Undergraduate Programs

Economics lecture in Kane Hall

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

Economics Honors Program

Applications for the Economics Honors Program are now available.  The applications are due by 11:59pm on Sunday, February 25 and will be made unavailable at that time.  A part of the application requires students to submit a writing sample (information is provided on the application), however, we wanted to provide some suggested topics for those who may not be familiar with current local issues. 

Please visit the Economics Honors Program website for information.

Spring 2024 Admission Cycle (for 2024 Autumn Quarter Admission to ECON) Updates:
Registration for the Spring RTW exam is now open. For Spring quarter there are two exams held at the same time, so please make sure that you sign up for the correct session:

Registration for Current UW Students (IN-PERSON Exam)
Registration for Transfer Direct Applications (ONLINE Exam)

The Undergraduate Major Application is not yet open, but will be available after final grades for Winter quarter are posted. As soon as updates are available, we can notify you via email -- Sign up to be notified! (@uw.edu login required)


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.

Thank you for your cooperation.

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