Major in Economics

Explore the Power of Decision-Making with an Economics Major

Are you curious about how people, businesses, and governments make choices that shape our world? The economics major offers you a powerful framework to understand the forces driving individual behavior, market dynamics, and global trends.

From day one, you'll dive into the core principles of economics, learning how to analyze pressing issues—from income inequality and climate change to innovation and globalization. Our introductory courses give you the tools to think critically about real-world challenges, while our intermediate theory classes deepen your understanding of how economies function and why policies succeed (or fail).

But we don’t stop at theory. You’ll also learn how to work with real data doing applied research, such as analyzing trends, testing ideas, and building arguments grounded in evidence. This combination of theory and hands-on experience prepares you for careers in business, government, nonprofits, or graduate school.

And because you’ll study economics within the College of Liberal Arts, you’ll explore how culture, history, and institutions shape economic outcomes—giving you a richer, more nuanced view of the world.

If you want to understand today's challenges--and be part of solving them--economics is a good way to start.

The major requires*

• Introductory and Intermediate Microeconomics 
• Introductory and Intermediate Macroeconomics
• Econometrics 
• Political Economy 
• Senior Capstone Seminar 
• Economics electives 

* Note that some required courses have additional prerequisite courses in math and statistics

Learning Objectives

Students will:

1. Apply Core Economic Theories and Principles
   Demonstrate a solid understanding of microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts, including how individuals and firms make decisions, how markets function, and how economic performance is measured at the national and global levels.
2. Use Quantitative Methods to Analyze Economic Data
   Collect, interpret, and analyze economic data using statistical and econometric tools to draw evidence-based conclusions about real-world economic issues.
3. Evaluate Public Policies and Market Outcomes
   Critically assess the effectiveness of government policies and market mechanisms in addressing economic challenges such as inequality, unemployment, inflation, and environmental sustainability. Students may choose from electives in developmental/international economics, environmental economics, health economics, race, class, gender, public policy, and more.
4. Communicate Economic Ideas Effectively
   Present complex economic arguments clearly and persuasively in both written and oral form to a variety of audiences, using appropriate data, graphs, and analytical reasoning.
5. Integrate Interdisciplinary Perspectives
   Examine economic behavior and policy through historical, institutional, and cultural lenses to develop a broader, more holistic understanding of global and societal issues.

Accelerated Program

The major in Economics includes an accelerated program option for students to graduate on a faster schedule. Accelerated Programs typically include 15-16 credits each fall and spring semester for three years, plus 6-9 credits over two to three summer sessions. Students who enter CSU with prior credit (AP, IB, transfer, etc.) may use applicable courses to further accelerate their graduation. Visit the Office of the Provost website for additional information about Accelerated Programs.

What Can You Do with an Economics Degree?

An economics degree opens the door to a wide range of exciting careers—whether you’re passionate about business, public policy, climate change, global development, or data-driven decision-making. Here's a look at where your economics journey can take you:

Business & Finance. Turn your analytical skills into strategic insight.

• Financial Analyst
  Help companies and investors make smart financial decisions by analyzing trends and performance.
• Market Research Analyst
  Study what people buy and why—then turn that into data-backed recommendations.
• Banking Professional
  Work in commercial or investment banking, credit analysis, or risk management.

Government & Public Policy. Make a difference through data and policy.

• Policy Analyst
  Evaluate policies related to healthcare, climate, education, and more.
• Economic Analyst (Federal or State)
  Work for agencies like the Federal Reserve or the Department of Commerce.
• Urban or Regional Planner
  Use economic tools to help cities and communities grow sustainably.

International Development & Nonprofits. Use economics to tackle global challenges.

• Development Analyst
  Work on global projects focused on poverty reduction, education, or health.
• NGO Program Coordinator
  Design and manage mission-driven programs around the world.
• Research Associate
  Help advocacy groups and think tanks analyze the impact of policies and programs.

Tech & Data Science. The digital economy needs economic thinkers.

• Data Analyst / Scientist
  Turn big data into actionable insights for tech, healthcare, or retail companies.
• Product Analyst
  Help tech firms understand user behavior and improve their products.

Graduate & Professional Paths. Build on your foundation in economics.

• Law School – Especially in corporate, tax, or antitrust law.
• MBA Programs – For careers in management, strategy, and finance.
• Master’s or PhD in Economics or Public Policy – For research and academic careers.
• Public Health, Urban Planning, or Environmental Policy – Combine economics with social impact.​

Change of Major

To change your major to Economics, you can either call the College of Liberal Arts Academic Advising Center at 970-491-3117, or send them an email.

Effective Fall 2025

Economics majors must achieve a minimum grade of 1.670 (C-) in each of the economics courses counted toward the major.

¹

Select any 2 ECON courses except ECON 484 or ECON 487.

²

A minimum of 15 credits of ECON courses must be taken at CSU (either Main Campus or CSU Online). Transfer credit from other institutions cannot be substituted. This includes ECON 492, which must be taken at CSU.

³

ECON 484 and ECON 487 may not be selected.

⁴

Select enough elective credits to bring the program total to a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 42 must be upper-division (300- to 400-level).

Economics majors must achieve a minimum grade of 1.670 (C-) in each of the economics courses counted toward the major.