No, at this time, the BS in Law and Economics is open exclusively to current USC students seeking to change their major. Once admitted to USC.
Content start here
At this time, the BS in Law and Economics is open exclusively to current USC students seeking to change their major. Program pending American Bar Association (ABA) acquiescence.
The Bachelor of Science in Law and Economics at USC Gould School of Law, offered in partnership with the USC Dornsife Department of Economics, provides students with an in-depth understanding of how legal systems and economic forces shape markets and public and private institutions. Students develop skills in legal reasoning, economic analysis, and quantitative methods while examining topics such as regulation, contracts, technology and market behavior in real-world contexts.
Students in this distinctive program gain comprehensive knowledge of the economic and regulatory complexities of the digital era, understanding the economic consequences of innovation such as AI, its effect on labor markets and productivity, as well as the legal challenges it poses in areas such as privacy, data security, intellectual property and antitrust laws.
As future leaders in both the public and private sectors, students in this program will learn to think critically and analytically about the frameworks that govern society’s allocation of rights and economic resources. The major fosters an integrated approach to understanding how legal institutions, economic models and human behavior interact, allowing students to apply both legal and economic reasoning to complex regulatory, social, political and business challenges.
Current USC students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and must submit a personal statement to the Gould School of Law’s Office of Undergraduate Law Programs for review.
Career Outcomes
- Banking and risk advisory roles
- Compliance officer in financial institutions or regulatory bodies
- Contract administrator or legal operations specialist
- Corporate compliance officer
- Data analyst or financial analyst
- Economic consultant
- Intellectual property analyst
- Internal auditor
- International NGOs focused on human rights or development
- Legislative aide or legal researcher for government officials
- Management or strategy consultant
- Policy analyst
- Public sector economist
- Regulatory affairs specialist
- Risk analyst/governance specialist
- UN agencies
- World Bank, IMF, WTO
The USC Gould Advantage
Renowned Law Faculty
At a top-ranked global university, USC Gould School of Law offers the BS in Law and Economics in partnership with the USC Dornsife Department of Economics, taught by renowned faculty in law and economics.
Close-Knit Community
USC Gould is known for its collaborative and supportive community. Students benefit from a close-knit environment where faculty and peers from all backgrounds can engage in shared learning, mentorship and interdisciplinary study.
Internship and Research Opportunities
Undergraduate students majoring in Law and Economics have the opportunity to pursue internships that build both an economic and legal perspective as part of their academic experience.
Vibrant City of Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a global hub where law, economics, business, and innovation intersect— offering unmatched access to policy, industry and opportunity.
The Structure Behind Everyday Decisions
From business and technology to government and global markets, law and economics drive the decisions that shape everyday life. This major gives students a powerful combination of legal knowledge, economic insight, and analytical skills that employers value across industries. By studying topics like regulation, contracts, AI, and market behavior, students learn to think strategically, solve complex problems, and understand the systems influencing today’s world— preparing them for careers in law, consulting, finance, business, government and beyond.
Follow Us On Instagram
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I able to apply to the BS in Law and Economics via the Common App as a high school senior or transfer student? 
As a current USC student, can I change my major to the BS in Law and Economics?
Yes, currently enrolled USC students in good standing may request to change their major at any time, preferably before they reach 65 units. Students who wish to change into the BS in Law and Economics must submit a Change of Major Request Form and meet any prerequisite coursework in economics and quantitative methods required by USC Gould School of Law and the USC Dornsife Department of Economics. Academic advisors will help students map an efficient path through the program’s integrated law-and-economics curriculum.
Will the BS in Law and Economics prepare me for law school better than other undergraduate degrees?
The BS in Law and Economics builds a strong foundation for law school by developing rigorous legal reasoning alongside economic and quantitative analysis. Students learn how to work through core areas of law— such as contracts, regulation, and constitutional principles— while also gaining tools to evaluate how incentives and markets shape legal outcomes. This combination strengthens analytical thinking and prepares students for the demands of advanced legal study.
Can this degree help me pursue graduate study in economics or related fields?
Yes. In addition to preparing students for law school and professional careers, the BS in Law and Economics provides strong preparation for graduate study in economics and related disciplines. The program’s emphases on econometrics, quantitative reasoning, and applied economic theory — paired with an understanding of legal institutions and policy frameworks— gives students a distinctive analytical edge when applying to economics, public policy, and interdisciplinary graduate programs.
How does this degree differ from other fields of study?
This major uniquely integrates law and economics into a single, structured curriculum rather than treating them as separate academic paths. Students examine how legal systems and economic forces interact to shape markets, institutions, and policy decisions. Through coursework in legal analysis, microeconomics, and data-driven methods, students develop the ability to evaluate complex real-world problems— such as regulation, innovation, and market design— from both legal and economic perspectives.
Next Steps
USC Gould School of Law
699 Exposition Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90089-0071
Copyright © 2026 USC Gould. All Rights Reserved.