Program Overview

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Introduction to the Economics Program

The study of economics provides 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. The Bachelor of Science in Economics emphasizes the more analytical, mathematical, and empirical aspects of economics and is particularly appropriate for students interested in technical careers or future academic studies.

Why Consider an Economics 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.

Student Resources

• Department website: Economics
• Department advising: See the pre-major advising section of the College of Business and Economics website.
• Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
• Career Services Center: Connect major to a career
• Sample careers:
  • Actuary/Banking, Financial Planner/Analyst,
  • Urban/Regional Planner, Economic Researcher, Corporate Attorney, Financial Economist, Real Estate, Business Management, Insurance Consultant, Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Economic Consultant

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process)

Students planning to major in Economics should declare their major as early as possible, preferably their first year at Western. Completion of the CBE foundation courses is not required to declare a major in economics.

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 meet the following requirements:

• Confirmed admission to Western Washington University
• Achieved a 2.5 cumulative college GPA (including transfer work)

Students apply for admission to the major by completing the online application form.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.

Requirements (88-90 credits)

Economics Core (24 credits)

• One course from:
  • ECON 206 - Introduction to Microeconomics
  • HNRS 209 - Colloquium in Microeconomics
• ECON 207 - Introduction to Macroeconomics
• ECON 303 - The History of Economic Thought
• ECON 306 - Intermediate Microeconomics
• ECON 307 - Intermediate Macroeconomics
• ECON 333 - Introduction to Game Theory

Mathematics/Statistics Core (28-30 credits)

• One course from:
  • CSCI 101 - Computers and Applications
  • MIS 220 - Introduction to Business Computer Systems
• Complete one of the following:
  • MATH 124 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
  • MATH 125 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
  • or
  • MATH 134 - Calculus I Honors
  • MATH 135 - Calculus II Honors
  • or
  • MATH 138 - Accelerated Calculus
• MATH 341 - Probability and Statistical Inference
• One course from:
  • ECON 375 - Introduction to Econometrics
  • MATH 342 - Statistical Methods I
• ECON 470 - Economic Fluctuations and Forecasting
• ECON 475 - Econometrics

Electives (36 credits)

• Complete 36 credits from additional upper division economics courses (not ECON 446 or ECON 447) or courses on the following “Math Courses for Economists” list. 20 of these credits must be 400-level ECON courses.
  • MATH 204 - Elementary Linear Algebra
  • MATH 224 - Multivariable Calculus and Geometry I
  • MATH 225 - Multivariable Calculus and Geometry II
  • MATH 226 - Limits and Infinite Series
  • MATH 302 - Introduction to Proofs Via Number Theory
  • MATH 304 - Linear Algebra
  • MATH 309 - Introduction to Proof in Discrete Mathematics
  • MATH 312 - Proofs in Elementary Analysis
  • MATH 331 - Ordinary Differential Equations
  • MATH 441 - Probability
  • MATH 442 - Mathematical Statistics
  • M/CS 435 - Nonlinear Optimization

University Graduation Requirements

• General University Requirements
• Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
• 180 Minimum Total Credits
• 60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
• Residency Requirement
• Minimum Grade Requirements
• Final Quarter Requirement