Career Opportunities
Why Major in Economics?
Economics is a social science that researches people and how they use their resources with a focus on the economic well-being of society. It can serve as good preparation for careers in business, government, law, and education.
A bachelor’s degree in economics, particularly our BA in Mathematical Economics and Economic Theory, is a great foundation for graduate programs in economics, law, public administration, international affairs, environmental science, management science, or business. A degree in economics also has higher mid-career salaries than finance, accounting, and business majors.
At CSULB, upper-division students can expect a smaller classroom size, guaranteeing more individual attention from faculty. Review our students’ past successful Placements and Awards.
We offer three majors and two minors:
Majors:
- Economics
- Business Economics
- Mathematical Economics and Economics Theory
Minors:
- Economics
- International Economics
All three major options have a required set of core courses - Principles of Macroeconomics, Principles of Microeconomics, Calculus for Business or Calculus I, Microeconomic Theory, Macroeconomic Theory, and Economic Statistics. These courses are standard throughout national economic bachelor of arts programs, guaranteeing that, no matter your option, you will have a solid and complete understanding of the economics subject.
Analytical skills, a strong quantitative background, and clarity and precision of expression are qualities developed in the economics major. Additionally, knowledge of the operations of a complex economic system and its institutions provides skills applicable to a wide variety of job responsibilities in a number of occupational areas. The skills listed below are representative of those acquired from the study of economics and may be applied in various occupations.
- Financial: maintaining accurate records, tabulating figures, manipulating numerical data, developing budgets, performing cost/benefit analyses, and creating and evaluating financial records
- Research/Analysis: designing projects, generating/developing ideas, organizing materials, computing data, analyzing results, testing an idea/hypotheses, and using computers
- Communication: writing reports/articles, summarizing, writing proposals, justifying a position, reading and interpreting reports, speaking persuasively, explaining ideas/goals, problem solving, assessing needs, and defining problems.
Economics can serve as good preparation for graduate programs in economics, law, public administration, international affairs, environmental science, management science, or business.
If you are interested in entering a doctoral economics program, CSULB's BA in Mathematical Economics and Economic Theory program provides you with the math preparation needed. Although economics graduate programs have varying admissions requirements, graduate training in economics is highly mathematical. Our Math Econ degree will prepare you.
Economics is a practical field; a major in economics prepares you for careers in:
- Business: Research Analysis, Consulting, Banking and Finance, Insurance, Healthcare, etc.
- Government: Cost Analyst, Foreign Trade Analyst, Regulatory Impact Analyst, Urban Planning, Transportation Management, etc.
- Law: Antitrust Analysis, Law School, etc.
- Education: High School Teacher (Single Subject Specialty), Professor, etc.
The following are Resume & Cover Letter Samples. For more Career Resources, please review the CSULB Career Development Center's website.
A degree in economics is ranked higher paying than a degree in business or accounting! Economics provides versatility that similar business and mathematical majors do not. The degree opens doors to a variety of career opportunities.
Internships and experiences often direct the career path of economics majors. We strongly encourage our majors to gain hands on experience while in school. Students in our major may receive elective credit for internships by enrolling in CLA-492. The College of Liberal Arts Internship program has over 100 College of Liberal Arts Internship Partners across various industries, you are able to find an opportunity that aligns with your education, skills, and career interests. Have questions? Contact the program at 562-985-4464 or email CLA Internships.
The university's Career Development Center staff also provide assistance regarding career exploration and development tailored to your specific professional needs. They can help during every step of the career-decision making process, whether it is learning about majors and career options or finding the right internship or career position. The CDC is your best resource for job outlook, salary, and employment trend information and are equipped to provide you professional career advice.
The CDC hosts workshops and job fairs, and they manage a job and internship portal called CareerLINK. Students can also stop by during office hours or by appointment to receive individual career counseling.
Phone: (562) 985-4151
Location: Brotman Hall, room 250
Request an appointment with your CareerLINK account.
Ready to declare an Economics major or minor?
Schedule an appointment with an academic advisor at the College of Liberal Arts Advising Center, A.T.L.A.S.
