Explore Associate in Art Degrees (A.A. and AA-T)
Economics
Let Coastline pique your interest for interest rates and global markets. Take on society’s big questions on both macro and micro levels. With proper cost/benefit analysis, you’ll see the benefits of enrolling today.
Areas of Study
Course Preview
Check out some of the Economics courses offered at Coastline.
Formerly ECON C100. Learn the basic tools and concepts of economic analysis with an emphasis of applying economic theory to current issues and policy. Topics include scarcity and decision making, supply and demand, and the effects of fiscal and monetary policy as applied to selected problems such as crime and drug control, pollution, taxation, Social Security, healthcare, poverty and income equality, and international trade.
Formerly ECON C185. Learn concepts and tools of economic analysis. The course studies price theory, including supply and demand, marginal analysis, utility, cost and revenue concepts, perfect and imperfect competition, production, and factor markets. Economic principles are applied to the analysis of such problems as industrial organization, the environment, public choice, and the distribution of income.
Formerly ECON C180. This course examines and analyzes the economic problem of productivity, recession, unemployment, and inflation. The focus of this investigation centers on business cycles, the measurement of output and income in the economy, the determination of the equilibrium level of national income in the economy, money creation and the banking system, monetary and fiscal policy options, international trade and finance, and the effects of the public debt.
Academic Plans
An Associate in Arts for Transfer in Economics degree will introduce students to the fundamentals of economics. Students will develop a set of principles and models in microeconomics and macroeconomics that can be used to explain the decision-making process of individuals, firms, and society with a focus on the application of these concepts to solving economic problems. The degree also emphasizes the enhancement of quantitative skills to be applied to economic applications and decision making. The courses in the Economics degree will provide students with the necessary foundation needed as preparation for upper-division courses in economic theory in completion of a Baccalaureate Degree in Economics.
The Associate in Arts for Transfer in Economics degree will prepare students for transfer to the CSU for a degree in Economics. It also provides an AA degree for students who plan to transfer to the UC for a degree in Economics.
Course Requirements / Digital Catalog Info
Economics, Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer
Economics is the study of how effectively society meets its human and material needs. It provides a logical, ordered way of looking at various problems. It draws upon history, philosophy, and mathematics to deal with subjects ranging from how an individual household or business can make sound decisions to societal issues such as unemployment, inflation, and environmental decay. Critical thinking is stressed more in economics than it is in any of the social sciences or in the business department. Economics also stresses computer proficiency and communications skills.
Course Requirements / Digital Catalog Info
Economics, Associate of Arts Degree
Find Your Classes Online
Ready to enroll?
Start signing up for classes and planning your school-life-work balanced semester! Search the Summer/Fall 2025 Class Schedule and see when your required and elective courses are offered.
View the Class Schedule
- Term: Fall 2025
- College: Coastline
- Subject: your choice!
Note: The schedule search is unavailable from 2-4:30 am for nightly maintenance.
What Students are Saying
"Thank you for providing us such a wonderful means of discussion and learning. I learned so many in-depth concepts and really appreciate that it took me in so many different directions. I loved learning about immigration and healthcare." -Alex Aglio, Coastline Student
"Since taking [Economic Issues and Policy] and also living through what is going on in the world, it is difficult to not indulge on recent subjects going on politically. I find myself more interested because I understand the importance of all of the changes and policies that get put into place. I enjoyed this class and Professor Smith did a fantastic job planning out the modules, discussions, and quizzes." -Samantha Pabst, Coastline Student
Best Online Associates in Economics
For online associate degree programs in economics in the US, Coastline College was ranked #9 among all US schools offering such programs. The University HQ rankings are based on admissions and retention rates, tuition costs, degrees awarded, and graduation rates, in addition to accreditation.
Why Economics?
Economics is a fascinating field of study, encompassing aspects of many other disciplines including sociology, political science, history, psychology, and math. It relates to every aspect of our lives, from the seemingly meaningless decisions we make on a daily basis to structures created by our government.
By studying economics, you will learn more about the inner workings of our economy while also being exposed to important current issues such as unemployment, pollution, poverty, debt, healthcare costs, and education. Graduates with an economics background are highly sought after by employers because their degree is evidence of an applicant's ability to problem solve, critically think, analyze, and research.
Related Pages
Apply to Coastline
Ready to get started? We have counselors and online resources to help guide you. Take a quick look at what you need and get your application in ASAP!
Economics Department
The Economics Department encompasses the Economics program at Coastline. View current faculty and learn more about careers in Economics.
Counseling
Our Counselors are dedicated to helping you succeed in your educational journey, with the resources and support you need to navigate your academic and career pathways successfully.