Studying Economics
Economics studies the institutions and arrangements that are used to create, protect, and allocate scarce resources that have alternative uses. It advances our understanding of the behavior of individuals, firms, governments and other organizations. Economics’ deep intellectual roots, rigorous analytic methods, and powerful ability to explain and evaluate social phenomena make it an exceptionally rewarding field of study.
The Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Economics is for students who are intrigued by economic problems and questions and are attracted to economists’ challenging and analytical approach to explaining social phenomena. The BA provides an excellent preparation for employment in the private and public sectors, and for graduate study in a variety of fields, such as law and business.
The Bachelor of Science with a Major in Economics requires a more intensive background in math and statistics, reflecting the distinctive quantitative character of modern economics. It is especially suitable for students intending to go on to graduate study in economics and related fields such as finance.
Both the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science majors are designated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) undergraduate programs.
Special programs for undergraduates include a departmental honors program; study abroad programs in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, and Thailand; a mentorship program; and certificate programs in four areas of specialization: international economics, economic theory and quantitative methods, quantitative managerial economics, and environmental and natural resource economics.
For more information, see our department learning goals and attend a Prospective Student Information Session.
Academic Advising Updates
Autumn 2024 Admission Cycle (for 2025 Winter Quarter Admission to ECON) Updates:
Registration for the Autumn RTW is now open via Microsoft Forms. The exam will be on September 27th from 4:00 - 5:00 PM. The location for the exam has not yet been determined, but will be updated here when confirmed.
The major application form is not yet open. You can still sign up to be notified via email when updates are available. (@uw.edu login required)
New for Autumn 2024: Have specific questions about the application process? Register for an application and/or RTW preparation workshop! At each session, you will learn details about the application (personal statement) and RTW exam and get a chance to ask an advisor questions about the process. If you plan to attend, please register so we can best plan for each session. This quarter's events will be:
- September 20th, 3-4pm, IN PERSON in Savery 130 - Application and RTW
- September 23th. 3-3:30 PM, RTW Only
- September 24th, 11am-12pm - Application and RTW
- October 3rd, 4-4:30 PM - Application only
ADVISING OFFICE INFORMATION
Until further notice, the Economics Advising Office will be holding the vast majority of appointments through email, Zoom, and phones. Drop-in advising will continue to be held via Zoom (see below) throughout the quarter.
Click here for academic advising availability.
For the latest information regarding the UW’s news response to COVID-19/coronavirus, please see uw.edu/coronavirus.
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