Economics
A BA in Economics provides a range of exciting career prospects in the
private and public sectors. Graduates with economics degrees are highly
marketable because they learn an analytic approach to solving problems.
The BA in Economics provides an excellent background for graduate programs
in economics, business, law, and urban planning. The economics major is
also attractive to students who seek a broad liberal arts background. Majors
in economics at CSU Chico have the opportunity to pursue semester or year-long
study-abroad programs.
Curriculum
Students may choose classes ranging from those with a historical perspective,
such as History of Economic Thought, to those which use quantitative techniques,
such as Economic Forecasting. Students may complete a BA in Economics,
a BA in Economics with an Option in Environmental Economics, or a BA in
Economics with an Option in International Economics. Small senior-level
classes allow students to know their professors well. The Economics Department
is committed to using the latest technology. The curriculum is periodically
reviewed and adjusted to be responsive to changing national and international
conditions and to student needs and preferences. Exceptional students may
participate in the Honors Program in Economics.
Internship Credit
Internship credit may be arranged for students seeking practical experience
related to the field of economics. A maximum of three units of internship
credit may be applied to complete the major. Economics majors have held
internships ranging from stock brokerage firms in Chico to the United States
Agency for International Development in Washington DC.
Double Major and Economics Minor
Students may earn a double major in economics and one of the business
majors without doubling unit requirements as some courses count toward
both majors. A double major in economics and social sciences satisfies
the requirements to enter a teaching credential program and to prepare
to teach economics at the high school level. A minor in economics enhances
employment opportunities for students with majors in communications, environmental
studies, journalism, education, geography, planning, business, international
relations and a variety of other fields.
Faculty
The economics faculty uses a combination of diverse approaches in conjunction
with numerous applied case studies to provide students with a broad and
in-depth exposure to the discipline. The faculty holds doctoral degrees
from prestigious American graduate programs, is actively involved in publishing
and grants, is involved in local economic issues, and places undergraduate
teaching and learning as its highest priority.
Career Outlook
There is a strong demand for those with a BA in Economics in the business,
finance, banking, planning, marketing and insurance areas. At the local,
state, and federal levels, economics majors compete extremely well for
jobs in the public sector. There are excellent opportunities for economics
majors with courses and options in environmental and international economics.
There is an increasing demand for teachers of high school economics. Economics
is an excellent major for those planning to enter law school. Economics
majors earn more on an annual basis and have higher lifetime earnings than
other majors in the social science. Economics majors with mathematics,
statistics, or computer skills are in very high demand and command substantial
starting salaries. The career outlook for those with a BA in Economics
is very positive.
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