Fields of Study
Economic Sciences
College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences
- Offered as:
- Major
- Minor
- Graduate program
Overview
Economics uses rigorous methods of analysis to study the individual decision making of consumers and businesses, the ability of markets to allocate resources, the impact of government policy, and various other social institutions. It develops our knowledge and understanding of how the economy functions and provides a deep explanation for social phenomena. This makes it a very rewarding field to study.
Specialization tracks available
- Strengths of the program
-
- Learn economic systems in a rigorous, flexible study of basic problem solving and data analytical methods.
- Make valuable internship and career connections through WSU's active network of faculty, alumni, and business professionals.
- Learn from faculty who are active researchers and are frequently cited by broadcast and print media for their expertise.
- Transfer students are ensured credit compatibility through agreements with Washington community colleges.
- Core courses & specialization tracks
-
Core courses
All majors in the School of Economic Sciences complete a common set of foundational core courses:
- Introductory Microeconomics
- Introductory Macroeconomics
- Mathematics (Calculus level)
- Statistics
- Intermediate Microeconomics
- Intermediate Macroeconomics
- Econometrics
- Economics Capstone
After building your economic science foundation with the core courses, you'll choose one of seven specialization tracks.
Specializations
Economics is a broad field with many applications, and the specialization tracks are designed to help you develop in-depth knowledge and special expertise in the area of economics that interests you the most.
Agricultural economics
Deals with economic issues related to food and fiber supply and demand and the natural resource base that supports agricultural production and societal needs. Applications to public decision-making and private decisions of farms, ranches, and agribusinesses are considered.
Signature courses:
- Business Management Economics
- Business Finance Economics
- Farm/Ranch Management and Food/Agricultural Markets
- Economic Analysis of Environment and Natural Resource Policies
Business economics
Uses economic concepts to understand the management, marketing, and finance problems faced by businesses and consumers operating in a market system.
Signature courses:
- Money and Banking
- Labor Economics
- Business Finance Economics
- Business Management Economics
- Industrial Organization
International Economics & Development
Studies how policies, institutions, and endowments influence the accumulation of physical, human, and natural capital, leading to the emergence of poor and rich communities and countries.
Signature courses:
- Public Economics
- International Trade and Finance
- Economics of Health Care
- Aspects of Sustainable Development
- Economic Development and Underdevelopment
Economics, Policy, and Law
Focuses on the analytical skills used in law school and policy-making. Prepares you to apply to law school or to enter the areas of economic policy, tax policy, regulation, public programs and projects, and environmental policy.
Signature courses:
- Money and Banking
- Public Economics
- Monetary Theory/Policy
- Introduction to Ethics
- Economic Analysis of Environmental and Natural Resource Policies
Environmental and resource economics
Weighs the economic consequences and trade-offs of protecting, restoring, developing, and allocating natural resources.
Signature courses:
- Aspects of Sustainable Development
- Natural Resource Economics
- Economic Analysis of Environmental and Natural Resource Policies
- Managing the Global Environment
Financial markets
Provides solid, analytical training in the substantial overlap between economics and finance. Coursework focuses on the analysis of financial markets.
Signature courses:
- Financial Accounting
- Introduction to Financial Management
- Money and Banking
- Monetary Theory and Policy
- Risk and Insurance
Quantitative Economics
Builds the skills needed to understand and use advanced statistical and mathematical models. Prepares you for careers involving data analysis or for advanced education, such as a Ph.D. in economics or a related field.
Signature courses:
- Microeconomic Analysis
- Calculus
- Strategy and Game Theory
- Monetary Theory and Policy
- Econometrics
Graduation requirements
See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.
- Add a minor in economics
-
If you are not majoring in economics, consider adding an economics-related minor. Knowledge of economic principles is an ideal complement to majors in many different fields.
You can minor in:
- Agribusiness Economics
- Business Economics
- Economics
- Environmental and Resource Economics and Management
- Sustainable Development
- Scholarships & financial aid
-
A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with education costs. Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.
For all students at WSU
To get all the financial help WSU can provide, start by doing these two things:
- Complete the University's general scholarship application so you can be eligible for scholarship consideration.
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) so WSU can consider you for aid (scholarships, grants, loans, etc.) based on financial need.
More about WSU scholarships and financial aid
For economics students
The School of Economic Sciences offers scholarships for economics majors. The College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences awards roughly $600,000 to students annually. Students may also be eligible for other WSU scholarships or financial aid.
- Careers in Economics
-
A degree in economic sciences can prepare you to influence or be invovled in the following areas, and more:
- Agribusiness & Food Business Management
- Alternative Energy Policy
- Business & Economic Forecasting
- Consumer Behavior
- Data Analytics & Big Data
- Gaming Industry
- Environmental Damage Assessment (air & water pollution)
- Environmental Management
- Finance
- Global Climate Change
- International Business
- Labor Market Analysis
- Marketing
- Policy & Law
- Smart City Design
- Sports
- Sustainability
- Transportation Analysis & Policy
- Water Resource Management