Insight

An economics degree offers exciting and high paying career opportunities. Our majors find jobs in business, legal, federal and state governments, international organizations, nonprofits, and education. Our Bachelor of Science in Economics program provides students with in-depth knowledge of economic theories, policies, and data analysis. Our students graduate with key critical-thinking and quantitative skills for analyzing complex issues. The program offers four areas of concentration (financial economics, environmental economics and public policy, quantitative economics, and international economics), which allow students to specialize in the field of economics that best matches their interest.

Our upper division courses are smaller-sized, facilitating student-faculty interaction while also engaging students in faculty research. The Economics Club organizes seminars, invites guest speakers, and plans social activities that help students build a stronger community.

More information about Chico State Economics programs, with helpful advising information for first-year and transfer students, is available by contacting the department.

Experience

Students may be eligible for internship credit if they take jobs that expand their knowledge of economics and/or allow them to apply the economics they have learned in class. 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, D.C. For some, internships turn into full-time jobs. Students interested in an internship should see the department chair. 

Students may earn a double major in economics and one of the business majors without doubling unit requirements since some courses count towards 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.

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, and is involved in local economic issues. Often students work with faculty on research projects. Undergraduate teaching and learning is their highest priority. 

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 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 sciences. In the working world, on average, women with bachelor’s degrees make about 75% as much as men; but women with bachelor’s degrees in economics make about the same as their male counterparts. 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.

Programs

Undergraduate

Bachelor's

Minors

See Course Description Symbols and Terms for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units.

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Economics Department

The Faculty

Emeritus Faculty