From interest rates to the interconnected global economy to the constantly shifting housing market, economics is at the center of all that is happening in the business world today. Economists have the privilege of advising policymakers, business leaders, academics and the public on how to not only survive, but thrive, in the changing landscape of the economy.

Whether you studied economics or another related discipline as an undergrad or want to shift your career towards an economics emphasis, an M.A. in Economics like the one offered at Cal State Fullerton College of Business and Economics is a great place to start. The MA Economics program has a cutting-edge concentration in machine learning and quantitative economics. 

Top Careers and Industries with a Master’s in Economics
With an M.A. in Economics, graduates step into impactful roles across both public and private sectors.

• Public Sector: Economists support government agencies and public utilities with policy analysis, budget planning, and data interpretation.
• Academia: Many pursue independent careers in research and teaching at colleges and universities.
• Private Sector: Banks, corporations, and consultancies rely on economists for market forecasting, strategy, and data-driven decision making.
• Industry Groups and Media: Chambers of commerce, professional associations (think the National Association of Realtors for instance), and media outlets hire economists to track trends and share insights.

If you are driven to question, explore, and innovate,  an M.A. in Economics is the degree for you! You’ll be able to strategize and explain trends, and that always gives you a leg up as an employee, manager or leader in the workplace or community.

M.A. in Economics Salary Potential

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, economics professionals earned a median salary of $115,440 in 2024, and a graduate education can increase the earning potential by 18%. The highest median wage is for federally employed economists ($141,590), with the lowest potential working for state and local governments.

The Success of Being in the Business Titan Network
With more than 80,000 Business Titans in Orange County and around the world, including thousands of economics grads, being an M.A. in Economics student or graduate at Cal State Fullerton means being part of a supportive network that can support you in your future career or academic pursuits and serve as a sounding board for research.

Among our M.A. in Economics grads are Denisa Marc ’24, who earned a ProQuest Distinguished Master’s Thesis award for her research on predicting the impact of Federal Reserve meeting statements on Treasury yields. Read more about her story in this CSUF Business News article.

Feel an economics master’s degree is right for you? Get started today! Visit the M.A. in Economics website for more information, or read more of our articles on this degree program.