Economics A.A.

The science behind goods and services

Understand how the economy works

Begin your studies in economics with an associate degree from the College of Lake County. With this affordable degree, you develop a foundational understanding of this social science, which focuses on the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services.

Upon graduation, you’re ready for success at a 4-year school. With your bachelor’s degree, you can find rewarding work as an actuary, analyst or financial planner.

What can you do with an A.A. in Economics?

The Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree in Economics prepares you to transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree in business, computer science or related fields. It lays the foundation for a career in many fields.

Highlights

100% Online

This degree can be completed 100% online. It’s up to you!
Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).
Transfer Degree

Save money on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice.
Program Length: 2 Years

Finish in 2 years as a full-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $57,734
  
  Median
  
  $100,004
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $182,464
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $27.75
  
  Median
  
  $48.07
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $87.72
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  17.39%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  65.22%
  
  Doctorate
  
  17.39%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $43,188
  
  Median
  
  $74,639
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $148,555
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $20.76
  
  Median
  
  $35.88
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $71.42
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  2.15%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  17.05%
  
  Doctorate
  
  80.8%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $68,686
  
  Median
  
  $128,575
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $242,208
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $33.02
  
  Median
  
  $61.81
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $116.44
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  20.83%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  50%
  
  Doctorate
  
  29.17%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $68,686
  
  Median
  
  $128,575
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $242,208
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $33.02
  
  Median
  
  $61.81
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $116.44
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  11.11%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  40.74%
  
  Doctorate
  
  48.14%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $45,176
  
  Median
  
  $78,471
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $147,920
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $21.72
  
  Median
  
  $37.72
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $71.11
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  60.87%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  39.13%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Direct or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to limit costs and improve accuracy, customer service, or safety. Examine existing procedures or opportunities for streamlining activities to meet product distribution needs. Direct the movement, storage, or processing of inventory.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $63,636
  
  Median
  
  $108,967
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $202,677
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $30.59
  
  Median
  
  $52.38
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $97.43
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Associate Degree
  
  4.76%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  76.19%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  19.05%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $38,117
  
  Median
  
  $97,178
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $170,179
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $18.32
  
  Median
  
  $46.72
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $81.81
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  50%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  46.16%
  
  Doctorate
  
  3.85%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
ENG 121	ENG 121 English Composition I Class Description This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
BUS 121	BUS 121 Introduction to Business Class Description This course provides a broad overview of the principles, functions and careers in business. Topics included are: economics, global business, ethics, business structures, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, accounting, finance and operations management.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
ECO 221	ECO 221 Principles of Macroeconomics Class Description This course analyzes the national economy by measuring and tracking the changes in key economic variables such as GDP and the economic growth rate, the unemployment rate, and the inflation rate. Principal macroeconomic issues will be explored and discussed from diverse economic models and will include a discussion on the use and effectiveness of fiscal and monetary policies as well as the causes and consequences of recessions and expansions on the national economy.	3	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available
MTH 222	MTH 222 Business Statistics Class Description This course focuses on the application of statistical methods to the solution of real-life business problems. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply appropriate statistical techniques needed to collect, summarize, and interpret data in order to answer business-related questions and communicate informed business decisions. In addition, students will be able to identify and implement appropriate statistical tests using past business data in order to test claims about current conditions and estimate unknown parameters. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results, and all computations are carried out using appropriate technology, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheet programs (e.g. Excel), or statistical computing software.Topics include: data collection processes (sampling methods, observational studies, experimental design); descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data; basic probability theory and probability distributions (binomial, uniform, exponential and normal distributions); estimation using confidence intervals; hypothesis tests of means and proportions (both one- sample and two-sample); linear regression and correlation; chi square tests; and one-factor analysis of variance. Notes: Students may not receive credit towards a degree for both MTH 222 and MTH 142. A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details.Prerequisites: MTH 122 (D or better) or MTH 108 (C or better)?OR?appropriate score on CLC Math Placement Test, Math ACT, or Math SATIAI: M1 902, BUS 901	4	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 121
Course Title	ENG 121 English Composition I Class Description This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 121
Course Title	BUS 121 Introduction to Business Class Description This course provides a broad overview of the principles, functions and careers in business. Topics included are: economics, global business, ethics, business structures, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, accounting, finance and operations management.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ECO 221
Course Title	ECO 221 Principles of Macroeconomics Class Description This course analyzes the national economy by measuring and tracking the changes in key economic variables such as GDP and the economic growth rate, the unemployment rate, and the inflation rate. Principal macroeconomic issues will be explored and discussed from diverse economic models and will include a discussion on the use and effectiveness of fiscal and monetary policies as well as the causes and consequences of recessions and expansions on the national economy.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	MTH 222
Course Title	MTH 222 Business Statistics Class Description This course focuses on the application of statistical methods to the solution of real-life business problems. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply appropriate statistical techniques needed to collect, summarize, and interpret data in order to answer business-related questions and communicate informed business decisions. In addition, students will be able to identify and implement appropriate statistical tests using past business data in order to test claims about current conditions and estimate unknown parameters. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results, and all computations are carried out using appropriate technology, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheet programs (e.g. Excel), or statistical computing software.Topics include: data collection processes (sampling methods, observational studies, experimental design); descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data; basic probability theory and probability distributions (binomial, uniform, exponential and normal distributions); estimation using confidence intervals; hypothesis tests of means and proportions (both one- sample and two-sample); linear regression and correlation; chi square tests; and one-factor analysis of variance. Notes: Students may not receive credit towards a degree for both MTH 222 and MTH 142. A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details.Prerequisites: MTH 122 (D or better) or MTH 108 (C or better)?OR?appropriate score on CLC Math Placement Test, Math ACT, or Math SATIAI: M1 902, BUS 901
Credits	4
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose ECO 222 instead of ECO 221. Students also can choose another general education math elective instead of MTH 222.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
ENG 122	ENG 122 English Composition II Class Description This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
ACC 121	ACC 121 Financial Accounting Class Description This is an introductory course focusing on financial reporting for external users. Course coverage includes basic accounting principles, the accounting cycle with an emphasis on transaction analysis, and financial statements. Specific course topics include the valuation and reporting of cash, receivables, inventory, long-term assets, current and long-term liabilities and stockholders' equity.	4	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
HST 122	HST 122 History of Western Civilization 1500 to Present Class Description This course is an historical survey of the West from the Reformation and rise of absolutist monarchies through the French Revolution, Age of Industrialization, the 20th century ideological conflicts and wars, and the modern global age. Emphasis is placed on the political, economic, social, cultural, and intellectual forces that shaped the development and direction of Western Civilization.	3	Credit for prior learning available Global citizenship Online/Virtual options available
ECO 222	ECO 222 Principles of Microeconomics Class Description This course analyzes the economic decision-making of households and firms under the limitations of scarce resources. Fundamental concepts of economics including demand, supply, market equilibrium, elasticity, consumer utility, and the behavior of firms will be discussed and analyzed. The production decisions of firms will be evaluated under different market structures including perfect competition, monopoly, monopolistic competition, and oligopoly.	3	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available
GEG 121	GEG 121 Physical Geography Class Description This introductory physical science course examines the processes and agents that help to shape and change the environment in which humans live. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships that exist between the earth's heat and energy systems and the weather, climate, soils, vegetation, streams, oceans, landforms, and human activities.	3	Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 122
Course Title	ENG 122 English Composition II Class Description This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACC 121
Course Title	ACC 121 Financial Accounting Class Description This is an introductory course focusing on financial reporting for external users. Course coverage includes basic accounting principles, the accounting cycle with an emphasis on transaction analysis, and financial statements. Specific course topics include the valuation and reporting of cash, receivables, inventory, long-term assets, current and long-term liabilities and stockholders' equity.
Credits	4
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	HST 122
Course Title	HST 122 History of Western Civilization 1500 to Present Class Description This course is an historical survey of the West from the Reformation and rise of absolutist monarchies through the French Revolution, Age of Industrialization, the 20th century ideological conflicts and wars, and the modern global age. Emphasis is placed on the political, economic, social, cultural, and intellectual forces that shaped the development and direction of Western Civilization.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ECO 222
Course Title	ECO 222 Principles of Microeconomics Class Description This course analyzes the economic decision-making of households and firms under the limitations of scarce resources. Fundamental concepts of economics including demand, supply, market equilibrium, elasticity, consumer utility, and the behavior of firms will be discussed and analyzed. The production decisions of firms will be evaluated under different market structures including perfect competition, monopoly, monopolistic competition, and oligopoly.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	GEG 121
Course Title	GEG 121 Physical Geography Class Description This introductory physical science course examines the processes and agents that help to shape and change the environment in which humans live. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships that exist between the earth's heat and energy systems and the weather, climate, soils, vegetation, streams, oceans, landforms, and human activities.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose ECO 221 instead of ECO 222. Students also can choose other courses instead of HST 122 and GEG 121.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CMM 121	CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech Class Description For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.	3	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
PHI 122	PHI 122 Logic Class Description This course develops formal reasoning, including categorical and symbolic modes of analysis. It covers Venn diagrams, predicate logic, rules of inference and replacement. It introduces the inductive method and the problem of induction.	3	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available
ECO 223	ECO 223 Money, Banking, and Financial Markets Class Description The course emphasizes the economic and monetary history and theory of money and banking in the United States. Primary focus is given to the role that banks and financial institutions serve in economic development. Also discussed are the impacts of Federal Reserve monetary policy decisions on the aggregate economy using macroeconomic analysis. The relative effectiveness of monetary policy on financial markets is also evaluated.	3
BIO 120	BIO 120 Environmental Biology Class Description This course focuses on the relationships between humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, pollution, and energy. The goal is to better understand the biological and social problems that human use and misuse of the environment cause. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 120 and BIO 140. NOTE: Required, local field trips are scheduled during several (approximate1/2) of the lab periods. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites. This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course.	4	Credit for prior learning available
HUM 122	HUM 122 Humanities: Renaissance to the Present Class Description This interdisciplinary course introduces students to art, architecture, literature, philosophy, religion, myth, music, and philosophy of western (Europe; North, Latin, and South America) and non-western (Asia, Africa, India) civilizations from the 15th century to the present. NOTE: HUM 121 is not a prerequisite for HUM 122. Thus, students can take HUM 122 without taking HUM 121.	3	Credit for prior learning available Global citizenship Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CMM 121
Course Title	CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech Class Description For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
Credits	3
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	PHI 122
Course Title	PHI 122 Logic Class Description This course develops formal reasoning, including categorical and symbolic modes of analysis. It covers Venn diagrams, predicate logic, rules of inference and replacement. It introduces the inductive method and the problem of induction.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ECO 223
Course Title	ECO 223 Money, Banking, and Financial Markets Class Description The course emphasizes the economic and monetary history and theory of money and banking in the United States. Primary focus is given to the role that banks and financial institutions serve in economic development. Also discussed are the impacts of Federal Reserve monetary policy decisions on the aggregate economy using macroeconomic analysis. The relative effectiveness of monetary policy on financial markets is also evaluated.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	BIO 120
Course Title	BIO 120 Environmental Biology Class Description This course focuses on the relationships between humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, pollution, and energy. The goal is to better understand the biological and social problems that human use and misuse of the environment cause. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 120 and BIO 140. NOTE: Required, local field trips are scheduled during several (approximate1/2) of the lab periods. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites. This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course.
Credits	4
Credit for prior learning available

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUM 122
Course Title	HUM 122 Humanities: Renaissance to the Present Class Description This interdisciplinary course introduces students to art, architecture, literature, philosophy, religion, myth, music, and philosophy of western (Europe; North, Latin, and South America) and non-western (Asia, Africa, India) civilizations from the 15th century to the present. NOTE: HUM 121 is not a prerequisite for HUM 122. Thus, students can take HUM 122 without taking HUM 121.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose other courses instead of PHI 122, BIO 120 and HUM 122.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
MTH 224	MTH 224 Calculus for Business and Social Science Class Description Includes analytical geometry and calculus topics such as functions and their graphs, rectangular coordinate systems, limits, differentiation and integration of algebraic, logarithmic and exponential functions. Applications are included along with selected topics from multivariable calculus. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact EMPS division office for details.	4	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available
SOC 121	SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology Class Description This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
ECO 224	ECO 224 Public Finance Class Description This course explains the economic functions of government in a capitalistic economic system. It focuses on government operations in two distinct areas: government expenditure and government revenue. First, government expenditure programs are examined with primary emphasis on the provision of public goods and on welfare distribution functions. The second aspect of the course examines how the government collects revenue. Topics such as cost-benefit analysis and ability to pay and benefit principles of taxation are explained as well as the relationship between fiscal policy and debt and deficit management.	3	Online/Virtual options available
HUM 127	HUM 127 Critical Thinking Class Description Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.	3	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	MTH 224
Course Title	MTH 224 Calculus for Business and Social Science Class Description Includes analytical geometry and calculus topics such as functions and their graphs, rectangular coordinate systems, limits, differentiation and integration of algebraic, logarithmic and exponential functions. Applications are included along with selected topics from multivariable calculus. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact EMPS division office for details.
Credits	4
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	SOC 121
Course Title	SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology Class Description This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ECO 224
Course Title	ECO 224 Public Finance Class Description This course explains the economic functions of government in a capitalistic economic system. It focuses on government operations in two distinct areas: government expenditure and government revenue. First, government expenditure programs are examined with primary emphasis on the provision of public goods and on welfare distribution functions. The second aspect of the course examines how the government collects revenue. Topics such as cost-benefit analysis and ability to pay and benefit principles of taxation are explained as well as the relationship between fiscal policy and debt and deficit management.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUM 127
Course Title	HUM 127 Critical Thinking Class Description Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
Credits	3
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose other courses instead of MTH 224, SOC 121 and HUM 127.

Total Credit Hours

60

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Start at CLC and continue with a 4-year school to earn your bachelor's degree. CLC has partnerships with many colleges and universities, covering a wide range of programs.

Our Guaranteed Transfer Partnerships (GTAs) with a select number of schools guarantee admission to students who meet specific criteria.

Economics at CLC

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Frequently asked questions

In this program, you gain an intricate understanding of complex concepts like money, banking and the financial markets. You also learn to collect and analyze data, including information from government sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Federal Reserve and the Congressional Budget Office.
You get an excellent education at an affordable price. Enjoy the benefits of our small class sizes, which allows you to receive personalized attention from instructors and build relationships with classmates.
Enjoy more perks such as resources like free textbooks, including the books for two of your main classes, macro- and micro-economics.
Yes—well, most of them. Every course in this program is offered in an online format, except for our field courses which must be taken in person.
Attend class in the way that works best for your goals:
- Virtual Live: Learn remotely in real time. Take classes taught live via Zoom.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete course work without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
- In-person: Keep your degree on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in person with faculty and peers.
Yes. There’s a distinct advantage to earning your associate degree—a 30% advantage. The Brookings Institution reports that employees with associate degrees earn 30% more on average than those with high school diplomas. Over a lifetime, the earnings of an associate degree recipient are roughly $170,000 higher than those of a high school graduate.
Yes! Researchers have looked at how community college students fare after transferring. The biggest marker for success? Finishing your associate degree before transferring. In fact, those students seem to do better at the 4-year than students who started at the 4-year.

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The science behind goods and services

Understand how the economy works

What can you do with an A.A. in Economics?

Highlights

100% Online

Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Transfer Degree

Program Length: 2 Years

Career Outlook

Climate Change Policy Analysts

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

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Top entry-level education

Economists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Environmental Economists

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Top entry-level education

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

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Top entry-level education

Supply Chain Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Survey Researchers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

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Semester 1 15 Credits

Semester 2 16 Credits

Semester 3 16 Credits

Semester 4 13 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Learn how CLC helps you transfer

Economics at CLC

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Apply now: It's easy and free

Frequently asked questions

What will I learn?

Why should I study Economics at CLC?

Can I take my classes online?

Is an A.A. worth it?

Does an A.A. matter if I'm going for my bachelor's?

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