Program Overview

Introduction to the Economics/Social Studies Major

The Economics/Social Studies major at Western Washington University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of economic concepts and the functioning of the economy, as well as the ability to apply economic analysis in problem-solving. The major is designed for students who desire to study economics and a variety of other social sciences, with a focus on those pursuing a career in teaching.

Program Description

The Economics Department strives to provide a program that 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, which emphasizes the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence.

Why Consider an Economics/Social Studies 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.

Admission and Declaration Process

Students planning to major in Economics/Social Studies 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 this combined major in economics.

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

Grade Requirements

A 2.0 (C) minimum course grade is required in each course taken in the major. Courses required for a state teaching endorsement must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

Program Requirements

The program requires 89-92 credits, including:

• One course from:
  • DSCI 205 - Business Statistics
  • MATH 240 - Introduction to Statistics
  • MATH 341 - Probability and Statistical Inference
• 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
• ENVS 320 - GIS I: Introduction to Geographic Information Science
• 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 134 - Calculus I Honors
  • MATH 138 - Accelerated Calculus
  • MATH 157 - Calculus with Applications to Business and Economics
• 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
• 16 credits of upper-division electives in economics under departmental advisement, at least 8 credits must be at the 400 level.

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