Central Washington University

What you'll study

The Economics major within CWU's Bachelor of Business provides a mix of microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, quantitative methods and applied policy topics. Early coursework builds foundations in principles of economics, college-level mathematics and business statistics, while intermediate and advanced modules emphasise econometrics, economic modelling and data analysis.

• Core economic theory – intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics, price theory, welfare and market structure.
• Quantitative skills – statistics for business, econometrics, applied regression and use of statistical software for empirical work.
• Applied fields – international economics, public finance, monetary economics, labour economics and industrial organisation.
• Business integration – foundational business courses such as accounting, finance, management and business law to connect economic reasoning with organisational decision-making.
• Capstone and experiential learning – senior seminar, research project or internship options that allow you to apply economic analysis to real-world problems and employer contexts.

Students also complete the university's general education requirements and may choose electives or a minor to tailor the degree toward areas such as finance, data analytics, public policy or environmental economics.

Entry requirements

Admission is at the undergraduate level and normally requires a high-school diploma or recognised secondary school completion with a college-preparatory curriculum. Successful applicants typically present study in mathematics (or equivalent quantitative coursework), and universities place emphasis on grades across core academic subjects.

Other common application elements include a personal statement, academic transcripts and any required supplemental forms. International applicants must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements (through accepted tests or alternative proof of English ability) and provide certified credential evaluations if requested. Transfer students will be considered on the basis of college-level work; specific course-equivalency guidance is available from CWU admissions and academic advising.

Career prospects

Graduates with an Economics major from CWU move into a range of professional roles where analysis, quantitative literacy and economic reasoning are valued. Typical career paths include:

• Economic or financial analyst roles in private sector firms, banks and investment companies.
• Market research and business intelligence positions involving data interpretation and forecasting.
• Policy analyst and programme evaluation posts in government agencies, think tanks and non-profit organisations.
• Consulting roles that advise businesses on strategy, pricing, competition and regulatory issues.
• Data analyst, risk analyst and operations roles where statistical and econometric skills are applied.

Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study — master’s programmes in economics, finance, business analytics or an MBA — or professional qualifications related to finance and public policy.

Why study at Central Washington University

CWU is known for its emphasis on undergraduate teaching and close faculty–student engagement. The Economics curriculum focuses on applied and practical learning, giving students frequent opportunities to work with real datasets, participate in internships and undertake senior projects that showcase analytical skills to employers.

The campus offers a supportive learning environment with smaller class sizes that encourage discussion and mentoring. CWU’s regional connections to businesses, local government and non-profit organisations help students access internships and practicum placements, while academic advisors assist with course planning and career preparation.

Overall, the programme is suited to students who want a solid grounding in economic theory together with quantitative and business skills that are directly applicable to the labour market or further academic study.