Economics

The Economics Associate in Arts Degree is designed to provide an opportunity for the economics major to achieve an Associate in Arts in Economics, which completes the first- and second-year requirements for transfer to a four-year public California institution. This degree is designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the two major fields of economics in order to give them the background knowledge needed by undergraduate economics majors. The coursework emphasizes the practical applications of economics and knowledge in a diversity of careers and the utility of economics perspectives as a life-long learning tool for interpreting world economic events. Students successfully completing the Economics AA will acquire a fundamental knowledge base of economics, learn basic knowledge and possess a basic understanding of areas that have an interdisciplinary association to Economics. This degree will provide students with an introduction to the field and its applied areas. While at least a baccalaureate degree is recommended preparation for those seeking professional careers, completion of this degree is excellent general preparation for careers in academic and applied economics, research institutes, financial institutions, education, international economic systems, corporations, government, journalism and technical writing, non-profit organizations, and many other careers. It gives students a solid basis for many career paths and can be enhanced with multidisciplinary study in related fields. The Economics AA prepares the prospective transfer student for upper division coursework in Economics or a similar major at four-year institution. This degree requires 20-25 units in the major in addition to other graduation requirements.