Major in Economics

The economics major helps students develop an understanding of how individuals, organizations and societies make decisions to achieve their goals. In our introductory courses, students learn the fundamental principles of economics that can help them understand and analyze a wide range of social and policy issues. Our intermediate theory courses take a deeper dive, developing the analytical tools used in understanding individual choice, how markets function, and the determinants of key economic measures such as GDP, employment, and inflation. In addition to theory, our students also learn methods to describe and analyze economic data, allowing them to conduct their own empirical research. As part of the College of Liberal Arts, coursework helps students look at economic issues through a variety of lenses, including history, culture, and institutions, allowing them to gain a richer understanding of specific aspects of economic behavior and public policy.

The major requires:

• Introductory and Intermediate Microeconomics 
• Introductory and Intermediate Macroeconomics
• Econometrics 
• Political Economy 
• Senior Capstone Seminar 
• Economics electives 
• Prerequisite courses in math and statistics, as specified 
• Completion of a minor or second major of the student's choice

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Understand and apply key microeconomic concepts, such as consumer choice, competition and strategic behavior, market failures and the role of government intervention, the value of information, and efficiency and equity.
• Understand and apply key macroeconomic concepts, such as the determinants of unemployment, inflation, and economic growth, the causes of income inequality, and the role of government and the Federal Reserve in managing the economy.
• Understand and analyze a broad array of economic issues found in the news and understand how the economic aspects of society work. Students may choose from electives in developmental/international economics, environmental economics, race, class, gender, public policy, and more.

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.

Potential Career Paths

Economics provides students with a broad academic background and critical thinking skills suitable to many fields: education, research, business, government, nonprofit, environmental conversation, international relations, and more. 

Career choices include, but are not limited to:

• Commodities/stock broker
• Banking
• Financial analyst
• Economic forecaster
• Loan counselor
• Foreign trade analyst
• Public policy analyst
• Regional/urban planner
• Foreign service officer
• Natural resource analyst
• Community organizer
• Program administrator
• Personal finance advisor
• Sales analyst

Effective Fall 2022

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

¹

Students must complete a minor, second major, or interdisciplinary minor. 

²

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

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.