Economics/Political Science, BA

Combined major offered by the Department of Economics, College of Business and Economics and the Department of Political Science, College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

94-96 credits

Introduction/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 Consider an Economics/Political Science 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.

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

Political Science Department Chair Sara Weir Arntzen Hall 415 360-650-2912 Sara.Weir@wwu.edu

Political Science Program Coordinator Peggy Warner Arntzen Hall 415 360-650-3469 Peggy.Warner@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

Attorney | Financial Planner/Analyst |  Law School | Politician | Economist | Banking | Real Estate | Entrepreneur | Campaign Worker | Insurance | Government 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/Political Science 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.

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/cbe/students/application.shtml.

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.

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.