Career & Academic Pathways >> Social Science

Contact Information
Steve Albert (Department Chair)
(831) 646-1397
salbert@mpc.edu
For Additional Info
• Download our Info Sheet
• Visit MPC Econ
• Connect with a Counselor

Program Overview

All Economics programs at Monterey Peninsula College prepare students to transfer to a Bachelor’s in Economics program at the university level. Completing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Economics is the path towards an exciting career as an economist or other related occupations. People who attain a B.A., M.A., or Ph.D. degree in economics can pursue careers in economics, business, law, public policy, and many other professional fields

Job Outlook

New job opportunities for economists are expected to grow faster than the average rate. The future is bright. The analytical and statistical skills employed by economists include model building, statistical analysis, and predicting the outcome of policy decisions. These skills can lead to jobs like economist, economic consultant, economic analyst, market research analyst, actuary, financial analyst, and many more rewarding occupations.

Potential Careers

Market Research Analyst (may require additional training)*	$35,650 - $138,090
Financial Analyst (may require additional training)*	$49,100 - $160,840
Economist (may require additional training)*	$62,740 - $187,610
Economics Teacher (Higher Ed.) (may require additional training)*	$63,970 - $208,000
Actuary (may require additional training)*	$72,560 - $172,830

MPC Degrees and Certificates

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

Year 1

FALL	UNITS	SPRING	UNITS
ENGL 1A	3	ENGL 2	3
MATH 16	4	MATH 20A	5
ECON 2	3	ECON 4	3
Area 3A	3	Area 3B	3
Area 4	3	US-1 Course rec.
US-2 & 3 Course rec.

Total Fall Units	16	Total Spring Units	14

Year 2

FALL	UNITS	SPRING	UNITS
MATH 20B	5	Major List A or B	3-5
Area 1C	3	Area 3A or 3B	3
CSU requirement only	3	Area 5B	3
Area 5A	3	Area 6 or UC Elective	5
Area 5C	1	UC Elective	1
UC Elective	3

Total Fall Units	15	Total Spring Units	15-17

This is a suggested sequence of coursework and is one pathway for students to earn their degree/certificate. This is not an official educational plan. A counselor is able to assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. For more information about counseling and up-to-date program requirements, please visit www.mpc.edu/counseling.

Testimonials

Ahmed S. Cruz Juarez

MPC's outstanding Economics program has allowed me to thrive beyond the scope of its macro and micro economics classes. The skills and experiences from the coursework in these classes have proven to be a vital factor in my professional/academic success following my graduation from MPC. What makes this program unique are its incredible instructors who teach not only with a vast amount of knowledge and real life experiences but most importantly with passion and dedication to the subject. I am soon to be headed to a major global accounting firm in Silicon Valley, a place where I would not have made the cut if it were not for the skills obtained during my time in MPC's economics program and the guidance from the one and only Steve Albert.

Raashaan Wilkins

Growing up on the SouthSide of Chicago I witnessed socio economic injustices, severe wealth disparities, inequities and inequalities. There is also an astounding absence of desperately needed financial literacy programs within my community. It is my life’s mission to transform neighborhoods such as mine from financial wastelands to financial beacons. Majoring in economics at Monterey Peninsula College taught me about the human nature of economics. Economics isn’t simply dollars and cents or how people should spend or invest money. It is in essence, the overall human interaction and values assigned to all aspects of the goods and/or service supply chain (from production to consumption). However, one of my biggest revelations happened in my microeconomics class. I learned how outside agents found within the socioeconomic, political, educational and health spectrum can affect the economy of the community I am encouraged to serve. This information gave me insightful perspectives on how and why my community seems to just be surviving instead of thriving. My increased awareness on these issues have now become a cornerstone for my focus in Economics. There is no doubt my time at MPC has laid a great foundation for an improved future for myself and my community.