Message from the Chair
Welcome to the Department of Economics at Central Washington University!
Economics helps us understand the forces that shape the world around us, from the choices made by households and firms to the policies that influence inflation, employment, and trade. At CWU, we prepare students to analyze complex problems, interpret data, and make evidence-based decisions. These skills are in high demand across the business, government, and nonprofit sectors.
Our department offers two dynamic majors, Economics and Business Analytics, as well as four specialized options that allow students to tailor their studies to their career goals. Whether your interests lie in business decision-making, forecasting, data science, policy analysis, or further studies such as law or graduate school, our programs equip you with the analytical, quantitative, and communication skills most valued by employers and advanced degree programs alike.
A hallmark of our department is our commitment to hands-on, experiential learning. Students work on real-world projects, such as the Student Price Index, and contribute to the national cost-of-living index in partnership with C2ER: The Council for Community and Economic Research. Many present their work at conferences or compete in national case competitions, experiences that strengthen technical expertise and professional confidence.
Our faculty are deeply committed to teaching, research, and mentorship. They bring both real-world experience and intellectual curiosity into the classroom. Our modern and research-backed approach to education helps students connect theory to current issues, whether it’s debates over trade policy, shifts in labor markets, or decisions by the Federal Reserve.
We take pride in our strong community and alumni connections. Through events and initiatives that connect the classroom to the workplace, students gain a practical perspective on careers in business analytics, economics, and beyond.
I invite you to explore what makes our department unique: a supportive community, a focus on experiential education, and a commitment to empowering students to thrive in today’s data-driven economy. Whether you are a prospective student, an alum, or a community partner, we look forward to connecting with you.
Tennecia Dacass, Ph.D.
Chair and Associate Professor of Economics
Central Washington University
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