Economics/Mathematics, BS

• Combined major offered by the Department of Economics, College of Business and Economics and the Department of Mathematics, College of Science and Engineering

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.

“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.

Student Resources

Department website: Economics and Mathematics

Contact information: 

• Economics: Diane Brearley, Department Manager, Parks Hall 315, 360-650-3910, Diane.Brearley@wwu.edu or Econ@wwu.edu
• Mathematics: Bond Hall 202, 360-650-3785, Math.Department@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/Banking, Financial Planner/Analyst, Urban/Regional Planner, Economic Researcher, Corporate Attorney, Financial Economist, Real Estate, Business Management, Insurance Consultant

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 and submit the online application form.

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