Financial Economics, BA

• Combined major offered by the departments of Economics and of Finance and Marketing, College of Business and Economics

Introduction

The study of Financial Economics will provide a combination of economic analysis and tools from accounting and finance that can be used to guide financial decisions. The Economics Department and the Department of Finance and Marketing jointly offer this major and strive to provide a program which gives students rigorous training in theory and applications of accounting, economics, and finance.

Learning Competency Goals

• Demonstrate knowledge of financial concepts 
• Demonstrate knowledge of economic concepts 
• Demonstrate knowledge of accounting concepts 
• Analyze economic data using quantitative techniques 
• Produce quality business documents 

Why Consider a Financial Economics Major?

This major is designed for students interested in both economics and finance, and is aimed particularly at those who wish to pursue careers in corporate finance, financial analysis, insurance and real estate, and/or government agencies where special emphasis is placed on financial economic knowledge.

Student Resources

Department website: Economics and Finance and Marketing

Contact information: 

• Economics: Diane Brearley, Department Manager, Parks Hall 315, 360-650-3910, Diane.Brearley@wwu.edu or Econ@wwu.edu
• Finance and Marketing: Molly Baumann, Parks Hall 415, 360-650-2578, Molly.Baumann@wwu.edu

Department advising: See the pre-major advising section of the College of Business and 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

Sample careers: Actuary, Financial Planner/Analyst, Government, Investment Banker, Budget Analyst, Banking Securities, Financial Economist, Business Forecaster

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Students planning to major in Economics 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 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 and submit the online application form.

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 grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.