Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Economics/Social Studies, BA
What Is the Study of Economics/Social Studies?
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.
Social Studies Education is guided by the definition of social studies adopted by the National Council for Social Studies:
“Social Studies is the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence. Within the school program, Social Studies provides coordinated, systematic study drawing upon such disciplines as Anthropology, Archaeology, Economics, Geography, History, Law, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religion, and Sociology, as well as appropriate content from the Humanities, Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The primary purpose of Social Studies is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world.”
Why Should I Consider this Major?
This major is open to any student who desires to study Economics and a variety of other social sciences, but it is specifically designed for students desiring to pursue a career in teaching. Secondary Education students who wish to be endorsed in Social Studies may choose this major. However, the Economics/Social Studies degree does not require that a student pursue a teaching certificate.
To receive a recommendation for state of Washington certification, students must complete the “teacher certification” program, including the content methods course SEC 426, which is offered by the Department of Secondary Education 1) as a part of the undergraduate BA degree, or 2) as a post baccalaureate program, or 3) as a part of the Master’s in Teaching program. See the Secondary Education Professional Program Guide for program admission and teacher certification requirements. Completion of this combined major leads to an endorsement in social studies.
How to Declare:
Students planning to major in Economics/Social Studies should declare their major as early as possible, preferably their first year at Western.
Admissions: Programs in the College of Business and Economics (CBE) are selective and based upon prior academic performance and other evidence of high promise. For admission to CBE as a full Economics/Social Studies 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
Students are advised to see the department for GPA requirements within the major.
This major is open to any student, but is specifically designed for students desiring to pursue a career in teaching.
- DSCI 205 Business Statistics or equivalent
- ECON 206 Introduction to Microeconomics
- ECON 207 Introduction to Macroeconomics
- ECON 303 The History of Economic Thought
- ECON 306 Intermediate Microeconomics
- ECON 307 Intermediate Macroeconomics
- ENVS 204 Human Geography
- HIST 103 Introduction to American Civilization: American History to 1865
- HIST 104 Introduction to American Civilization: American History Since 1865
- HIST 121 World History to 500
- HIST 123 World History, 1500 to the Present
- HIST 391 History of the Pacific Northwest
- PLSC 250 The American Political System
- One course from:
- MATH 124 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
- MATH 157 Calculus With Applications to Business and Economics or equivalent
- One course from:
- MIS 220 Introduction to Business Computer Systems
- CSCI 101 Computers and Applications
- One course from:
- ANTH 201 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
- SOC 221 Introduction to Population Issues
- SOC 251 Sociology of Deviant Behavior
- SOC 260 The Family in Society
- SOC 268 Gender and Society
- One of the following:
- ENVS 221 Geographic Information Systems Survey or two additional geography credits
-
16-20 credits of upper-division electives in economics under departmental advisement to complete the minimum required 90 credits for the major, at least 8 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 course must be taken within the College of Business and Economics, while the WP requirement can be met with courses from any of the combined major departments. These requirements can be completed as part of the above required and elective credits. 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, 157
- HUM: HIST 103, 104, 121, 123
- SSC: ANTH 201; ECON 206, 207; ENVS 204; PLSC 250; SOC 221, 251, 260
- BCGM: SOC 268
Sample Careers
- Elementary Teacher
- High School Teacher
- Government
- Economist
- Entrepreneur
- Insurance Consultant
Department
Contact
Economics Major Information
Academic Department Manager
Economics Department Chair
Dr. Paul Storer
PH 315A
360-650-6531
Paul.Storer@wwu.edu
Social Studies Major Information
Dr. Bruce Larson
MH 310A
360-650-3702