Economics, BS

Introduction

The study of economics provides 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. The Bachelor of Science in Economics emphasizes the more analytical, mathematical, and empirical aspects of economics and is particularly appropriate for students interested in technical careers or future academic studies.

Why Consider an Economics 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, many of Economics graduates have had a high success rate for admissions to professional schools in law and business.

Student Resources

Department website: Economics

Contact information: Diane Brearley, Department Manager, Parks Hall 315, 360-650-3910, Diane.Brearley@wwu.edu or Econ@wwu.edu

Department advising: See the pre-major advising section of the College of Business and Economics website or contact the department 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, Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Economic 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 majors in economics can visit the Economics Department in Parks Hall 315 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.