Spotlight: Dr. Abeba Mussa

Faculty and Program Spotlight: Dr. Abeba Mussa and Farmingdale's New Online BS in Applied Economics

The Office of Distance Learning reached out to Economics Department Chair Dr. Abeba Mussa to learn about the launch of the exciting new BS in Applied Economics and about her journey as an academic and instructor here at FSC.

Tell us how you became a professor of economics, and your favorite parts of being a professor.

My path to becoming an economics professor began in high school, when my first economics class sparked my interest in how markets work and how economic decisions influence daily life. In college, completing a senior thesis deepened my passion for research and data analysis.

I went on to earn a master’s degree in Applied Economics at Addis Ababa University, which strengthened my analytical skills and opened new opportunities. I then conducted research at the Ethiopian Economic Research Institute and taught part-time at Addis Ababa University’s Commercial College. Teaching for the first time showed me how rewarding it is to help students understand complex ideas.

After four years of teaching and research, I pursued a Ph.D. in Economics in the U.S., a turning point that brought together my interests in analysis, quantitative methods, and meaningful research. Becoming a professor felt like a natural next step.

My favorite part of being a professor is the continuous learning the career provides. Teaching and research keep me engaged with new ideas and developments in the field, while the flexibility of the profession allows me to pursue topics I’m passionate about and maintain balance with my personal and family life. Ultimately, being a professor allows me to keep growing intellectually while contributing to students’ learning and to the discipline of economics.

Tell us a little bit about the new online degree program at FSC.

FSC is proud to launch its new fully Online Applied Economics B.S. Program, offering students a flexible, high-quality pathway into a fast-growing, in-demand field. Building on the success of the on-campus program, offered since 2006, this online option expands access for working adults, place-bound students, and anyone seeking a flexible, career-focused education.

The curriculum provides a strong foundation in economic theory and real-world application, with core courses in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics and electives such as Labor Economics, Industrial Organization, Real Estate Economics and Finance, and Public Finance. The program is designed for self-motivated learners who want to develop analytical thinking, quantitative skills, and data-driven problem solving—competencies essential in today’s AI-driven economy.

Graduates are prepared for careers in both the public and private sectors, including roles such as market research analyst, financial or data analyst, budget analyst, insurance agent, regional planner, quantitative analyst, and entry-level economist. It also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in economics, business, public administration, and related fields.

The program concludes with a capstone research sequence in which students apply professional research methods, analyze real economic data, and complete a senior project. With its accessible format, comprehensive curriculum, and strong career preparation, FSC’s Online Applied Economics Program offers a modern and flexible path into a dynamic and impactful discipline.