Economics

Program Description

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In business, there are three main “languages” – accounting, finance, and economics. Economics is the core principle and terminology behind accounting and finance that drive decisions across businesses, governments, organizations, consumer household markets, and global economies. Economics is fundamentally changing interactions between consumers, businesses, organizations and governments throughout the world.

The mission of the Economics program is to acquaint students with economic aspects of critical thinking and logical analysis, mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning through communication and composition, problem-based learning, and the study of business and economic literature.

These skills provide the fundamental foundation for academic and career pathway success. The economics curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge of macroeconomics, microeconomics, and environmental economics; as related to politics and history, business and markets, governments and global economies, as well as social and cultural institutions. The Economics pathway program is intended for students who are planning to transfer to a four-year college or for a business occupational area of his/her own choice. Transfer students may earn an Associate degree in Economics for Transfer. This degree pathway is designed to accommodate the differing requirements for a wide variety of transfer institutions and provide a guided pathway to achieve transfer goals and career success.

An economics degree will boost student employability in many areas, regardless of the industry. There is a strong demand for highly numerate graduates throughout the global labor market. The widely transferable analytical and problem-solving skills developed by economics students mean that careers in economics are extremely wide-ranging and diverse.

Economic majors may pursue diverse career paths. Popular undergraduate majors related to the field of Economics include Accounting, Banking and Financial Services, Business Administration, Business Economics, Business Law, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Economics, Environmental Studies, International Business, Management, Marketing, Public Administration, along with an array of career opportunities, both in government, private, and international sectors. For individuals currently working within these fields, there may be potential for salary and/or career advancement.

Economics Department Page

Transfer Preparation

MSJC offers a wide range of course work that prepares students for the workforce or for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. All four-year institutions prescribe their own standards for course evaluation and admissions. Courses that fulfill major requirements for an associate degree in a program at MSJC might not be the same as those required for transfer into a similar major at a four-year university. Please meet with a Counselor to confirm transfer requirements.  

Transfer students are advised to do research on prospective majors and careers. The MSJC Transfer Center and MSJC catalog can be helpful tools. Students interested in transferring to CSU’s or UC’s can access major preparation by visiting ASSIST. All students are advised to meet with a counselor at least once a semester to create or update their comprehensive education plan.  

Contact Information

San Jacinto Campus
(951) 487-MSJC (6752)
1-800-624-5561
Samson Wakjira (951) 487-3754
swakjira@msjc.edu

Menifee Valley Campus
(951) 672-MSJC (6752)
1-800-452-3335
Dewey Heinsma (951) 639-5636
dheinsma@msjc.edu

Degrees

Transfer Degree

  • Analyze, apply, and communicate economic principles and polices.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the workings of the US economy and its institutions in a global context.
  • Identify, evaluate, and solve economic problems.
  • Assess benefits and costs of economic decision-making

Discover in-demand careers and education options based on your interests!  See the list of careers below or explore further by searching for Careers or Programs.

Note: There are no guaranteed positions for students completing these programs. Education and work experience required will vary by employer. The salary and benefits for specific occupations will be dependent on work experience, education, background, and employer. Labor market statistics are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Census Bureau, O-NET, EMSI.

Career/Industries CA Annual Median Salary or Range Employment Demand or Opening CA
Economist (B, M) $128,178 168
Market Research Analyst (B, M) $78,797 13,142
Financial Analyst (B, M) $97,699 3,040

(degree required: SM some college, C: Certificate, A: Associate degree, B: Bachelor’s degree, M: Master’s degree, D: Doctorate)