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 or contact the departments at the address/phone above.

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):

Open majors can be declared by new and currently enrolled students in good standing without additional requirements. All students are eligible for direct admission to the major at the time of admission to the university, subject to space availability. Currently enrolled students may declare their major by completing the Student Academic Declaration & Change Form and meeting the major’s retention requirements.

Students interested in this major can visit the Economics Department in Parks Hall 315 or the Mathematics Department in Bond Hall 202 for more information.

Retention Standards

To remain in good standing, students must meet the following academic requirements:

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all WWU coursework.
  • Students whose GPA falls below 2.0 will receive a CBE academic warning and have one quarter to raise their GPA to 2.0 or higher.
  • Students whose cumulative WWU GPA remains below 2.00 for two or more consecutive quarters will be dropped from CBE and will not be readmitted into CBE until their cumulative WWU GPA is 2.0 or higher.

Transfer students admitted without a WWU GPA (i.e., no graded coursework at WWU at the time of admission) are admitted to both WWU and CBE. They must maintain the GPA retention standards described above to remain in good standing.

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.