Economics/Social Studies

Department of Economics, College of Business and Economics.

The study of Economics will provide an understanding of economic concepts and the functioning of the economy in addition to the ability to apply economic analysis in problem solving. The Economics Department strives to provide a program which gives students rigorous training in both economic theory and applications.

Social Studies Education is guided by the definition of social studies adopted by the National Council for Social Studies:

“Social Studies is the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence. Within the school program, Social Studies provides coordinated, systematic study drawing upon such disciplines as Anthropology, Archaeology, Economics, Geography, History, Law, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religion, and Sociology, as well as appropriate content from the Humanities, Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The primary purpose of Social Studies is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world.”

This major is open to any student who desires to study Economics and a variety of other social sciences, but it is specifically designed for students desiring to pursue a career in teaching. Secondary Education students who wish to be endorsed in Social Studies may choose this major. However, the Economics/Social Studies degree does not require that a student pursue a teaching certificate.

To receive a recommendation for state of Washington certification, students must complete the “teacher certification” program, including the content methods course SEC 426, which is offered by the Department of Secondary Education 1) as a part of the undergraduate BA degree, or 2) as a post baccalaureate program, or 3) as a part of the Master’s in Teaching program. See the Secondary Education Professional Program Guide for program admission and teacher certification requirements. Completion of this combined major leads to an endorsement in social studies.