College of Business
Managerial Economics
Bachelor of Science | Major
Economics, BS—Managerial Economics Specialization
Managerial Economics applies economic principles to solve common business problems.
You will learn how managers make decisions in all aspects of business, especially in finance, marketing, accounting, supply chain, and management. Our students have the potential to accomplish great things in this world. It is important for business professionals to learn to effectively manage and operate a business, as well as understand their economic environment. Our Managerial Economics specialization is a dynamic degree that will prepare you for a variety of careers in the private sector of business.
Questions? Contact Us.
Economics Department
Shaw-Smyser 413
At the Center of a Better Future
What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | Economics and Business Analytics Website
Foundation Core Courses
- BUS 221 - Introductory Business Statistics OR MATH 211 - Statistical Concepts and Methods
- ECON 130 - Foundations for Business Analytics OR MATH 130 - Finite Mathematics
- ECON 201 - Principles of Economics Micro
- ECON 202 - Principles of Economics Macro
- MATH 153 - Pre-Calculus Mathematics I
- MATH 154 - Pre-Calculus Mathematics II
- MATH 170 - Intuitive Calculus
- MATH 172 - Calculus I
- MATH 173 - Calculus II
Managerial Economics Specialization
- ACCT 251 - Financial Accounting
- ACCT 252 - Managerial Accounting
- BUS 102 - Business Computer Skills
- BUS 241 - Legal Environment of Business
- BUS 301 - Contemporary Approaches to Personal and Professional Development OR ECON 301 - Professional Career Development
- BUAN 406 - Business Analytics
- COM 301 - Public Speaking for Business and Organizations
- ECON 352 - Managerial Economics
- ECON 401 - Intermediate Microeconomic Analysis
- ECON 402 - Intermediate Macroeconomic Analysis
- ENG 311 - Business Writing
- FIN 370 - Introductory Financial Management
- MKT 362 - Essential Marketing Concepts
- SCM 310 - Supply Chain Management
Next Steps
This specialization is an excellent choice for students with an interest in both public and private sector employment and preparation for law school. The managerial economics specialization can also be used as part of a double major.
High Regional Salaries
Average salaries for economists in the Seattle area are reported at $139,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Successful Fields
A degree in economics opens the door to a variety of high-impact careers. Graduates are well-prepared for roles such as economist, business analyst, management consultant, data analyst, policy analyst, and researcher.
STEM Designation
Our program is one of the only STEM-designated economics undergraduate programs in the state. Students gain analytical and quantitative skills that set them apart in competitive job markets.
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Financial Aid
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Student Life
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The best way to discover what makes CWU so special is to experience it yourself.
Opportunities
Our graduates have gone on to work in all sectors including tech, government, consulting, consumer and finance and manufacturing.
Outlook
ECON 355 - Economics of Labor focuses on the study of labor markets and the economic behavior of individuals and firms related to employment. Labor economics directly impacts our lives, from job search and wage negotiations to understanding unemployment rates and labor policies.
Accreditation
CWU’s College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Only 5% of business schools globally earn this coveted designation.
This program has changed how I think about my future career by allowing me to focus on what I am passionate about. I used to not take good opportunities because it would shut a door somewhere else. The people in the Economics Department have allowed me to realize that I should only pay attention to the doors I care about.
Hayden HobbickManagerial Economics and Accounting
Why Study at Central?
- Participate in workshops, seminars, and networking events that enhance your personal and professional growth.
- Connect with peers, enhance your learning experience, and become more engaged in the academic community with organizations like the CWU Economics Club.
- Get to know your professors with our small class sizes and benefit from personalized guidance and mentorship from our close-knit department and faculty who are both industry professionals and educators.
Student Price Index Project
Since January 2021, the Economics Association and the Department of Economics and Business Analytics at CWU are jointly leading a project that aims to develop a price index to determine the cost of college living in Ellensburg, Washington. Every month, based on a campus-wide survey, the Economic Association members gather prices of goods commonly consumed by CWU students from different stores in Ellensburg to compute the SPI and inflation rates.
This index serves to identify the price changes that students in Ellensburg encounter, making it a valuable tool. Learn more about this project from Assistant Professor Yurim Lee.
Commitment to a Sustainable World
Central Washington University is committed to integrating sustainability across academics, operations, and campus life. Many CWU programs embed sustainability-related concepts, skills, and applied learning that prepare students to think critically about their impact on the world around them.
CWU is nationally recognized for this work through the AASHE STARS Gold rating, reflecting our dedication to transparency, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement.
Sustainability courses include:
- ECON 101 Economic Issues
- ECON 201 Principles of Economics Micro
- ECON 202 Principles of Economics Macro
- ECON 355 Economics of Labor
- ECON 401 Intermediate Microeconomics Analysis
- ECON 462 Environmental and Resource Economics
- ECON 463 Energy Economics
Learn more about CWU’s sustainability efforts through the Office of Sustainability, explore CWU’s national sustainability recognition, or view the full AASHE STARS report.