Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Economics, BA
What Is the Study of Economics?
The study of Economics will provide an understanding of economic concepts and the functioning of the economy in addition to the ability to apply economic analysis in problem solving. The Economics Department strives to provide a program which gives students rigorous training in both economic theory and applications.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
A degree in Economics can be the gateway to many careers. Professional economists are employed as advisors and researchers in both business and government and as teachers and researchers in academic institutions. Employment as an Economist generally requires the completion of graduate studies beyond the bachelor's degree. Western's graduates in Economics hold a variety of jobs in business and teaching. In addition, many of Economics graduates have had a high success rate for admissions to professional schools in law and business.
How to Declare:
Students planning to major in Economics should declare their major as early as possible, preferably their first year at Western.
Admission to programs in the College of Business and Economics (CBE) is selective and based upon prior academic performance and other evidence of high promise. For admission to CBE as a full Economics major, a student must have completed the following requirements:
- Confirmed admission to Western Washington University
- Achieved a 2.5 cumulative college GPA (including transfer work)
Complete the online application form at: http://www.cbe.wwu.edu/College/Applications.asp
Coursework
- DSCI 205 Business Statistics or equivalent (4)
- ECON 206 Introduction to Microeconomics (4)
- ECON 207 Introduction to Macroeconomics (4)
- ECON 303 The History of Economic Thought (4)
- ECON 306 Intermediate Microeconomics (4)
- ECON 307 Intermediate Macroeconomics (4)
- ECON 375 Introduction to Econometrics (4)
- One course from:
- MATH 124 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (5)
- MATH 157 Calculus With Applications to Business and Economics or equivalent (4)
- One course from:
- MIS 220 Introduction to Business Computer Systems (2)
- CSCI 101 Computers and Applications (4)
- 32 credits of electives in CBE, under departmental advisement; at least 24 of these credits must be upper-division credits in economics; a minimum of 16 of these 24 credits must be at the 400 level
- Take one Communication Focus (CF) course and a minimum of three writing proficiency points in approved upper-division writing proficiency courses (WP-3 points) at WWU with a minimum grade of C-. The CF and WP courses must be taken within CBE and can be completed as part of the above required and elective courses, prior to graduation. Consult the Timetable of Classes for the specific course sections that fulfill the CF and WP requirements.
GURs:
These courses are offered within this major and may be used to satisfy GUR or Writing Proficiency Requirements:
- QSR: MATH 124 or MATH 157
- SSC: ECON 206, 207
Sample Careers
- Actuary/Banking
- Financial Planner/ Analyst
- Urban/ Regional Planner
- Economic Researcher
- Corporate Attorney
- Financial Economist
- Real Estate
- Business Management
- Insurance Consultant
Department
Contact
Department Chair:
Dr. Paul Storer
PH 315A
360-650-6531
Paul.Storer@wwu.edu
Academic Department Manager:
Diane Brearley
PH 315
360-650-3910
Diane.Brearley@wwu.edu