Why Study Economics at CSUN

Why Study Economics at CSUN?

What is Economics?

Economics is the study of how people, businesses, and governments make decisions and how those decisions shape markets and societies. At its heart, economics examines how limited resources are used and distributed, but it also goes far beyond that.

By combining theory, data analysis, and real-world applications, majoring in economics at CSUN helps students understand both individual decision-making and broad economic forces that affect communities locally, nationally, and globally.

Career Opportunities

An economics degree from CSUN is versatile and highly valued in today’s job market. Our major in Economics equips students with quantitative, analytical, and critical thinking skills that translate into careers in:

  • Banking, consulting, accounting, and finance
  • Policy analysis and government service
  • Entertainment, media, and technology industries
  • Nonprofit organizations and community development
  • Data analytics and research roles

Careers Across Industries

In recent years, our graduates have secured positions in:

Financial Services, Insurance, Banking, and Consulting with employers such as Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, Farmers Insurance, Bank of Hope, Morgan Stanley, Grant Thornton, and Fortezza Partners.

Media, Communications, and Entertainment with organizations like CBS and PennyMac.

Government, and Nonprofits at institutions such as the Los Angeles Bureau of Street Lighting, and community-based organizations.

Retail, Consumer Products, and Transportation/Logistics in management, sales, and operations roles at companies including Enterprise Mobility, Target, and others.

Graduate School Opportunities

In addition to joining leading employers, several of our alumni have chosen to pursue graduate education at top programs at UCLA, USC, Georgia Tech, Claremont Graduate University, among others. The rigorous training our students receive in economics, combined with the mentorship and guidance of our dedicated faculty, prepares them to succeed in demanding graduate programs in economics, business, law, analytics, and public policy.

Preparing for the Future

Economics at CSUN provides students with the tools to think critically, solve complex problems, and analyze data in ways that few other majors can match. Our graduates enter the workforce and graduate school with the confidence and skills to adapt to new challenges, contribute to their organizations, and make a meaningful impact in society.

Suggested Tracks for Meeting Elective Requirements

These are suggested ways to fill the electives requirement requirements. The tracks are not binding but provide students with recommendations on what courses to take depending on their career objectives.

  1. Graduate School Preparation
    • Economics electives
      • ECON 311: Money, Banking, and the Federal Reserve
      • ECON 403: Open-Economy Macroeconomics
      • ECON 410: Industrial Organization
      • ECON 421: Labor Economics
    • Non-Economics electives
      • MATH 250: Calculus III
      • MATH 340: Introduction to Probability and Statistics
      • MATH 351: Differential Equations
      • MATH 382/L: Introduction to Scientific Computing and Lab
      • MATH 450A: Advanced Calculus I 
  2. Data Science and Analytics
    • Economics electives
      • ECON 307: Economics for Marketing Professionals
      • ECON 308: Economics for Managers
      • ECON 410: Industrial Organization
      • ECON 421: Labor Economics
    • Non-Economics electives
      • MATH 340: Introduction to Probability and Statistics
      • MATH 444: Statistical Modeling
      • COMP 110/L: Algorithms and Programming and Lab
      • COMP 182/L: Data Structures and Program Design and Lab
      • COMP 442: Machine Learning Principles
  3. Quantitative Finance
    • Economics electives
      • ECON 311: Money, Banking, and the Federal Reserve
      • ECON 403: Open-Economy Macroeconomics
      • ECON 405: International Trade
      • ECON 410: Industrial Organization
    • Non-Economics electives
      • MATH 340: Introduction to Probability and Statistics
      • FIN 355: Corporate Finance
      • FIN 359: Quantitative Finance
      • FIN 436: Futures and Options: Theory and Strategy
      • FIN 459: Financial Modeling
  4. Geographic Information Systems
    • Economics electives
      • ECON 350: Urban Economics
      • ECON 370: Economic Development
      • ECON 360: Environmental Economics
      • ECON 433: Public Economics
    • Non-Economics electives
      • MATH 340: Introduction to Probability and Statistics
      • COMP 110/L: Algorithms and Programming and Lab
      • GEOG 206/L: Introduction to Geographical Information Science and Lab
      • GEOG 306/L: Intermediate Geographical Information Science and Lab
      • GEOG 406/L: Advanced Geographical Information Science and Lab