Economics Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer

Program Overview

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The Economics Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer at CSM prepares students for transfer to bachelor's programs in economics and related majors. It provides a solid foundation in economic principles, quantitative analysis, and critical thinking skills. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in economics, business, or other fields requiring economic understanding. The program meets the transfer requirements for CSU and UC systems.

Program Outline

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Economics Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer - CSM

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Degree Overview

The Associate in Arts in Economics for Transfer (AA-T) prepares students to transfer into bachelor's degree programs in economics and similar majors. This degree is designed for students who plan to pursue a career in economics, requiring a graduate degree, or those seeking general business or liberal arts degrees.

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Objectives:

• Understand the fundamental theories of microeconomics and macroeconomics.
• Apply economic models to real-world scenarios.
• Evaluate diverse viewpoints on economic topics.

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Program Description:

This two-year program provides a solid foundation in economic principles and quantitative analysis. Students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while gaining a comprehensive understanding of economic systems and their impact on individuals, businesses, and society.

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Outline

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Program Content:

• Macroeconomics: explores the behavior of the economy as a whole, including inflation, unemployment, economic growth, and monetary and fiscal policy.
• Microeconomics: examines the behavior of individuals and firms in decision-making, including supply and demand, market structures, and consumer behavior.
• Mathematical applications: students learn to apply calculus and statistics to analyze economic data and solve problems.

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Structure:

• The program consists of 21-25 units of required coursework, including core courses in macroeconomics, microeconomics, probability and statistics, and calculus.
• Students also have the option to choose from a list of selective courses in mathematics, accounting, and business information systems.
• The program can be completed in two years of full-time study.

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Course Schedule:

• Courses are offered during the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
• A detailed course schedule can be found on the College of San Mateo website.

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Individual Modules:

• ECON 100: Principles of Macroeconomics: This course introduces students to the basic concepts of macroeconomics, including economic growth, inflation, unemployment, and fiscal and monetary policy.
• ECON 102: Principles of Microeconomics: This course examines the behavior of individuals and firms in decision-making, including supply and demand, market structures, and consumer behavior.
• MATH 200: Elementary Probability and Statistics: This course provides students with the basic tools of probability and statistics needed to analyze economic data.
• MATH 241: Applied Calculus I: This course introduces students to the concepts of calculus, including differentiation and integration, which are essential for understanding economic models.
• Other required and selective courses: These courses provide students with a deeper understanding of specific areas of economics, such as accounting, business information systems, and more advanced mathematics.

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Assessment

Assessment methods may include:

• Exams: Students will be assessed on their understanding of economic concepts through exams and quizzes.
• Assignments: Students will complete assignments that apply economic models to real-world scenarios.
• Presentations: Students may be required to present their research findings or economic analyses.

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Teaching

The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in economics. The faculty uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, group projects, and simulations.

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Careers

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Career Opportunities:

• Economist
• Accountant
• Attorney
• Auditor
• Computer Systems Engineer
• Credit Analyst
• Financial Planner
• Statistician
• Treasurer
• Arbitrator
• Budget Analyst
• Business/Market Analyst
• Business/Economic Forecaster
• Commodities
• Industrial Relations
• Investment Analyst
• Labor Relations
• Manpower
• Transportation
• International Business
• Marketing
• Natural Resources
• Operations Research

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Potential Employers:

• Government agencies
• Private businesses
• Non-profit organizations
• International organizations

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Graduate Degree Options:

• Master of Arts in Economics
• Master of Science in Economics
• Doctor of Philosophy in Economics

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Other

• The program is designed to meet the transfer requirements for the California State University (CSU) and the University of California (UC) systems.
• Students who complete the program will have a strong foundation in economics and be well-prepared for further study in the field.
• The program is also a good option for students who are interested in pursuing a career in business or other fields that require a strong understanding of economics.