Economics/Mathematics, BA

Combined major offered by the Department of Economics, College of Business and Economics and the Department of Mathematics, College of Sciences and Technology

95 credits

Introduction/What is the Study of Economics/Mathematics?

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.

“In addition to theorems and theories, Mathematics offers distinctive modes of thought which are both versatile and powerful, 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. Mathematics empowers us to understand better the information-laden world in which we live.” From: Everybody Counts: A Report to the Nation on the Future of Mathematics Education (c) 1989 National Academy of Sciences.

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.

Contact Information

Economics Department Chair Steve Henson Parks Hall 315A 360-650-4843 Steve.Henson@wwu.edu

Economics Major Information: Academic Department Manager Diane Brearley Parks Hall 315 360-650-3910 Diane.Brearley@wwu.edu Econ@wwu.edu

Mathematics Department Chair Tjalling Ypma Bond Hall 202A 360-650-3785 Tjalling.Ypma@wwu.edu

Mathematics Major Information: Academic Department Manager Mathematics Department Parks Hall 202 360-650-3785 Math.Department@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

Actuary/Banking | Financial Planner/Analyst | Urban/Regional Planner | Economic Researcher | Corporate Attorney | Financial Economist | Real Estate | Business Management | Insurance Consultant

Major/Career Resources

http://www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Students planning to major in Economics/Mathematics should declare their major as early as possible, preferably their first year at Western. Completion of the CBE (College of Business and Economics) foundation courses is not required to declare this combined major in economics.

Admissions: For admission as a full Economics/Mathematics 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://cbe.wwu.edu/cbe/students/application.shtml.

Students will also need to meet the admission and declaration requirements of the Department of Mathematics.

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.