Economics

Economics A program at Humboldt State University

Economics majors at Humboldt State University graduate faster than most. Across the nation, economics is one of the top "in demand" majors by employers hiring college graduates.

The Economics major includes the following concentration options:

Traditional Pathway Interdisciplinary Pathway Minor in Economics This booklet will further explore the Economics Major concentrations.

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Table of Contents Title

Page

Economics Pathways……………………………………………………………………...………….2 Table of Contents……………………………………………….………………………….………....3 Major Overview.……………………………………………...……………………..………………...4 Pathways: Traditional Pathway…………………………………………………………..……………..5 Interdisciplinary Pathway……………….…………..…………………………..……...6 Minor in Economics..………………………...…………………………………….……….7 Possible Employers………………………………………...……………………………………..….8 Marketable Skills……………………………………………….………………………………..…....9

Resources………………………………………………………………………………………………..10 Finding More Information………………………………..……………………………….……..11

Overview Economics majors earn among the highest starting salaries, on average, of all majors. The economics faculty at Humboldt State are committed to your success, which means we want you to graduate on time and we want you to quickly find a good paying job.

The mission of the Economics Program at Humboldt State University is to advance the understanding of economic processes and their relationship to social, political, and cultural institutions. In the liberal arts tradition, our Program places an emphasis on learning, critical thinking, and the development of the whole individual within the context of a rapidly changing world. We strive to advance an understanding and respect for the broad diversity of ideas and values that are inherent to the human condition. We are committed to serving students, the University, the community, and the State of California.

The Economics Department at Humboldt State University has designed the Major and Minor pathways in Economics to provide a high-quality experience tailored to the passion of each student. The goal of an economics education at Humboldt State is not focused solely on training traditional economists, though that is an excellent use of the skills learned at this program, but rather takes on a holistic approach.

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Traditional Economics Pathway The Traditional pathway offers the most complete economics curriculum available to a Humboldt State student, and can be a perfect stepping stone on the way to either a post-baccalaureate education or any one of the economics careers in many different fields.

The ability to take an additional twelve units of Economics adds to the depth and understanding of the subject and is a great way to enrich your desire to learn.

The field of Economics is vast, and there are many opportunities within it without having to reach out to another subject. Whether the historical context of economics or the role it has in public policy interests you, pursuing a Traditional pathway can help satisfy those inquiries along with many others. The additional exposure and involvement with the Economics department that a Traditional pathway student can have is another great benefit, as the dedication to economics alone can free up time and effort to put towards economics projects and research going on within the department.

Related Job Titles Economics is a broad major that offers diverse job opportunities. The following is a sample of the myriad opportunities available for Economics majors; many other job alternatives may exist. Some require further education.             

Administrative Assistant Aid/Development Worker Campaign Consultant Congressional Aid Court Administrator Consultant Economic Development Planner Financial Analyst Financial Advisor Financial Forecaster Govt. Treasury Officer Intelligence Specialist Import Export Specialist

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Legislative Analyst Loan Officer Market Researcher Park Naturalist Paralegal Researcher Park Technician/Aid Policy Analyst Public Affairs Officer Research Associate Sales Representative Survey Research Consultant Teacher

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Interdisciplinary Pathway With approval from one’s academic advisor and the Department Chair, students with a good academic record and a clear concept of their personal goals can develop an individually-designed interdisciplinary pathway. Such pathways will include an area of study in a complementary field, often a minor or equivalent for at least 18 units. This pathway provides a clear indication to future employers that you have both the economics background and the specific expertise in your field to be successful in your work.

Possible areas of study include but are not limited to: 

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Applied Math: For students who want access to more technically demanding careers requiring extensive knowledge of mathematics. This pathway will appeal to someone planning to enter a doctorate program in Economics.

Business: For students with career goals that demand specialized business training. This pathway will appeal to someone planning to enter an MBA program.

Energy: For students interested in combining engineering and environmental science with economics. Career paths include engineering consulting firms, state or federal policy agencies, and private energy industry firms.

Environmental & Natural Resource Planning: For students interested in careers such as industry representatives, advocates, consultants, and government planners working on environmental and natural resource issues.

International Studies: For students interested in careers in international business, policy, or advocacy.

Political Science: For students interested in careers in law, business, government and public affairs, advocacy and interest groups, and other nonprofits.

Secondary Teacher Education Preparation: For students interested in pursuing a secondary education credential and teaching high school social studies and economics.

Economics Minor To get a minor in Economics you should contact one the Economics faculty. They will prepare a minor contract for you, and the process should take about 15 minutes.

ECON 210 (Principles of Economics) is required for the Economics Minor. In consultation with an economics advisor you will select an additional 12 units of upper division economics electives (with the exception of ECON 320). You will need to receive approval from the economics advisor before completing two courses in the program.

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Possible Employers Private and Non-Profit: Advertising Agencies

Higher Education Institutions

Real Estate Agencies

Bureau of Economic Analyses

Hotels/Motels

Resorts/Clubs

Business/Banks/Financial Centers

International Agencies

Retail Stores

Bureau of the Census

Investment Firms

Web based Businesses

Consulting Firms

Non-Profits

Federal Agencies: Bureau of Justice Statistics

Federal Financing Bank

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Bureau of Reclamation

Council of Economic Advisors

Information Resources Center

Bureau of Transportation Statistics Department of Treasury Economic Adjustment Office Bureau of Land Management Chief Financial Officers Council Commerce Department

Federal Housing Finance Agency

Internal Revenue Service International Trade Commission

Economics, Business and Agricultural Affairs Environmental Protection Agency

State, County & Local Agencies County Auditor

Franchise Tax Board

Small Business Development

Data Centers

Housing Finance Agency

Debt and Investments Advisory

Local Banks and Credit Unions

State and County Planning Department

Department of Finance

Public Colleges and Universities

State Controller

Department of Fiscal Services

State Auditing Bureaus

State Treasurer

A Bachelors Degree is designed to give you the Top Skills employers are looking for.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the top ten are: 

Effective communication

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Obtaining and processing information

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Working in a team structure

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Analyzing quantitative data

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Making decisions/solving problems

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Analytic and Investigative Skills

Proficiency with computers and software

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Planning/organizing and prioritizing work

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Creating and editing written reports

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Selling and influencing others

Marketable Skills In Your Major Analytical and Investigative Skills

Quantitative Data 

Analyzing data/maintaining records

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Developing research designs

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Collecting and organizing data

Effective Communication 

Effective/persuasive speaking

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Writing reports/articles

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Explaining data analysis

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Ability to grasp complex concepts

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Complex mathematical and logical thinking

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Translating theory into action

Problem Solving 

Assessing needs/defining problems

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Reviewing/evaluating goals, projects or ideas

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Relating theory to practice/generating solutions

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Resources Professional Association Internship and Career Boards  The American Economic Association • Research Experiences for  American Law and Economics Undergraduates (REU) Association • HSU Handshake  American Mathematical Society • Sustainable Business (Green  Association for Women in Dream Jobs) Mathematics • US Environmental Protection  International Economic Association Agency  National Economic Association • Federal Job Board • Indeed.com  National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals Additional Resources Resource for Career Exploration and Job Analysis  ONET Online

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Further Exploration...

To continue to explore majors, discuss your interests or further research career goals contact a career advisor at (707)826-3341 or visit Gist Hall, Room 114.

If you have specific questions regarding the major, contact the Economics department at (707)826-3204, econ@humboldt.edu or visit Siemens, Room 206.