Managerial Economics Emphasis

The Managerial Economics Emphasis at California State University offers students a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to equip future business leaders with essential economic analysis skills and strategic decision-making capabilities. This specialization is tailored for students who aim to integrate economic theory with practical managerial applications, enabling them to analyze complex business environments and make data-driven decisions. The program emphasizes the application of microeconomic and macroeconomic principles to real-world business scenarios, providing students with a robust foundation in market analysis, competitive strategy, and organizational economics.

Students will explore topics such as supply and demand analysis, pricing strategies, cost management, market structure, and the economic environment influencing business operations. The curriculum also covers areas like game theory, decision analysis, and risk assessment, which are critical for effective management in dynamic and competitive markets. By focusing on quantitative methods, including statistical analysis and economic modeling, the program prepares students to interpret economic data and apply analytical tools to solve managerial problems.

The program is designed to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and ethical decision-making, all of which are vital for successful leadership roles. Through coursework, case studies, and experiential learning opportunities, students will develop a strategic mindset and an appreciation for the broader economic context of business decisions. Additionally, the emphasis prepares students for careers in consulting, finance, marketing, and corporate strategy, where understanding economic principles is crucial for success.

Graduates of the Managerial Economics Emphasis will be well-equipped to analyze industry trends, forecast economic impacts, and develop strategic solutions that enhance organizational performance. This program not only deepens students' understanding of economic theories but also enhances their ability to apply these concepts practically, making them valuable assets in any managerial or entrepreneurial role. With the diverse career pathways and rigorous training provided, students will be prepared to thrive in the rapidly evolving global business landscape.

Economics (120 units)

Lower Division Required 9-10
Upper Division Required 19
Required Emphasis 12-17
General Education 48
American Institutions 6
Free Electives 20-26
Total Units 120

Lower Division Requirements (9-10 units):

ECON 110 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
ECON 111 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)

Select either:
MATH 140 Calculus for Business Applications (3)
or
MATH 150 Calculus I (4)

Upper Division Requirements (19 units):

ECON 310 Intermediate Microeconomics (3)
ECON 311 Intermediate Macroeconomics (3)
ECON 488 Applied Managerial Econometrics (4)
ECON 496 Seminar in Economic Analysis (3)
ECON 499 Capstone (3)

Select either:
MATH 329 Statistics for Business and Economics (3)
or
MATH 352 Probability and Statistics (3)1

REQUIRED EMPHASIS (12-17 UNITS):

Economics majors are required to complete one of the following two emphases:

For all emphases, ECON 492 may not be taken to fulfill the requirements of the economics major. ECON 497 must be taken for 3 units in order to be applies to the major.

1.  International Economics Emphasis (17 units)

Lower Division - 8 units

A minimum of 2 courses in a foreign language or equivalent [for example, SPAN 101 (4) and 102 (4)].
Note: This requirement represents one additional course beyond the CI foreign language requirement.

Upper Division - 9 units

A minimum of 3 upper division courses in economics (or approved courses outside of economics) as follows:
Three courses from the following:
ECON 471 International Trade (3)
ECON 473 Economic Development (3)

Choose one of the Following:
ECON 370 The World Economy (3)
ECON 444 Values and Valuables (ANTH) (3)
ECON 472 International Macroeconomics (3)
POLS 328 United States Foreign Policy (3)
ECON 300, 492, and 497 may not be taken to meet the requirements of the economics major.

2. Managerial Economics Emphasis (12 units)

Upper Division - 12

A minimum of 4 upper division courses in economics (or approved courses outside of economics) as follows:
FIN 300 Business Finance (3)

Select either:
ECON 320 Money and Banking (3)
or
ECON 329 Managerial Economics (3)

Select either:
ECON 471 International Trade (3)
or
ECON 472 International Economics (3)

A minimum of one courses must be taken from cross-disciplinary courses offered by economics (ECON 330-349 and 430-449).

Note: Students selecting this emphasis must take either ECON 320 or 329, but may not take both courses for credit in the major.

Required Supporting and Other GE Courses (75-81 units)

General Education (48)
American Institutions (6)
Free Electives (21-27)

International Undergraduate Admission Requirements

The process for freshmen and transfer students is the same; however, as a transfer student additional criteria must be met. This additional criteria is marked with an *.

International Checklist & Application

To apply to CSU Channel Islands as an undergraduate, please submit an application and $55.00 application fee online through www.csumentor.edu 

International Freshmen Checklist  

International Transfer Checklist 

Financial Affidavit for Undergraduate applicants 

Submit all application documents to the Center for International Affairs. 

*Transfer Students: We are currently accepting applications from all community colleges in the U.S.  Please make sure that you have at least 60 units and have completed “Oral communication”, “Written communication”, “Critical thinking” and “College level mathematics/quantitative reasoning” with “C” or better.  Please note that the Nursing programs are closed for international students.  

English Score

Submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or other acceptable test (see below for list of tests).  Scores must be sent directly to CSUCI from testing agency.

Acceptable English Placement Exams

TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language with a minimum Paper-Based score of 500, a minimum Computer Based score of 173 or a minimum Internet Based score of 61.

IELTS – International English Language Test System with an overall band score of 6.0.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Financing studies for the Managerial Economics Emphasis at California State University encompass a comprehensive plan designed to support students financially throughout their academic journey. The program primarily relies on a combination of federal and state financial aid resources, scholarships, and institutional assistance to assist eligible students in covering tuition, fees, and other related expenses. Federal financial aid options include Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), and federal student loans, which students can apply for by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). State-level aid programs, such as the Cal Grant and other California-specific grants, are also available to residents meeting certain criteria, providing further financial support.

In addition to federal and state aid, California State University offers numerous scholarships specific to the business and economics disciplines. These scholarships are merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both and are awarded through the university’s scholarship office based on application assessments. Students are encouraged to explore university scholarship opportunities early and complete all necessary application procedures by specified deadlines. Furthermore, the university supports work-study programs, allowing students to work part-time on campus, providing both income and valuable professional experience.

Private funding sources, including external scholarships from corporations, foundations, and professional associations, can also supplement students’ financing plans. Students are advised to research such options independently and apply accordingly. Additionally, many students consider student loans, which must be repaid after graduation, as a means to finance their studies; these loans can be subsidized or unsubsidized depending on the student’s financial need and credit eligibility.

The university also provides financial literacy resources to help students understand their financing options better, manage budgets, and plan for debt repayment. It is recommended that prospective and current students meet with financial aid advisors to develop a personalized financial plan tailored to their circumstances. Overall, the financing studies for the Managerial Economics Emphasis involve a diverse array of funding sources designed to minimize financial barriers and promote academic success.

The Managerial Economics Emphasis at California State University offers students a comprehensive understanding of economic principles applied to managerial decision-making within organizations. The program is designed to equip students with the analytical skills necessary to evaluate market conditions, optimize resources, and develop strategic solutions in competitive business environments. Throughout the coursework, students explore topics such as microeconomic theory, pricing strategies, market structures, and consumer behavior, all tailored to enhance managerial effectiveness. The emphasis integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications, often including case studies, quantitative analysis, and real-world projects. This prepares graduates to work in various sectors, including corporate management, consulting, finance, and entrepreneurship. The curriculum also emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, which are vital for effective leadership in dynamic markets. Students are encouraged to engage in internships, research opportunities, and collaboration with industry professionals to gain experiential learning. The program is aligned with current industry trends and the evolving needs of employers, ensuring graduates are prepared for immediate entry into the workforce or further academic pursuits. By focusing on managerial decision-making framed by economic principles, the program aims to cultivate business leaders capable of making informed and strategic decisions to foster organizational success and sustainability.