The Department of Economics, University of King Saud, is considered the first section of the economy that has been established in the Saudi Arabia universities. The date of the Department of Economics establishment goes along with the date of the Faculty of Commerce establishment in 1379 AH (1957 M). At that time was not a separate section of the economy as is the case now, but was involved with the Department of Political Science in one section at a time where there were in the college just only two specialties, one is of Economics and Political Science, and the other is Accounting and Administration. 
The Department of Economics teaches courses of Economy at the level of specialization, college and university. The department also contributes to the teaching activity outside the University for some Colleges and institutes of higher education based on their needs for teaching courses of Economy.
The interest in the study of the economy due to the previous stages through which the Kingdom, which highlighted the need to present extensive development economic and social programs, which requires a lot of preparation by the researchers and students to work in the specialized bodies such as ministries of planning and finance departments of planning and follow-up in the other ministries and public institutions. The study of economy provides sufficient amount of knowledge necessary for the national economy and all other specialties of the state, bodies and the private sector to achieve the objectives of the economic plans of the Kingdom. 
Faculty members of the Section participate in the Research Center of the College by providing scientific researches. As well, the Section from time to time presents public lectures and economic symposia, through the use of experts and some officials in the scientific and practical areas.
In 1410 AH, the College methodology was approved, including methodology of BA Economics Department, which was applied in the first semester of 1411/1412 AH (1989/1990 M). In accordance with the full school day and with this methodology, the student has to study courses on the basis of levels since each level of study has its specific courses passed by the student in the semester to move to the next level till he finishes the eight levels required. The hours required for the graduation of a student is 128 hours. 

The Section has started to put the postgraduate program in Economy (a master) in the first semester of the academic year 1409/1410 AH (1987/1988 M), which is also the first program to obtain the Master of Economy in Saudi Arabia.