For the certificate of study in Economic Education, see Certificates of Study.
Department Chair
Erick Eschker, Ph.D.
Department of Economics
Siemens Hall 206
(707) 826-3204
www.humboldt.edu/~econ
See what our students, faculty and alumni have to say about our program at:
www.humboldt.edu/~econ/students.html
The Economics major at Humboldt State University is distinguished by its hands-on approach and close faculty-student relationships. Our “small urban” environment is a wonderful place for Economics majors to learn and make a difference in the community through our many research and service learning opportunities. Examples include calculating the economic impact of our annual Oyster Festival, helping prepare the City of Arcata’s development strategy, and preparing monthly estimates for the Humboldt Economic Index. Students have published papers with faculty on the local gasoline market and local fisheries market, and have researched sustainable energy and real estate.
The Economics faculty is committed to student learning as their first priority. We don’t teach classes in large lecture halls and even our introductory economics classes are small. Advanced computer technology is used throughout the curriculum. In the liberal arts tradition, we emphasize learning, critical thinking, and development of the whole individual within the context of a rapidly changing world. Our faculty’s teaching and research interests include exciting new areas such as Sports Economics, Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, Real Estate Economics, and Sustainable Development.
Economics is essential for recommending the best policy option for some of today’s major issues, including environmental protection, globalization, poverty, and sustainable energy supplies. The Economics curriculum includes both microeconomic and macroeconomic issues. Microeconomics is about the rationing of scarce resources. All human societies confront this fundamental problem, so economics is of central importance. Macroeconomics is about understanding why some countries are rich and some are poor, and about maintaining high employment and low inflation. Students learn to make sense of a large and complex economy and they critically evaluate the impact that different economic policies have on their lives.
Many of our graduates attend law school, earn an MBA, or pursue an advanced graduate degree in economics. Economics students typically earn high starting salaries and pursue a diverse range of career tracks including banking, government, advocacy organizations, consulting, brokerage, and sales. We have a strong record of helping students realize their career aspirations, whether that be through job placements or preparation for graduate and professional school. Economics majors at Humboldt State University are in the top ten percent in terms of shortest time to graduation.
We believe that 21st century academic training must move toward a more interdisciplinary, team problem-solving approach. Our major has pathways that require students to take minors in mathematics, political science, natural resources planning, computer information systems, business, and other related disciplines.
High school students should take college preparatory courses, including English, writing, social science, and economics (if available). Math (including calculus) is recommended.
Students must earn a minimum grade of C- in all required courses for the major and the minor.
Taken in all pathways: 37-38 units.
ECON 210 Principles
of Economics
ECON
310 Intermediate Microtheory & Strategy
ECON
311 Intermediate Macroeconomics
ECON 490 Capstone
Experience
MATH
115 Algebra & Elementary Functions or
MATH
109 Calculus I or
MATH
106 Calculus for Business & Economics
STAT
108 Elementary Statistics or
BA
232 Introductory Business Statistics
STAT 333
Intermediate Statistics or
BA 332
Intermediate Business Statistics
Plus three additional 4-unit upper division economics elective courses.
CIS = 53-56 units, including core; math = 63-66 units, including core.
For students who want access to more technically demanding
careers requiring extensive knowledge of computers or mathematics. This pathway
will appeal to someone planning to enter a graduate program.
55-56 units, including core.
This pathway is designed for the student with
career goals that demand specialized business training. Students
choose courses in finance, accounting, management, marketing, or business
law. This pathway
will appeal to someone planning to enter business or an MBA program.
This pathway can fulfill the requirements for the Minor in Business Administration.
59-60 units, including core.
Develop skills
appropriate for careers in law, business, government and public
affairs, advocacy and interest groups, and other nonprofits. Gain an appreciation
for the relationship
between economics and governance/political systems.
58-59 units, including core. Provides a strong economics background
for industry representatives, advocates, consultants, and government
planners working on environmental and natural resource issues.
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 pathway. Individually designed
pathways will include an embedded minor (or equivalent) plus other
relevant coursework totaling at least 15 units that reflect a rigorous
depth of study
from a related academic discipline. Students may also build a pathway
around increased depth of study within economics. Students must write
a memo that
outlines the purpose of the individually designed pathway, including
intended learning and career outcomes.
ECON 210 Principles of Economics
In consultation with an economics advisor, select an additional 12 units of
upper division economics electives (with the exception of ECON 320). Receive
approval from the economics advisor before completing two courses in the program.