Program Overview

Introduction to the Economics/Mathematics Program

The Economics/Mathematics program at Western Washington University is a combined major offered by the Department of Economics, College of Business and Economics, and the Department of Mathematics, College of Science and Engineering. This program provides students with a rigorous training in both economic theory and applications, as well as mathematical modes of thought that are versatile and powerful.

Program Description

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 that gives students rigorous training in both economic theory and applications. Mathematics offers distinctive modes of thought, including modeling, abstraction, optimization, logical analysis, inference from data, and use of symbols. Experience with mathematical modes of thought builds mathematical power, a capacity of mind of increasing value in this technological age that enables one to read critically, to identify fallacies, to detect bias, to assess risk, and to suggest alternatives.

Why Consider an Economics/Mathematics 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, Economics graduates have a high success rate for admissions to professional schools in law and business.

Empowered with the critical thinking skills that Mathematics develops, recent Mathematics graduates from Western have obtained positions in a variety of fields, including actuarial science, cancer research, computer software development, business management, and the movie industry, among many others. The skills acquired in our program have prepared graduates for further academic studies in Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Oceanography, and Education.

Program Requirements

The program requires 95 credits, including:

• 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
• One course from:
  • ECON 406 - Topics in Microeconomics
  • ECON 407 - Topics in Macroeconomics
• ECON 475 - Econometrics
• Choose either:
  • 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
• Choose either:
  • MATH 204 - Elementary Linear Algebra
  • MATH 331 - Ordinary Differential Equations
  • or
  • MATH 203 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equations I
  • MATH 303 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equations II
• MATH 224 - Multivariable Calculus and Geometry I
• MATH 225 - Multivariable Calculus and Geometry II
• MATH 226 - Limits and Infinite Series
• MATH 304 - Linear Algebra
• M/CS 435 - Nonlinear Optimization
• One course from:
  • CSCI 140 - Programming Fundamentals in C++
  • CSCI 141 - Computer Programming I
  • MATH 307 - Mathematical Computing
• Choose either:
  • MATH 341 - Probability and Statistical Inference
  • MATH 342 - Statistical Methods I
  • or
  • MATH 441 - Probability
  • MATH 442 - Mathematical Statistics
• 16 additional credits in upper-division courses in economics, under prior departmental advisement; 8 of these 16 credits must be at the 400 level.
• Take one Communication Focus - Economics (CF-E) or Communications Focus (CF) course within the College of Business and Economics 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-.

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

Conclusion

The Economics/Mathematics program at Western Washington University provides students with a rigorous training in both economic theory and applications, as well as mathematical modes of thought that are versatile and powerful. This program prepares students for a variety of careers and further academic studies, and is an excellent choice for those interested in economics and mathematics.