Economics
Application Deadline
- Spring: December 5
- Summer: April 20
- Fall: July 24
Class Begins
- Spring: January 12, 2026
- Summer: May 11, 2026
- Fall: August 24, 2026
Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Science (BS)
or
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
in Economic Sciences
WSU College
College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences
Knowledge Supplied. On Demand.
In today’s fast-paced world, markets and economies on the global, national and local level are changing more quickly than ever before. As a result, there is an increased demand for highly-educated professionals who understand the intricacies and real-world implications of complex economic and financial systems.
Choose the Degree Path That Fits Your Goals
WSU offers both a Bachelor of Science (BS) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economic Sciences. Both degrees provide a strong foundation in economic theory and real-world application. The difference lies in emphasis and flexibility.
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Economic Sciences
The BS emphasizes quantitative and technical skills, including advanced mathematics and statistical analysis. This pathway is well suited for students interested in:
- Finance, analytics, or data-driven business roles
- Economic research
- Graduate study in economics or related quantitative fields
- Careers requiring strong mathematical and econometric training
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economic Sciences
The BA offers more curricular flexibility and requires fewer advanced technical courses, allowing students to tailor their studies across disciplines. This option is ideal for students interested in:
- Public policy, government, or nonprofit leadership
- Law, journalism, or education
- Business careers that do not require advanced quantitative specialization
- Double majors or minors in fields such as political science, history, sociology, psychology, or philosophy
Both degree options are offered fully online and are grounded in rigorous economic theory, critical thinking, and real-world application.
Why Major in Economics?
Those who study economics use rigorous methods of analysis to measure the economic impact factors like resource availability, scarcity, government policy, social institutions, and individual decision making by consumers and businesses. This fascinating field of study advances our understanding of how complex economic systems function, increasing the ability to improve economic outcomes on both a small and massive scale. It can provide deep explanations for impactful social phenomena, making economics a very rewarding field to study.
What You’ll Learn
WSU’s economics program, offered completely online, trains students to become critical thinkers and excellent communicators with advanced data analysis skills, preparing them to earn high salaries commensurate with these high-level skills. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to evaluate and apply economic concepts and quantitative methods, think critically, integrate concepts, and evaluate and clearly communicate the results of economic analyses.
Depending on whether students pursue the BS or BA pathway, they may emphasize advanced quantitative analysis or a broader interdisciplinary approach to economic issues. Economics students can go on to careers as economists, statisticians, data analysts, advisors, revenue agents, loan officers, or government service. A bachelor’s degree in economics is also excellent preparation for earning a graduate degree in economics, getting an MBA, or going to law school.
WSU Online Economics Degree Strengths
- Learn about economic systems in a rigorous, flexible study of basic problem solving and data analytical methods.
- Make valuable career connections through WSU’s active network of faculty, alumni, and business professionals.
- Learn from acclaimed College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences faculty members who are active researchers and are frequently cited by broadcast and print media for their expertise.
Program of Study
Program requirements vary slightly between the BS and BA degree options. The BS includes a stronger emphasis on advanced mathematics and quantitative methods, while the BA allows greater flexibility in upper-division electives and interdisciplinary coursework. Academic advisors can help you select the pathway that aligns with your goals.
All courses are available online
All WSU undergraduates must complete a minimum of 120 semester credits of which 40 credits must be at the 300 – 400 level. Students must also complete the University Common Requirements (UCORE). These can generally be satisfied with a direct transfer degree. For a list of direct-transfer agreements, visit WSU’s Transferring an Associate Degree web page.
To certify in the Economics Sciences major students must have 24 credits and a minimum 2.0 GPA. Students must also complete the Economic Sciences graduation requirements and the program requirements of the degree.
- ECONS 101 [SSCI] – Fundamentals of Microeconomics
- ECONS 102 [SSCI] – Fundamentals of Macroeconomics
- ECONS 215 – Data Management & Visualization
- ECONS 301 – Intermediate Microeconomic Theory with Calculus (BS Degree only)
- ECONS 302 – Intermediate Macroeconomic Analysis
- ECONS 305 – Intermediate Microeconomics without Calculus (BA Degree only)
- ECONS 311 [M] – Introductory Econometrics (BS Degree only)
- ECONS 490 [CAPS] [M] – Economics Capstone
- ECONS 495 – Instructional Practicum
OR
ECONS 497 – Economics Internship
OR
ECONS 499 – Special Problems
OR
ECONS 483 – Special Topics: Study Abroad (not available online)
- COM 102 [COMM] – Public Speaking in the Digital Age
OR - COM 210 [COMM] – Multimedia Content Creation
OR - H_D 205 – Developing Effective Communication and Life Skills
- ENGLISH 402 [WRTG] [M] – Technical and Professional Writing
OR - ENGLISH 301 [WRTG] – Writing and Rhetorical Conventions
- MATH 171 [QUAN] – Calculus I (BS Degree only)
- MATH 172 [QUAN] – Calculus II (BS Degree only)
- ECONS 310 – Statistics for Economists
18 credits
- ECONS 320 – Money and Banking
- ECONS 327 – International Trade and Finance
- ECONS 335 [QUAN] – Business Finance Economics
- ECONS 352 – Business Management Economics
- ECONS 425 – Industrial Organization
- ECONS 452 [M] – Advanced Business Management Economics
24 credits of additional Economics courses
Please review the online WSU Catalog for additional information about specific degree requirements.
Related Certificate
Global Campus offers this related undergraduate certificate program that you can consider pairing with your Economic Sciences degree.