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Minor in Economics Online

The online Economics Minor at SDSU Global Campus provides students with valuable analytical and critical thinking skills applicable across numerous industries and career paths. This 18-unit program delivers a strong foundation in economic theory and practice, with specialized tracks that allow students to tailor their studies to their professional goals and interests.

All upper-division courses in the minor are available fully online, making it a flexible option for students in eligible SDSU Global Campus degree-completion programs.

About the Program

This minor is structured to give students a comprehensive understanding of economic principles, market systems and policy implications. It includes core courses in micro and macroeconomic theory, with elective tracks that allow students to specialize in international economics, public policy economics, or quantitative economics.

Who is This Program for?

The SDSU Global Campus Economics Minor program includes 18 units of study and is open to students in the following programs who meet eligibility criteria:

  • Civil Engineering
  • Communication
  • Criminal Justice
  • Child Development
  • Public Health
  • General Business Administration

Note: Earning a minor requires additional coursework outside of the requirements for completion of the major coursework. Please consult your success advisor for more information.

What Can I Learn?

Economics is the study of how societies allocate scarce resources to produce goods and services and distribute them for consumption. Through this minor, students will gain a foundational understanding of economic principles and theories, along with insight into how these concepts apply to real-world situations. 

You’ll learn to think critically, interpret data, and apply economic principles to real-world issues such as:

  • Market behavior and consumer choices
  • Income inequality and labor markets
  • Environmental sustainability and public policy
  • Global trade, inflation, and financial systems
  • The role of government in economic growth and stability

Studying Public Administration Can Help You:

  • Understand market forces and their impact on businesses and consumers
  • Analyze economic data and trends to inform decision-making
  • Evaluate the economic implications of public policies
  • Develop problem-solving skills applicable to complex societal challenges
  • Prepare for graduate studies in economics, business, public policy or law

Why Should You Choose a Public Administration Minor?

An Economics Minor complements a wide range of majors by providing analytical skills that employers value. It demonstrates your ability to understand complex systems, analyze data and think critically about resource allocation and policy decisions. 

Whether you’re interested in business, government, nonprofit work or international relations, an Economics Minor can enhance your career prospects and broaden your professional opportunities.

Stand Out to Employers: Economics is one of the most versatile and in-demand skill sets across industries—finance, public policy, tech, healthcare, and beyond.

Think Like a Problem Solver: You’ll learn to analyze complex systems, assess trade-offs, and make data-informed decisions.

Boost Your Earning Potential: Studies consistently show that economics minors and majors earn more on average than many other liberal arts fields.

Complement Any Major: Whether you’re focused on the humanities, business, or science, economics helps connect your field to the bigger picture—societal trends, financial impacts, and global outcomes.

Online Flexibility, SDSU Quality: Gain valuable knowledge in a flexible online format with courses taught by SDSU’s expert faculty.

Program Structure

The minor in economics consists of a minimum of 18 units in economics to include:

  • Economics 101 and 102
  • Economics 320 or 321
  • Nine units of electives selected from one of the following tracks:

International Economics Track

International Economics focuses on courses with international content. Choosing this track can demonstrate you have additional knowledge in international issues.

Eligible courses: ECON 330, 360, 365, 460

Public Policy Economics Track

Public Policy Economics has a stronger emphasis on communication and analytic skills. This track requires students to take more courses related to regulation and policy institutions. This group of elective units could be beneficial to students considering going to law school or on to an administrative program.

Eligible Courses: ECON 380, 441, 449W, 490

Quantitative Economics Track

Quantitative Economics is intended for students with a strong mathematical background. Choosing this track could be beneficial for students intending to do graduate work in economics.

Eligible Courses: ECON 301, 441 and 3-unit department approved elective

Courses in the minor may not be counted toward the major, but may be used to satisfy preparation for the major and general education requirements, if applicable. A minimum of six upper division units must be completed in residence at San Diego State University.

Process to Declare

In order to declare a minor in Economics, please contact your Student Success Advisor by emailing successadvising.global@sdsu.edu to determine your eligibility.