What's the Story with USC's Economics Program?

Hey everyone! I'm currently a junior leaning towards studying economics in college. I've just started researching USC's economics program but I'm a bit lost. Could someone tell me how well it ranks nationally? Is the department respected? Thanks in advance!

The economics program at the University of Southern California (USC) is highly regarded and has a strong national ranking. It's within the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences and offers both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Economics, providing flexibility based on your career goals and interests. The faculty includes a number of renowned scholars who are leaders in their fields, providing students with the opportunity to learn from individuals who are conducting cutting-edge research.

According to most ranking systems, USC's economics program is consistently placed among the top programs in the country, typically ranking within the top 10–30 range, depending on the specific metric used. There's a strong emphasis on research. This means that as an economics student at USC, you'll have the chance to work with this esteemed faculty on research projects, which is a relatively rare opportunity at the undergraduate level and can be immensely beneficial when it comes to both graduate school and job applications.

Apart from the academic side of things, USC boasts a strong network of alumni with many located in the nearby area, which can provide an advantage when it comes to internships and job opportunities post-graduation.

Finally, if you're interested in applying economic theory in a policy-making context, it's worth considering the Policy, Planning, and Development school at USC which offers BS in Real Estate Development and BS in Urban Studies and Planning, both of which have an economic component and might be of interest.

Remember, it's not just about the ranking of the program, but also how well it aligns with your specific interests and career aspirations. Good luck with your research!