Academic Catalogs

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

Banner Code: 1_AAT_ECON

Control Number: 33283

Financial Aid Eligible


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

  1. Explain the concepts of scarcity, opportunity cost, rational behavior, and economic efficiency.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Associate Degree for Transfer Requirements

The following is required for all AA-T or AS-T degrees:

  1. Minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units.
  2. Minimum GPA of at least 2.0 in all CSU transferable courseworkWhile a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some majors require a higher GPAConsult with a counselor for more information.
  3. Completion of a minimum of 18-semester units in the major as detailed in the Degree and Certificate section of this catalogAll courses in the major must be completed with a grade of C (or “P”) or better.
  4. Certified completion of the Cal-GETC/Breadth.
  5. A minimum of 12 units in residence within the Coast Colleges (Orange Coast College, Golden West College and/or Coastline College).
Course Title Units
Required Courses
ECON A170/A170HMicroeconomics3
ECON A175/A175HMacroeconomics3
MATH A140Business Calculus5
or MATH A180/A180H Calculus 1
STAT A160Introduction to Statistics4
or PSYC A160 Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
List A - Select one course from the following:3-4
Financial Accounting
Managerial Accounting
Business Communication
Introduction to Computer Information Systems
Finite Mathematics with Applications
List B - Select one course not taken from List A or one of the following:3-4
Economics: General Concepts
Economics of Consumer Finance
Total Major Units21-23
California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) 1up to 34
Transferable elective as needed to satisfy unit requirementVaries
Total Degree Units60
1

Some program major units may also meet GE requirements.

Program Sequence - Cal-GETC

These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
ECON A170
Microeconomics
or Microeconomics Honors
3
ADT LIST B COURSE- CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements) 3
Cal-GETC GE AREA 1A- CHOOSE ONE 3
Cal-GETC GE AREA 3A- CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units12
Semester 2
ECON A175
Macroeconomics
or Macroeconomics Honors
3
STAT A160
Introduction to Statistics
or Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
4
ADT LIST A COURSE- CHOOSE ONE (See Requirements) 3
Cal-GETC GE AREA 1C- CHOOSE ONE 3-4
 Units13-14
Summer
MATH A115
College Algebra 1
or Precalculus
4
 Units4
Year 2
Semester 1
MATH A140
Business Calculus
or Calculus 1
or Calculus 1 Honors
5
HIST A170
History of the United States to 1876 2
or History of the United States to 1876 Honors
or History of the United States Since 1876
or History of the United States Since 1876 Honors
3
Cal-GETC GE AREA 1B CHOOSE ONE 3
Cal-GETC GE AREA 5A (no lab)- CHOOSE ONE 3 3
 Units14
Semester 2
ECON A175 Macroeconomics 3
POLS A180
American Government and Politics 5
or American Government and Politics Honors
3
Cal-GETC GE AREA 5B (with lab)- CHOOSE ONE 1 4
Cal-GETC GE AREA 6- CHOOSE ONE 3
ELECTIVE (UC/CSU TRANSFERABLE) 4 4
 Units17
 Total Units60-61
1

Take only if needed as a pre-requisite to Math A140 or Math A180. Otherwise take UC/CSU Elective units

2

American Institutions Requirement - Cal-GETC GE AREA 3B and CSU Graduation Requirement and AAT List C OR take another course from Cal-GETC GE AREA 3B - See Requirements Tab

3

Lab can be taken with 5A or 5B

4

VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 TRANSFERABLE UNITS. Not all courses are UC transferable. Please check with your counselor to ensure you have enough transferable units for your transfer goal.

5

American Institutions Requirement - Cal-GETC GE AREA 4 and CSU Graduation Requirement OR take another course from Cal-GETC GE AREA 4