Student Success Stories

Across all fields, employers are looking for three key skills, the ability to reason, the ability to communicate orally and in writing, and the ability to calculate. Economics provides the reasoning, writing, and calculating skills that employers seek. These skills explain why economics majors score higher on law school admissions tests than other majors and why economics majors receive among the highest starting salaries. While the most common entry level positions are in the area of management, marketing, finance, and analysis, economics baccalaureates can also be found in government, international agencies, teaching positions, non-profit agencies, and political consulting.

What Our Alumni Say...

I feel truly privileged to be part of the economics department at our school. I am constantly using what I learned in our class in my conversations and how I think about the world. The education I have received so far will always be dear to me.

— Saeed, MA, Applied Economics, 2018

I had the golden opportunity to work with amazing and supportive professors at the SJSU Economics department. I published research papers and went places presenting research alongside my professors- a chance that many would not get. It is all about picking the choice clearly in front of you. SJSU Economics department has not just highly qualified professors, but also a warm environment that will make you realize all your academic goals exposing you to a corporate and the academic culture early on in life.

— Sushmitha, BS Economics, 2017

I recently got FAIR certified thanks to the generous, no cost, training Professor Jerbic provided over winter. Not very long after, began applying for jobs and I'm glad to announce I will soon be working for Walmart as a Risk Analyst. San José State is doing an amazing job at providing opportunities for students.

— Janette, BA Economics, 2017

The MA program strives to make one a well informed economist, a better thinker, and an efficient problem solver. Professors are incredibly supportive, and encourage an interactive learning environment. The department is doing a fantastic job ensuring the success of their students!

— Ragini , MA Applied Economics, 2016

San José State's graduate program in economics left an indelible mark on my intellectual development. The faculty there are in love with ideas and share their excitement in the classroom and their weekly workshop. Their support was fundamental in my future success.

— James, MA Economics, 2013

Interesting and rewarding classes, along with a helpful, friendly and efficient department have combined to make my studies more enjoyable than I ever imagined.

— D. Kassner, Financial Analyst/Controller, BA Economics 1994, MA Economics 1996

The economics program at San José State teaches students to think outside the box, more so than a traditional business degree. The major has given me the flexibility necessary to move to my current position as Senior Director for a major Fortune 500 corporation. If actions speak louder than words, then you should know that I've gone back for more and expect to complete my Masters in Economics in Fall 1995.

— M. Kropelnecki, BA Economics 1989, MA Economics 1995
(Mr. Kroplenecki, completed his master’s degree and went on to become CFO for Hal Kinnon Company.)

Most of what you need to know on the job you learn on the job. Employers know this and are subsequently looking for graduates who know how to think. I chose Economics at San José State because it teaches you how to think. We analyze everything from inflation to sex.

— M. Ulrich, Project Researcher. BS Economics 1992, MA Economics 1995

Economics plays a crucial role in understanding today's world. Without the wider context of an economic system and a global economy, a business cannot make optimal decisions regarding its short-run and long-run options. It is for this reason that I chose a major in economics at San José State and I have not regretted my decision for a moment. It has helped me immensely in my employment as a benefits for the world's largest human resources consulting firm.

— C. Smithwick, Consultant. MA Economics 1993 

Economics is a versatile field of study. With 30 units of open electives, the major allows you to combine economic tools with another discipline. I am currently working in an environmental field. The key to getting hired was my background in economics.

— M. Myatt. BS Economics 1992, Graduate study in Resource Economics