Assistant Professor of Economics

Candidates typically need a Ph.D. in economics or a related discipline, with a focus on applied microeconomics and environmental economics. Demonstrated ability to teach diverse student populations and a solid research portfolio are highly valued in academic positions at institutions like CSULB.

Progression often involves balancing teaching commitments with research output targeting peer-reviewed journals. Faculty engage in community initiatives supporting diverse groups, making mentorship and inclusive pedagogy crucial. Successful professors often expand their research agenda while contributing to campus-wide equity programs.

Environmental economics shapes course content by incorporating sustainability, resource allocation, and policy impact studies. It enriches microeconomic courses through real-world applications, fostering critical thinking about economic-environment interactions, which is increasingly relevant to students and research agendas.

The American Economic Association emphasizes research excellence and active contribution to the economics community, alongside teaching. The role demands engagement with cutting-edge economic discourse and fostering networks that enhance scholarly impact beyond standard faculty responsibilities.

Unlike conventional university settings, teaching at the American Economic Association may focus more on specialized seminars, workshops, and fostering policy-oriented discussions. Faculty might also play a pivotal role in organizing conferences and contributing to professional development within the economics field.

Rowland Heights to Long Beach involves navigating significant traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, which can extend commute times. Prospective faculty often consider flexible scheduling or carpooling options to mitigate travel stress in this densely populated Southern California region.

The LA metro area has a steady demand for economics educators due to numerous universities and research institutions. Competition is moderate to high, particularly for roles emphasizing research and diversity engagement, reflecting the region’s focus on inclusive higher education and economic scholarship.

Assistant Professors in economics at public universities around the LA area typically see salaries ranging from $75,000 to $95,000 annually. Variations depend on experience, research output, and institutional funding, with potential additional benefits linked to faculty service and community engagement.

Many believe professors solely lecture; however, their schedule heavily involves research, curriculum development, and student mentorship. Service roles and community engagement are also significant, especially at institutions prioritizing diversity and student success, making the position multifaceted and dynamic.

The association offers networking opportunities, access to cutting-edge research resources, and platforms for scholarly publication. It fosters collaborative environments through conferences and workshops, enhancing both academic visibility and career advancement for assistant professors.