The Cal State Fullerton College of Business and Economics is recognized for its leadership in graduate business education and its commitment to preparing the next generation of economists. The M.A. in Economics program is distinguished by a faculty of accomplished scholars and practitioners whose work is influential in academia and professional settings. Combined with an emphasis on technological innovation, diverse intellectual perspectives and accessibility, the program offers a rigorous and comprehensive graduate education, as reflected in the sustained success of its alumni across a wide range of industries and sectors.

The Value of Graduate Study in Economics

Economics graduates have career opportunities across all three major sectors of the workforce—public, private, and academic. They may conduct research and teach in higher education, serve as analysts at leading consulting firms, or work as advisors within Cabinet-level federal agencies, among many other paths. And economics provides a strong multidisciplinary foundation, integrating perspectives from law, mathematics, political science, sociology, finance and more.

Program Distinctions at Cal State Fullerton

Here are seven value-adds to keep in mind when considering CSUF for this degree path, demonstrating why the College of Business and Economics is one of the best options.

1. The Highest-Caliber Faculty. The CSUF STEM-designated M.A. in Economics is affordable and accessible, and features highest-caliber economists, such as Anil Puri and Mira Farka, who present twice annually at the college’s economic forecast conferences that feature the research assistance of economics graduate students. Our economists are regularly featured in both academic and industry research.
2. Opportunities to Put Your Studies to Practice. From mentoring recovering homeless residents of Orange County to educating local schoolchildren on the importance of personal finance, there are numerous opportunities to make a positive difference and give back.
3. A Tech-Forward Education. Emerging technologies, including machine learning and AI, are integral to modern economic analysis. The M.A. in Economics combines cutting-edge data science training with faculty expertise to prepare students for a data-driven world.
4. An Active Economics Club. Extracurricular opportunities are numerous and enriching, including guest speakers, site visits and networking events through the Economics Association, a student club focused specifically on economics. The club offers opportunities for students to exercise thought leadership through presentations and connecting with academics, while also exploring the professional world through guest speakers.
5. The Strength of Our Alumni and Business Networks. The more than 80,000-strong CSUF business alumni network and the broader business network are accessible through mentoring programs such as the Executive in Residence, Women’s Leadership Program and Business Titan Executive Fellows, which are all strong opportunities for developing coveted soft-skills and emotional intelligence.
6. The Potential to Teach While Still in School. Opportunities to practice teaching, even while still a student, abound. M.A. in Economics students sometimes serve as teaching assistants or hold lecturer roles after they graduate. Among our recent alumni are Nima Nikopour ’23, who taught ECON 201 – Principles of Microeconomics, and Thomas Clark ’14,’19, who teaches ECON 202 – Principles of Macroeconomics.
7. Opportunity to Conduct State-of-the-Art Research.  M.A. in Economics students have the option to write a master’s thesis. Such high-quality research propels students to successful careers in the industry, the public sector, or future PhD programs. Alumna Denisa Marc’24 was named a ProQuest Distinguished Master’s Thesis Winner in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Education, and Business Disciplines. Additionally, her thesis earned top honors from the 2024-25 Western Association of Graduate Schools (WAGS), standing out among numerous exceptional nominations across multiple fields. Denisa was also awarded the prestigious university-wide 2024 Giles T. Brown Thesis Excellence Award.

Through Business Career Services, dedicated graduate career counseling, faculty mentorship and program resources, students have access to internship and career opportunities throughout the program.

For More Information

For more on the M.A. in Economics, read more of our articles on this graduate degree. Or apply today to the program.