Associate Degree in Economics Hesston College

Economics describes the factors that determine the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Hesston College’s economics program is a focused path within the business department.

Majoring in economics

Hesston College offers you the foundational courses in economics, mathematics, and business to allow you to move into further study in economics at a four-year institution.

Hesston College offers an associate of arts degree (A.A.) for students interested in pursuing a four-year transfer degree in economics, and there are two different courses of study depending on a student’s transfer institution. Some institutions place economics within the business department, so those students should follow a course of study in business while other institutions place economics within the college of arts and sciences which places greater emphasis on mathematics. Hesston College offers both tracks of study to enable you to transfer to a college or university that provides the accredited program of study for the field of your interest.

As an economics student, you will take a number of foundational economics courses which are required at most transfer institutions. These courses include Macroeconomics and Microeconomics along with Calculus, Elementary Statistics, General Psychology, and Introduction to Sociology. In addition, Hesston College offers a number of business courses to fit the students’ individual needs for those students pursuing programs that closely align with the business. The recommended program of study can be adjusted for the specific requirements related to your specific area of interest and your transfer institution.

Economics courses at Hesston College focus on connecting economic concepts to current events to help students make connections between theory and real life. For example, Macroeconomics examines the current state of the United States economy; Microeconomics explores the economic issues involved in the Affordable Care Act; and From Industrialization to Globalization closely analyzes the textile industry and the making of the common T-shirt.

First Year Fall Program Courses

• Exploring Business
• Principles of Macroeconomics

Recommended Courses

• First-Year Seminar
• College Writing I
• Humanities Course

Spring Program Courses

• Principles of Microeconomics

Recommended Courses

• College Writing II
• Biblical Literature
• Lifetime Fitness and Wellness
• Natural Science Course

Second Year Fall Program Courses

• Financial Accounting I
• Computer Applications

Recommended Courses

• Speech Communication
• Elementary Statistics or Calculus I
• Second Natural Science Course
• Second Social Science Course

Spring Program Courses

• Managerial Accounting I
• Management
• Personal Finance

Recommended Courses

• Second Humanities Course
• Electives

Recommendations: Students interested in economics should take General Psychology and/or Introduction to Sociology to satisfy the second social science A.A. degree requirement.

The study of economics is especially suited for the curious student with strong mathematical and analytical skills who is looking for the educational background to make meaning to a variety of issues in everyday life. Economic analysis provides a framework for how to better see and understand the world around us.

A degree in economics allows you the opportunity to enter many different occupations upon graduation. Some of the fields open to graduates with economics degrees include working in the private sector in areas such as business, banking, finance, accounting, law, consulting, or economic analysis; many graduates also work in the public sector in areas such as research, analysis, or education.