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Economics

Earn an Economics Associate Degree at Aims

Economics is the study of decision-making and how to allocate scarce resources in the face of unlimited wants. It examines how our limited resources are used to meet societal needs, and studies the production, consumption and distribution of goods and services. If you’re also interested in mathematics, business, psychology or politics, pursuing a degree in economics might be a great fit. 

Macroeconomics deals with the aggregate economy, while microeconomics focuses on the behavior of individual economic agents. Studying economics can help you make rational decisions in your personal life and career. It will also help you analyze social issues and public policies related to topics including unemployment, inflation, economic growth, international trade, healthcare, environment, crime and drugs.

Earning an associate degree in economics at Aims is the first step to earning a bachelor’s degree while paying less in tuition. Thanks to a statewide agreement between community colleges and universities, upon completion of your associate degree at Aims you can transfer to any participating four-year public university in Colorado as a junior and earn your bachelor’s degree in economics. Taking your general education degree requirements at Aims instead of a four-year institution can save you considerable cost. 

At Aims, your instructors, Pathway Advisors and coaches at the Aims Transitions Center will work together to guide you through the transfer process. The Economics Department offers courses in various educational modalities like asynchronous online, remote learning and face-to-face classes to suit the changing needs of Aims students. 

Are you excited to study how individuals, communities, corporations and even nations decide to use their limited resources? Explore your options for earning an economics degree at Aims.

Gain Knowledge and Skills in Economics

In the Aims economics program, you’ll study an array of thought-provoking subjects that will help you hone your career path. You’ll master skills that will prepare you to continue your studies in a four-year program and beyond, including:

  • Economic modeling and projection
  • Noticing and comprehending complex relationships
  • Analyzing and utilizing data to make decisions
  • Presenting research findings
  • Finding numerical solutions to real problems

You’ll also hone the soft skills that employers seek, including:

  • Critical thinking
  • Written and oral communication
  • Teamwork
  • Leadership
  • Reasoning, problem-solving and ideation

General education and elective courses will round out your degree requirements. Getting your general education requirements at Aims is beneficial not just in terms of lower cost, but also in smaller class sizes and one-on-one support from instructors who are dedicated to teaching.

Careers in Economics

Because it spans many disciplines that touch social sciences, a degree in economics will prepare you for a variety of careers in private industry, government, higher education, non-profits and research.

Examples of careers available with an Economics degree include:

  • Banking
  • Business
  • Data Analytics
  • Economic Consulting
  • Finance
  • Government and not-for-profits
  • Policy Institutes and Think Tanks
  • Teacher or Professor of Economics

Continue Your Economics Studies at a Colorado Four-Year Public University

Thanks to a Statewide Transfer Articulation Agreement in Colorado, after graduating from Aims with an Associate of Arts degree, you can go on to study at any participating public university statewide.
 
Below is a list of colleges and universities in Colorado that are a part of this statewide agreement and offer bachelor's degrees in economics.

Adams State University  
[B.S. Business Administration; Economics emphasis]  
 
Note: A B.S. degree may require additional science credits, please check with your Enrollment Coach to help you map out your transfer plan. 
 
Fort Lewis College  
[B.A. Economics; Economics option] 
 
Metropolitan State University of Denver 
 
University of Colorado Boulder
 
University of Colorado Colorado Springs 
 
University of Colorado Denver 
 
University of Northern Colorado 
 
Western Colorado University 

Here’s what your journey from Aims to a bachelor’s degree in economics will look like:

  1. An Aims Enrollment Coach can answer your questions about this transfer program and help you get started on the path to earning your degree.
  2. After becoming an Aims student, you’ll choose classes to earn your economics associate degree. Your Aims Pathway Advisor will help ensure you follow the pathway that best suits you and helps you reach your goals.
  3. Throughout your time at Aims, you'll also work with an Aims Transfer Coach to get help choosing the school you’d like to transfer to and researching what scholarships are available.
  4. You can also reach out to a transfer advisor at your chosen four-year school to make sure you're choosing classes that will support you when you go on to complete your bachelor's degree.
  5. Before graduating from Aims, your Transfer Coach will help you prepare for the transition to your new school as a junior.
Students Signing Aims2UNC Board

The Aims2UNC Transition Program

Aims2UNC is a joint initiative streamlining the path for students to seamlessly transition between the two colleges. You’ll get support from dedicated Aims2UNC advisors who will guide you as you earn your associate and bachelor's degrees in economics.

Learn more

Leverage Your Associate Degree in Economics to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Related Subjects

While many Aims economics students go on to earn a bachelor’s or higher degree in this subject, some go on to major in other disciplines, including:

  • History
  • Political Science
  • Mathematics
  • Psychology
  • Sociology 

You can also choose one of the majors above and declare a minor in economics. Work with your Pathway Advisor to choose the courses that you’ll need to fulfill requirements and understand that you may need to make up some credits if you choose a new major. 

Economics Faculty and Staff

Aims faculty are excited to support you on your educational journey into the world of economics. To help you relate the economic concepts with real-world policies and events, Aims faculty implements various learner-centered, engaging teaching activities and assignments. Instructors are committed to helping prepare you for success in a variety of careers, including but not limited to business in the private and public sectors. 
 

  • Portrait of Moumita Roy

    Moumita Roy

    Professor, Economics
  • Headshot of Damion Cordova

    Damion Cordova

    Adjunct Faculty, Social Sciences