Discover what you can learn and where an economics major can take you.

Economics focuses on how people make choices in response to incentives and constraints. We teach tools that improve decision- making and predict the effects of key choices, which can be useful in a wide variety of settings. We are a student-centered department that takes time to help students with questions, whether on course material or on the next steps after college. 

photo of economics undergrads

Interests

  • Economic conditions, issues and policies
  • How to best use our scarce resources
  • Weighing benefits and costs of alternatives
  • Analyzing and evaluating data 

Learn

  • Problem solving and communication skills
  • Use theories to explain relationships, predict outcomes and make recommendations 
  • Apply critical and analytical thinking
  • Explain and apply economic terms, concepts and theories

Go!

  • Loan officer
  • Healthcare executive 
  • Lawyer
  • Teacher
  • Analyst or researcher
  • Entrepreneur
  • Financial advisor 

Career Opportunities

  • Banking and financial institutions
  • Brokerage and investment firms such as Merrill Lynch
  • Human resource management for businesses such as E. & J. Gallo Winery
  • Real estate for firms like PMZ Real Estate
  • Federal, state and local government agencies such as California Department of Transportation
  • Healthcare management for providers such as Kaiser Permanente
  • Public utilities such as Turlock Irrigation District
  • Higher education or local school districts
  • Business ownership 

Degrees and Programs

  • Bachelor of Arts in Economics
  • Economics minor also available
  • Those majoring in Liberal Studies and Social Sciences can complete their concentration in Economics 

photo of economics student

Angela Hansen
Economics Student

"The department feels like an extended family, providing support and encouragement. I enjoy learning about economics and I love being challenged to think critically but truthfully."

Updated: January 02, 2024