Academic Catalogs

Economics, Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer

Banner Code: 2_AAT_ECON

Control Number: 35212

Financial Aid Eligible


The Associate in Arts in Economics for Transfer degree focuses on developing a set of principles and models in microeconomics and macroeconomics that can be used to explain the decision making process of individuals, firms, and society. In microeconomics, the students will learn about the producer and consumer, the function and structure of markets, and efficiency. In macroeconomics, students will learn about measuring and evaluating collective economic activity for the economy as a whole in terms of national income and product accounting, inflation, unemployment, and the effects of government policy on the economy. The degree also emphasizes enhancement of quantitative skills to be applied to economic applications and decision making. The mathematical tools learned in calculus and statistics provide a foundation for upper division economic analysis. Upon completion of the Associate in Arts in Economics for Transfer, the students will be prepared for transfer to pursue a baccalaureate degree in Economics.

Program Level Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  1. Apply the economic problem of scarcity to choice, opportunity cost, and marginal decision making for individuals and society.
  2. Quantitatively analyze economic activity of individuals, firms, the public sector, and the economy as a whole.
  3. Use economic concepts to analyze markets the influence of government policy on individual, economy wide, and global economic decision making.
  4. Use supply and demand models to analyze markets, evaluate fluctuations, and determine changes in prices.

Associate Degree for Transfer Graduation Requirements

Associate Degrees for Transfer require students to meet the following requirements:

  • Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of degree-applicable courses,
  • Minimum overall grade point average of 2.0,
  • Minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major, and
  • Completion of IGETC and/or CSU GE-Breadth.

Students should consult a GWC counselor in order to select the best pathway to meet their educational goals. For students who intend to transfer, the choice of general education will be specific to both their major and transfer institution.

Course Title Units
Required Courses – Core
ECON G170Principles of Microeconomics3
ECON G175Principles of Macroeconomics3
ECON G160Statistics for Business and Economics3-4
or MATH G160 Introduction To Statistics
or PSYC G140 Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
MATH G140Business Calculus4
or MATH G180 Calculus 1
List A
Select one of the following:4
ACCT G101Financial Accounting4
ACCT G102Managerial Accounting4
MATH G185Calculus 24
List B
Select one of the following:3-5
Any course from List A not already used
ECON G110Economic Issues and Policy3
ECON G130Environmental Economics and Policy3
ECON G135Political Economy3
MATH G235Applied Linear Algebra4-5
or MATH G285 Introduction to Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
MATH G280Calculus 34
Major Total20-23
Total units that may be double-counted9
GE Pattern (CSU GE-Breadth or IGETC)37-39
Transferable Electives (as needed to reach 60 units)8-12
Total Units60

Recommended Program Sequence

These sequences are general course maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, completion of short-term certificates, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. However, this may not be an appropriate path for all students.  The two-year sequence is based on English and Math placement and meeting other course prerequisites. Students are advised to meet with a GWC Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.

Year 1:

Course Title Units
Semester 1
ECON G170Principles of Microeconomics3
MATH G140Business Calculus4
or MATH G180 Calculus 1
ENGL G100Freshman Composition ^4
Area A1: Oral Communication course3
Units14
Course Title Units
Semester 2
ECON G175Principles of Macroeconomics3
ACCT G101Financial Accounting4
Area C1: Arts course3
PHIL G115Logic and Critical Thinking (or Area A3: Critical Thinking course)3-4
Area E: Lifelong Learning & Self-Development course3
Units16-17

Year 2:

Course Title Units
Semester 3
ACCT G102Managerial Accounting4
ECON G160Statistics for Business and Economics3-4
or MATH G160 Introduction To Statistics
Area B1: Physical Science course (with or without lab) *3-4
HIST G170History Of The United States To 1876 (Area C2: Humanities course)3
or HIST G175 History of the United States Since 1876
Area F: Ethnic Studies course3
Units16-18
Course Title Units
Semester 4
PSCI G180American Government (Area D: Social & Behavioral Science course)3
or PSCI G181 American Government: The Politics of Race and Ethnicity
Area B2: Life Science course (with or without lab) *3-4
Area C: Arts & Humanities course3
CSU Transferable elective coursework to reach a minimum of 60 units
Select one of the following: 3-4
ECON G110Economic Issues and Policy3
ECON G130Environmental Economics and Policy3
ECON G135Political Economy3
MATH G185Calculus 24
Units12-14
Total minimum units required60
*

Either B1 or B2 must include a lab.

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Program sequence may not be recommended for students who self-place into ENGL G100S. Students should see a Counselor for appropriate advisement.