Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Economics/Political Science, BA
What Is the Study of Economics/Political Science?
This major provides students rigorous training in both economic theory and applications with in depth analysis of political theory. Students will gain insight in a variety of areas including trade, monetary systems, and the interplay between politics and economics.
Political Science is one of the oldest fields of academic inquiry. Social ideals and their realization through law were systematically studied in ancient Greece. In an increasingly interdependent world, the study of politics and government has flourished as the relations between persons, groups and nations have become more complex, and questions of freedom and authority have challenged every citizen. Modern Political Science is equally concerned with questions of political philosophy and with the pursuit of social scientific research. These concerns are reflected in a broad and diverse curriculum.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
The curriculum prepares students for careers in public service-related occupations in both government and business. Many students majoring in Economics/Political Science go on to law school, graduate school and into the professions. By combining coursework in both Economics and Political Science, students gain an important interdisciplinary perspective to important political and economic issues.
How to Declare:
Students planning to major in Economics 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/Political Science 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
Students interested in Economics Major Programs, please see the Economics Department in Parks Hall 315 for information.
Political Science Department: Students are eligible to declare a political science major and any majors combined with political science if they have completed any three of the following core courses with an average grade of 2.7 or above: PLSC 250, 261, 271, 291, or an equivalent course(s) at another college or university. Due to high student demand and limited capacity, immediate access to specific courses cannot be guaranteed. Students who have no political science transfer credits: go to the Political Science department office, 415 Arntzen Hall, with an unofficial WWU transcript showing the three completed courses from the list above. Students with political science transfer credits from another institution: call 360-650-3469 to make an appointment to have credits reviewed, then visit the department office with the required documents as outlined above.
Coursework
- 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
- ECON 310 Public Finance
- PLSC 250 The American Political System
- PLSC 261 Introduction to Political Theory
- One course from:
- MATH 124 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
- MATH 157 Calculus With Applications to Business and Economics or equivalent
- One course from:
- PLSC 271 Introduction to International Relations
- PLSC 291 Introduction to Comparative Politics
- One course from:
- PLSC 346 - Politics of Inequality
- PLSC 372 - International Political Economy
- PLSC 390 - The Politics of Development
- One course from:
- PLSC 427 - Policy-Making and Policy Analysis
- PLSC 462 - The Rise of Modern Political Economy
- One Course from:
- ECON 491 Issues in Political Economy
- PLSC 491 Issues in Political Economy
- 12 additional credits in upper-division economics courses, under departmental advisement
- 9 additional credits from the American Politics and Public Policy field
- 4 additional credits from the Political Theory field
- 8-9 additional credits in upper-division political science electives, to complete the program
- 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:
The courses below satisfy GUR requirements and may also be used to fulfill major requirements.
- QSR: MATH 124, 157
- HUM: PLSC 261
- SSC: ECON 206, 207; PLSC 250, 271, 291, 372
- ACGM: PLSC 346
Sample Careers
- Attorney
- Financial Planner/Analyst
- Law School
- Politician
- Economist
- Banking
- Real Estate
- Entrepreneur
- Campaign Worker
- Insurance
- Government Consultant
Department
Contact
Economics Department Chair
Dr. Paul Storer
PH 315A, 360-650-6531
Paul.Storer@wwu.edu
Economics Academic Department Manager
Diane Brearley
PH 315, 360-650-3910
Diane.Brearley@wwu.edu
Econ@wwu.edu
Political Science Chair
Sara Weir
AH 415, 360-650-2912
Sara.Weir@wwu.edu
Political Science Program Coordinator
Sarah Hoag
AH 415, 360-650-3469
Sarah.Hoag@wwu.edu