In Cascadia College’s Economics – Bachelor of Arts focuspathway, you will learn different analytical approaches to understanding behavior and choice, exploring social phenomena, and analyzing data. Economics takes a social science approach to explore how we understand the economy, the role of systems and institutions in economic behavior, the production and distribution of goods and services, and the structure of the economy.
Modalities
Coursework may be completed through a combination of in-person (web enhanced), hybrid and online modes, though not every course is offered in the same modality each quarter. Specific courses may be offered at certain times of the year. Consult the current Class Schedule.
Placement
Many courses at Cascadia College have placement prerequisites for reading, writing and math ability. The courses that you will place into determine how you progress through your pathway and how long your degree will take. There are a variety of ways to find your English and Math placement level.
In order to earn the Associate's degree connected to this pathway, students will need to complete at least one college-level math course. For this pathway, one of the following is recommended:
- MATH& 151 (Calculus 1)
In addition, students may also need to take either MATH& 146 or MATH 246 to satisfy a statistics requirement for their future transfer institute.
Although lower-level math courses will fulfill the Integrated Studies DTA math requirement, many Economics programs at local universities require a minimum of MATH& 151 or higher. You will need to consult with an academic advisor after placement to be sure to enroll in a course that is consistent with your planned course of study.
If you have any questions about this pathway, contact: advising@cascadia.edu
Planning Your Courses:
The information below assumes the following:
- You are beginning with an English placement of ENGL& 101
- You are beginning with a math placement of MATH& 151 or higher
- You will be attending full-time each quarter (3 classes)
- You will start in the fall quarter
- You are ready to take 100 and 200-level classes in your first quarter
- You are NOT taking courses during summer quarters
If any of these points do not apply to you, you can still complete the pathway! You will just need to make some adjustments to your course schedule. Talk with an Academic Advisor to create a long-term academic plan that meets your needs.
The Annual Course Planning Guide shows Cascadia’s tentative plan for classes and the quarters in which they are offered. It is intended for planning purposes only and should not be considered a guarantee of class offerings. Actual quarterly sections may be changed, added, or removed. Students should use the Searchable Quarterly Class Schedule to see up to date class offerings.
Quarter One (Fall)
- Find your community! Attend activities and connect with student clubs related to your long-term goals or interests.
- Meet with your Advisor and build a long-term course plan.
- If you have credits through AP testing or from another college, begin the process of having them officially evaluated.
Quarter Two (Winter)
- Compare the different Economics majors offered at the universities you're interested in.
- Look for local opportunities to participate in economics-related activities.
Quarter Three (Spring)
- Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.
- Check the GPA and other entry requirements for your future major/university. Are you on track?
Quarter Four (Fall)
- Meet with your advisor about applying to universities. Start your transfer applications!
- Apply for next year's financial aid at your desired universities.
- If next year's FAFSA isn't available yet, set a reminder for when it will be!
Quarter Five (Winter)
NOTE: Depending on your transfer institute, you may need a certain version of statistics.
Students transferring to UW Seattle will need STAT 311. Cascadia does not offer the equivalent to STAT 311, so students should plan to take MATH 211 through Shoreline Community College instead. If you are planning a transfer to UW Seattle, DO NOT take MATH& 146/246 listed below.
- Meet with your Advisor to apply for graduation!
Quarter Six (Spring)
- Attend Cascadia's Commencement Ceremony (optional)
Choice Classes: Distribution and Elective Requirements - Explore and align your interests.
The recommended choice classes listed below were thoughtfully chosen to help you gain the necessary skills in this pathway. You are welcome to choose other classes outside the recommended list, but consult with an academic advisor to be sure that the classes meet the specific requirements for this pathway.
Humanities
CMST 110 Digital media, Culture, and Communications
CMST 105 Professional Communication
CMST& 102 Introduction to Mass Media
CMST 233 Global Media Studies
GS 101 Introduction to Global Studies
GS 150 Globalization, Culture and Identity
PHIL 102 Ethics and Social Problems
PHIL& 115 Critical Thinking
PHIL 260 Business Ethics
Social Sciences
ANTH& 206 Cultural Anthropology
BUS& 101 Introduction to Business
BUS& 201 Business Law
ECON& 201 Microeconomics
ECON& 202 Macroeconomics
POLS& 200 Introduction to Law
POLS& 202 United States Government
POLS& 204 Comparative Government
POLS 206 State and local Government
PSYC& 100 General Psychology
SOC 150 Social Inequality
SOC& 201 Social Problems
Natural Sciences
Lab Science Recommendations:
Non-Lab Science Recommendations:
150 Course and Equity, Diversity, and Power Course (10 credits)
To meet the Equity, Diversity, and Power completion requirement for graduation, you must complete:
- One 150-series EDP course
- At least one additional EDP-designated course
150-series courses ground students in the needed cognitive tools and background to critically analyze their position in our increasingly interconnected, complex, and diverse world so they can pursue further study and seek out their careers more intentionally.
EDP-designated courses (including the 150-series courses) may also apply toward Humanities, Social Science, Natural Science, or General Elective distribution requirements as indicated.
Transfer Opportunities
For this pathway, Cascadia College recommends the Associate's degree linked at the top of this page. However, the College offers multiple degrees which are designed for transfer to public and private four-year institutions. Please consult with an Academic Advisor about which degree may be best suited for your long-term goals.
Below, you will find a list of local transfer opportunities curated by Cascadia College, which are specific to your desired pathway. However, your pathway has many more opportunities besides the options that you see below! If you would like to see a full list of every public university and program offered in the state of Washington, visit Washington Public Universities for more information.
For a full list of related Bachelor's degrees in Washington state, visit WA Public Universities. Below are some examples:
- Eastern Washington University
- Gonzaga University
- Pacific Lutheran University
- Seattle University
- Seattle Pacific University
- University of Puget Sound
- University of Washington, Seattle
- Western Washington University
- Whitman College
View Cascadia’s Transfer Agreements for details of our partnerships with other colleges and universities.
University admissions requirements may vary – consult with the Career and Transfer Center for transfer assistance to plan your career and future educational goals.
Economists work in the public sector as teachers, researchers, analysts, statisticians, and program managers. Private sector employment opportunities include work as financial, investment, or risk analysts and in business management.
You can learn more about career possibilities related to your interests in this pathway through O*NET Online. O*Net Online shares information about related careers, salary, skills related to the industry and more.
Connect with Cascadia’s Career and Transfer Center for assistance as you go through the process of planning career and future educational goals.
Some job opportunities may also exist in business corporations, non-profits, and Tribal Enterprises.