Economics, Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T)

Orange Coast College

Students graduating with an Associate in Arts in Economics for Transfer Degree are well positioned to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in a similar major within the California State University system with 60 units of upper-division coursework. Students who complete the Economics AA-T degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Students must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework. While a minimum 2.0 is required for CSU admission, some majors may require a higher GPA. Please consult a counselor for more information. The Associate Arts in Economics for Transfer (AA-T) focuses on fundamental principles and models in both microeconomics and macroeconomics. In Microeconomics, students examine the nature of optimal producer and consumer decisions, the structure of markets, and the application of optimal decision making to classic problems in microeconomics. This may include tax incidence, market failures, international trade, price controls, and market efficiency. In Macroeconomics, students examine economic concepts and principles as applied to markets, national income, unemployment, inflation, economic growth, fiscal and monetary policy, banking, the Federal Reserve System, and international economics. Additionally, students who choose the Associate in Arts in Economics for Transfer (AA-T) degree become literate in the language of economics: calculus and statistics. Crucial concepts of differentiation, integration, optimization, probability, and statistical inference are learned. These mathematical tools serve as the foundation for upper division economic analysis. Program Outcomes Explain the concepts of scarcity, opportunity cost, rational behavior, and economic efficiency. Use economic models to evaluate situations in the micro and macro economy, to evaluate government policies, and to explain the responses of consumers and producers to changes in market conditions. Develop the foundational skills in quantitative and computing methods to be eligible for admission (SB 1440 and Education Code 66746) to California State University system schools with similar degrees.