College of Business and Economics

Introduction

Dr. Deanna Kennedy, Dean

Mission Statement of the College

We are a student-focused school of business and economics engaged in scholarly and professional activities that contribute to the well-being of society.

Objective of the College

The College of Business and Economics prepares students to lead, analyze, and contribute across a range of organizational settings — from entrepreneurial ventures to global enterprises. Building on a foundation in the liberal arts, students develop strong analytical, managerial, and communication skills, along with proficiency in accounting, economics, and data-informed decision making.

The curriculum emphasizes ethical reasoning, professional adaptability, and commitment to lifelong learning. Graduates are prepared to navigate complexity, drive innovation, and engage thoughtfully with the broader community and society.

The College of Business and Economics is accredited by AACSB International — The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business — at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. AACSB Accreditation recognizes the highest standard of quality in teaching, research, and societal impact.

Academic Programs Leading to Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees

Application Process

Students are encouraged to declare their College of Business and Economics pre-major or major as soon as they meet the requirements, which are located on the separate CBE department catalog sections for Accounting, Decision Sciences, Economics, Finance & Marketing, and Management.

Invited Distinguished Scholar students may apply to all CBE programs by following the instructions they receive in their invitation from CBE.

Minors

CBE minors complement many majors at Western. The combination of a CBE minor with a liberal arts major provides valuable additional skills and educational development. The minors offered in CBE include the following:

• Accounting Minor - See Accounting Department for details.
• Business Administration Minor - See details below.
• Business Analytics Minor - Minor is for CBE students only. See Decision Sciences Department for details.
• Economics Minor - See Economics Department for details.
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation Minor – See Management Department for details.
• International Business Minor - See Management Department for details.

Department Chairs

Directors

Requirements for Bachelor’s Degree

Besides the general requirement for graduation from the University, explained elsewhere in this catalog, CBE has the following specific requirements:

• At least 50 percent of the business credit hours required for the CBE majors and minors must be taken at Western Washington University.
• Electives may be selected as needed to ensure the required 180 quarter hours total credit is met.
• Majors in accounting and business administration must complete a minimum of 90 credits in areas other than business. Except DSCI 205, DSCI 207, MATH 157, and all economics courses, all CBE coures are considered business courses.
• All CBE majors are required to take one communication focus course. Please see your advisor.

Petitioning Procedure. Any student who seeks a variation from the strict application of the rules, regulations or requirements of the College of Business and Economics, should consult their advisor for guidance.

College of Business and Economics Centers

Center for Economic and Financial Education. The Center for Economic and Financial Education, coordinated by the economics department engages in providing economic knowledge, data and teaching aids to the grade schools and high schools throughout the state. Affiliated with the Washington State Council on Economic Education, this center assists in raising the standards of economic literacy of the state.

Center for Economic and Business Research. This center undertakes research activities related to developing a better understanding of the economic and business climate of the Pacific Northwest. The center is developing and maintaining an economic database for the area, has developed a regional model that will assist in forecasting certain economic variables for the region, and responds to specific research requests from local public and private entities.

Center for Innovation in Education. This center, through faculty, student, and industry partner involvement, is committed to enhancing and serving as an incubator for new methods of teaching and learning in fields of business, economics, and related disciplines in the College of Business and Economics.

Center for International Business. The Center for International Business provides opportunities for faculty and students to deepen their understanding of international business management techniques and issues through a variety of activities including lectures and seminars, research projects, course curricula development and field studies.

Center for Operations Research and Management Science. The Center provides a platform for research-oriented outreach activities including the following: publishing a working paper series, conducting international symposiums and seminar series, creating new research opportunities for senior undergraduate and graduate students to get involved in faculty-guided applied research projects.

Departments, Courses and Programs

Courses listed in this catalog constitute a record of the total academic program of the University. For an exact scheduling of courses at Western, students should consult Browse Classes and Outreach and Continuing Education  course schedule.

The College of Business and Economics also offers the Business Administration Minor  administered by the departments of Decision Sciences, Finance & Marketing, and Management.

Programs

• Business Administration Minor