Newly ranked top ten online program claims Federal Reserve alum
Now ranked among the top 10 most popular online economics degrees in the nation, WSU’s School of Economic Sciences has an additional claim to fame thanks to alumnus and Federal Reserve Board of Governors member Christopher Waller.
Named to the Fed in 2020, Waller is one of the top three candidates under consideration as the next Federal Reserve board chair, according to a Sept. 10 Wall Street Journal article.
“We are extremely proud that WSU Economics’ alumnus Chris Waller is a leading finalist to be the next chair of the Federal Reserve Bank,” said Jill McCluskey, WSU Regents Professor and chair of the School. “Our graduates are trained to apply rigorous economic analysis to tackle real-world problems and provide effective solutions. Dr. Waller is an excellent example of this in action.”
Originally from the Midwest, Waller earned his undergraduate degree at Minnesota’s Bemidji State University, then attended WSU, earning advanced degrees here in 1984 and 1985. He went on to an academic career at Indiana University, the University of Kentucky, and the University of Notre Dame, researching monetary theory, political economy and macroeconomic theory.
In 2009, Waller joined the Fed as research director. Nominated by President Donald Trump to the Federal Reserve board, which oversees U.S. monetary policy and the nation’s central banking system, in 2019, Waller was confirmed the following year. His term runs through 2030.
As a Federal Reserve governor, Waller is among many Economic Sciences alumni making an impact on our society and economy. WSU economists study and teach across a range of disciplines, from health and the environment to labor, policy, and international development. Graduates go on to impressive careers in business, academia, and government. According to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, WSU economics bachelor’s graduates earn a median salary of more than $90k per year (measured six years after starting their first semester at WSU).
The school is consistently ranked among the best online programs for economics degrees, with high marks for its agricultural economics program. Ranking website OnlineU most recently placed the program as the 10th most popular online economics degree in the U.S., based on the number of degrees conferred.
Learn more about the school’s research, impact, and student success at ses.wsu.edu.