme Cost
US$226,008
For full 4 years
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
HIGH
This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.
Estimated Annual Costs
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
In the moderately expensive range for US cities — expect around $1,935/month (housing $1,100, food $440, transport $130). A US university city with solid amenities and a well-rounded student lifestyle.
- In the moderately expensive range for US cities — expect around $1,935/month (housing $1,100, food $440, transport $130).
- A US university city with solid amenities and a well-rounded student lifestyle.