The Department of Economics submitted applications to change the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes for the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science majors. The applications were approved and Economics is designated as a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) discipline.
This change of CIP codes was effective Autumn 2020.
1. What changed exactly? Prior to Autumn 2020, the Department of Economics Undergraduate Program used code 45.0601. Now the CIP code is 45.0603.
- Prior CIP code: 45.0601 Economics — A general program that focuses on the systematic study of the production, conservation and allocation of resources in conditions of scarcity, together with the organizational frameworks related to these processes. Includes instruction in economic theory, micro- and macroeconomics, comparative economic systems, money and banking systems, international economics, quantitative analytical methods, and applications to specific industries and public policy issues.
- Current CIP code: 45.0603 Econometrics and Quantitative Economics — A program that focuses on the systematic study of mathematical and statistical analysis of economic phenomena and problems. Includes instruction in economic statistics, optimization theory, cost/benefit analysis, price theory, economic modeling, and economic forecasting and evaluation.
See the CIP Codes website for details.
2. Why did this change occur? The requested CIP code change to "45.0603 Econometrics & Quantitative Economics", a STEM designation, reflects our long-established focus on quantitative and technical economic training. The field of economics has generally evolved to emphasize technical and quantitative methods and arguments. As our curriculum has evolved to reflect these changes, a change in the STEM designation of our undergraduate programs is appropriate.
The curriculum’s content is scientifically rigorous, using mathematical techniques and reasoning both in the development of theoretical economic models – using game theory and calculus - and in answering empirical questions with methods from statistics, econometrics and data science. In addition, in 2013 we added an econometrics requirement to the BA major, ECON 382, as we feel this skill set is necessary to keep in line with our peer institutions and our belief that all economics majors should be familiar with elementary regression techniques.
The tools and skills students acquire in our econometrics and technical economics based curriculum provides graduates with a robust understanding of economics, which leads to academic and non-academic options that transect a variety of career paths.
3. How does this change affect me? For many currently declared Economics majors, you will not notice a change. However, eligible F-1 international students can to apply to extend their Post-Completion OPT authorization by 24 months. F-1 international students can check with International Student Services (ISS) regarding their major stated on their I-20 document.
See here for more details regarding the STEM OPT Extension: https://iss.washington.edu/stem-opt-extension/
4. Does this change the name of my major or degree? No. Students will still graduate with either a "Bachelor of Arts with a major in Economics" or a "Bachelor of Science with a major in Economics".
5. Will the CIP code or STEM designation appear on my transcript? No. The UW does not include CIP codes or STEM designations on transcripts.
6. I am an international student. Who can I contact if I have a question? Use the Contact ISS About Major or CIP Code Issue form.
7. Does the CIP code change apply to those who graduated before Autumn 2020? No. The CIP code change only applies to those who graduate after Autumn (December) 2020 and beyond.