Overview of Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Economics
Majors Overview April 27, 2013Businesses need employees who are familiar with financial planning and the principles of economics. Trade transactions and complex monetary are constantly occurring worldwide, which leads to the need for economics experts. The first step to enter this career field is to pursue an Associate in Arts degree program.
A.A. in Economics
Since economic jobs usually require a bachelor degree, associate degree programs will provide students with two years of foundational classes, which prepare them to transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor degree program. While working toward an A.A. degree in Economics, individuals explore how social and political changes can affect them, as well as learn how to identify economic trends. The training students receive promotes communication proficiency, analytical processes, problem-solving techniques, and critical-thinking skills that are necessary for an economic career.
Program Course Topics
Since the economics field encompasses various topics, such as financial extrapolation and sophisticated mathematics, programs usually provide students with a solid foundation of economic basics; additionally, elective offerings in several specialty areas. The program course topics may include the following:
•International business
•Business-related statistics
•Financial accounting
•Business-related calculus
•Microeconomics
•Macroeconomics
Career Options
Individuals who want to pursue the economics career field are required to hold a bachelor degree, although some employers might require a master or doctoral degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS – www.bls.gov). Students will obtain basic skills as well as preparation for continuing education through the associate degree program. Individuals who have earned a bachelor degree may obtain the following entry-level careers:
•Financial consulting
•Research assistance
•Sales
•Marketing
Continuing Education
Students will be able to select a concentration in business, financial analysis, or mathematical economics at the bachelor’s level. Completion of a master or doctoral degree program will qualify individuals for one or more prestigious research-based and administration jobs. At the graduate level there are various areas of emphasis. These include constitutional economics, financial economics, economic development, econometrics, law and economics, and international economics.