The field of Economics analyzes how society governs the production and distribution of goods and services, decisionmaking by members of the economy, and relevant contemporary economic issues. Through a process of informed and critical investigation of contemporary society, our faculty utilize both conventional and alternative perspectives in the field to explain how markets function, address the many unresolved problems of economic policy, and evaluate potential shortcomings of the traditional explanations of economic events.
The study of Economics provides students with the knowledge required to be actively engaged participants in economic affairs. It also provides students with an analytical and critical thinking skill set necessary to address persistent social problems such as economic inequality, climate change, racial injustice, pandemics, and poverty.
The study of Economics also prepares students for a variety of interesting career paths in business, finance, banking, and government, as well as politics, international relations, education, law, and health and human services. Governments at all levels, as well as international organizations, are significant employers of Economics majors. Economic consulting is also a rapidly growing area of employment for majors, as are both commercial and investment banking.
Information from the American Economic Association (AEA):
“A career in Economics…it’s much more than you think. These four individuals offer their insights on how a background in Economics can be a tool for solving very human problems.”
Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university need to know which courses completed at Santa Monica College will be accepted at the specific college/university. Please consult a Counselor. SMC has transfer articulation agreements with the many UC and CSU campuses, as well as many private and out-of-state institutions.
18 units + General Education Requirements
Microeconomics and Macroeconomics involve the study of how society can best use scarce resources such as land, raw materials, capital, and labor. The course of study analyzes the relationships between the supply of goods and services and the demand for them, as well as how these goods and services are produced, distributed, and consumed. Some economists work on public issues such as the control of inflation, business cycles, unemployment, wage, tax, and tariff policies.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
Demonstrate the ability to evaluate evidence and make compelling arguments about the relationships between the supply of goods and services and the demand for them, as well as how these goods and services are produced, distributed, and consumed.
Our counselors are here to help you plan your academic classes, goals, and needs.
Transfer Preparation
