Bachelor of Science in Economic Strategy

The Bachelor of Science with a Major in Economics emphasizes the study of mathematics and quantitative techniques along with economic theory, application methods, and social studies. The course of study requires a more intensive background in math and statistics, reflecting the quantitative character of modern economics. This program provides preparation for employment in technical and scientific areas and is appropriate for graduate studies in economics and related fields such as statistics, mathematics and finance.

The Economics: Strategy option is designed for students who want to master the tools of modern economic analysis and apply them to real-world decision-making by individuals, businesses, and governments. The Strategy Option emphasizes strategic thinking that will prepare students to tackle complex economic and organizational challenges.  Students will learn to think in terms of incentives, anticipate outcomes, and design strategies that drive effective decision-making.

Admission Requirements

  1. Minimum 45 quarter credits completed, including ECON 200, ECON 201; one of STAT 311, STAT 341, or STAT 390; MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126 (or MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136)
  2. Minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA for all prior college work; minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA for all UW coursework, when applicable.
  3. Minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA for four of the six courses required for entrance - ECON 200, ECON 201; one of STAT 311, STAT 341, or STAT 390; calculus at the level of MATH 124, or first calculus course taken, with a minimum 2.0 grade for each of the six courses required for entrance.
  4. A one-page personal statement, typed and double-spaced. See department website for details.
  5. Completion of reading comprehension, critical thinking, and writing assessment essay (RTW). See department website for details.
  6. Quarterly admission (autumn, winter, spring); refer to department website for details. Admission is capacity-constrained. Meeting the above criteria does not guarantee admission to the major.

Students apply for the Strategy option at the time of application to the major. Non-option students in the general Bachelor of Science Economics major can petition to enroll in the Strategy option during the admissions rounds in autumn, winter, and spring quarters, and the decision is made based on course capacities.

Graduation Requirements

  1. Admission to the major
  2. Core Courses (40 credits):
    1. STAT 311
    2. MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126 (or MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136)
    3. ECON 200, ECON 201, ECON 300, ECON 301. Minimum 2.0 grade in each course. ECON 300 and ECON 301 must be taken in residence as a matriculated student through the UW, Seattle.
  3. Upper-Division Economics Courses (30 credits)
    1. ECON 400, ECON 482; one of ECON 404 or ECON 485
    2. Two courses from ECON 404, ECON 411, ECON 432, ECON 485, ECON 486, ECON 487
    3. One additional 400-level ECON course
    4. ECON 496, ECON 497, ECON 499 may not be applied to this requirement
  4. Minimum 50 credits in ECON-prefix courses; minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in these 50 credits
  5. Minimum 20 credits at the 400-level taken in residence at the UW, Seattle
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