Jul 14, 2025  
2025-2026 Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Catalog

Economics, B.A. - 120 units


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The Bachelor of Arts in Economics focuses on the integration of core economic analysis with relevant interdisciplinary applications. The degree develops analytical tools and communication skills in the context of economic theory and its linkages to a broad array of human decisions. Economics, as a social science, seeks to explain and predict the behavior of consumers, producers, managers, government officials and citizens by examining the interactions of incentives and constraints in an environment of ever-present scarcity of time, skills and resources. Microeconomics focuses on the choices of individuals and firms, as well as their role in the marketplace, while macroeconomics aggregates economic activity to the national level to analyze trends and fluctuations in overall economic activity. The Bachelor of Arts in Economics offers flexibility and opportunity through its emphases: general, international and managerial. Economics majors are encouraged to select one of the two options: International Economics or Managerial Economics and also pursue minors to deepen their connections to other disciplines.

Careers

The Martin V. Smith School of Business and Economics programs prepares students to work in a variety of organizations - public and private - as well as advanced studies in several types of graduate and professional programs: MBA, MPA, law school, MA in Economics.

Program learning Goals for Bachelor of Arts in Economics

  • Apply economic perspective and reasoning to everyday situations and current events.
  • Explain and contrast different economic theories and their assumptions.
  • Synthesize economic research in their writing, identifying strengths and weaknesses.
  • Formulate and support arguments through the use of data and quantitative reasoning.
  • Earn employment or pursue postgraduate education commensurate with their degree.

Summary of Units:

Lower Division Major Requirements 12-13
Upper Division Major Requirements 18
Upper Division Major Elective Requirements 9
Additional General Education  and Graduation Requirements   80-81
Total Units 120

Lower Division Major Requirements - 12-13 units


Student must obtain a grade of C- or better in each of these courses to apply them to the Economics Major.

Upper Division Major Requirements - 18 units


Student must obtain a grade of C- or better in each of these courses to apply them to the Economics Major.

Upper Division Major Elective Requirements - 9 units


Students must obtain a grade of C- or better in each of these courses to apply them to the Economics Major.

Complete a minimum of three 400-level economics courses:

Note: ECON 497   must be taken for 3 units in order to be applied to the major.

Note: With prior permission of the Economics Faculty Advisor or Chair, economics majors are allowed to substitute Finance courses or 300-level economics electives for this requirement. Students should consult the Faculty Advisor or Chair prior to registering for such courses as part of the major.

General Education and Graduation Requirements - B.A.


To graduate, students must complete 120 units minimum (21 units must be upper division), including the following General Education Requirements  (GE) and Graduation Requirements  not met within the major:

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