Breadcrumb
Economics, B.A.
Economics teaches analytical skills and problem-solving techniques that are extremely valuable to employers, making it one of the most in-demand majors with a high starting salary. Economics is also excellent preparation for graduate study in economics, public policy, law, and business. Our sustainability-focused and interdisciplinary curriculum accommodates a broad range of student interests, including math and science, environmental and natural resources, business, politics, history, journalism, and international studies. We emphasize applied knowledge and offer many opportunities for hands-on learning and internships. Our department provides a sense of care, support, and belonging, with small classes and professors who know you by name.
Why this program
We provide students with hands-on learning opportunities, including research and data analysis for the Humboldt Economic Index, the Eureka CPI project, the Humboldt County Economic Development Division, and other local economic development organizations.
Professors know you by name and support/encourage you as you grow and learn! None of our major courses have more than 40 students and many have fewer than 30. Students study and collaborate in our Atkinson Student Workspace.
Economics pairs well with many areas of study, including math and science, environmental and natural resources, business, politics, history, journalism, and international studies. Our interdisciplinary curriculum allows students to minor or double major in a related field!
Emphases
Allows students to explore a number of different economics electives and see how economics applies to a variety of real-world problems and issues.
Focuses on the interaction between economic activity and environmental sustainability, applying economic concepts to practical environmental goals. Concepts such as incentive regulations, a clean-energy transition, pollution mitigation, and sustainable consumption are addressed using economic theories and prescriptive policy tools.
For students interested in environmental policy and analysis and careers as industry representatives, advocates, consultants, and government planners working on environmental and natural resource issues.
Environmental & Sustainability Emphasis
Focuses on the intersection between quantitative methods and economic analysis. It provides strong preparation for students planning to enter a doctoral program in economics, statistics, or other quantitative fields. It also prepares students for more technically demanding careers requiring extensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, geospatial analysis, or data science.
Economics is ONE important lens through which to understand the world and to analyze complex problems. Combining a strong economics background with a minor (or equivalent) in a related field such as, political science, business, international studies, or history, will give students an edge when applying for jobs.
Did you know?
Our student-led Economics Forum is an informal gathering of students and faculty to discuss contemporary economic issues.
Econ students can hang out and study in the Atkinson Collaborative Workspace in our office suite.
We offer a Service Learning course where students work for a local economic development organization and make connections between their “real world” experience in the community and the economic theory learned in class.
Careers
We have a strong record of helping students realize their career aspirations and our graduates have gone on to a wide range of careers in banking, finance, government, advocacy, environmental consulting, and business. The mathematical and analytical skills that economics majors develop in school are extremely valuable in just about every workplace, making economics one of the most versatile majors.
- Actuary
- Claim Adjustor/Appraiser
- Economist
- Lawyer
- Loan Officer
- Applied Data Analyst
- Lobbyist
- Public Policy Analyst
- Environmental Planner
- Sustainability Consultant
- Urban and Regional Community Development Planner
