Economics/Social Studies, BA

Introduction

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.

Social Studies Education is guided by the definition of social studies adopted by the National Council for Social Studies:

“Social Studies is the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence. Within the school program, Social Studies provides coordinated, systematic study drawing upon such disciplines as Anthropology, Archaeology, Economics, Geography, History, Law, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religion, and Sociology, as well as appropriate content from the Humanities, Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The primary purpose of Social Studies is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world.”

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.

To receive a recommendation for state of Washington certification, students must complete the “teacher certification” program, including the content methods course SEC 426, which is offered by the Department of Secondary Education 1) as a part of the undergraduate BA degree, or 2) as a post baccalaureate program, or 3) as a part of the Master’s in Teaching program. See the Secondary Education Professional Program Guide for program admission and teacher certification requirements. Completion of this combined major leads to an endorsement in social studies.

Student Resources

Department website: Economics

Contact information: Diane Brearly, department manager, Parks Hall 315, 360-650-3910, Diane.Brearley@wwu.edu or Econ@wwu.edu; Teacher Education Admission, 360-650-4887, wce.teachered.admiss@wwu.edu.

Department advising: Admitted and/or current students visit the Advising section of the 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

How to Declare (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.

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/Social Studies 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: cbe.wwu.edu/apply-cbe.

Advising tips: 1) Complete MATH 157 and DSCI 205 requirements early; 2) For information regarding the MIS 220 Equivalency Exam see the Department of Decision Sciences website for test-out information: cbe.wwu.edu/mis-220-test-out; 3) Meet with your faculty advisor (assigned following admission to the major).

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.