Economics Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer
Program Overview
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
Economics Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer - CSM
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.
Objectives:
- Understand the fundamental theories of microeconomics and macroeconomics.
- Apply economic models to real-world scenarios.
- Evaluate diverse viewpoints on economic topics.
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.
Outline
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Careers
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
Potential Employers:
- Government agencies
- Private businesses
- Non-profit organizations
- International organizations
Graduate Degree Options:
- Master of Arts in Economics
- Master of Science in Economics
- Doctor of Philosophy in Economics
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.