Economics is offered at the undergraduate level as a major leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and also at the graduate level as a major leading to the Master of Arts degree in Economics. In addition, economics is offered through the Business Economics option under both the Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and the Master of Science degree in Business Administration. A minor in Economics, a credit certificate program in International Economic Relations, and another in Labor relations are also available for students majoring in fields other than economics. Through program options and/or specialized fields, the Department allows flexibility so students can formulate programs that reflect their individual interests.
Economics is the study of how human beings utilize their environment and resources to make a living. Training in economics stresses an analytic approach to problem solving with an emphasis on quantitative methods of decision making. Economists are trained to use a variety of analytic techniques including microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, statistical inferences, and econometrics. Economists in management positions use these tools to analyze how the economy works, predict how it will behave in the future, and guide decision making.
Employment opportunities for economists are expected to expand more rapidly than the average for all occupations. Superior employment opportunities currently exist for individuals whose training includes statistics and econometrics. The study of economics is widely used as preparation for careers in law, administration, and public service, and those involving quantitative/computer-related activities.
Graduates of the Cal State L.A. economics program are currently employed in responsible positions in industry, educational institutions, and government throughout the United States. A significant number have completed Ph.D. programs at other universities and are employed as professional economists in industry, government service, and university-level teaching.
A chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon (ODE), the international economics honor society, is maintained by the Department. The Economics and Business Society (EBS) is an on-campus student association which is open to qualified students in all academic disciplines. In addition, many scholarships are available annually to students who meet established criteria.