Economics
Economics is a broad major that teaches students how to analyze human decision making and interaction while exposing them to research techniques, quantitative analysis and methods of policymaking. Economists conduct research, prepare reports, and evaluate issues related to monetary and fiscal policy. They also might collect and analyze statistical data.
Coursework and Faculty
Economic majors gain a solid foundation in microeconomics and macroeconomics, and they take courses in calculus, computer programing, accounting, information systems and analytics. They also learn about topics that include supply and demand, taxation, competition, unemployment, inflation, international trade, interest rates and more.
Our economics faculty at the Orfalea College of Business have been published extensively in prestigious scholarly journals, and they are experts in both domestic and international economics. They also bring industry experience in business and government.
Career Outlook
Economics graduates often find work in both the private and public sectors. Private sector jobs include careers in banking, insurance, real estate, marketing, budgeting and sales. Government jobs include careers in agriculture, labor, transportation, and international trade.
Job titles for economics majors include analyst, economists, loan officer, project administrator and budget analyst.
Employment for economists is projected to grow six percent through 2032 — faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — and the median annual wage for economists in May of 2022 was $113,940.