Business Economics BA Honours
Honours Degree Overview: Four Years
Economics is about how individuals, businesses, governments, and nations make choices in a world of scarce resources. You will master the analytical tools economists use to shed light on diverse contemporary issues such as inflation, income inequality within and across countries, gender wage gap, trade and globalization, economic development and climate change, as well as mechanism and market design. Upon graduation, you will be equipped with marketable skills to pursue careers in the government, non-profit, and private sectors, or to further your studies. Crucially, the program will enhance your decision-making skills, enabling you to make more informed choices across various facets of life.
In the first year, you will familiarize yourself with the university environment, complete foundational general education courses, and delve into fundamental courses in economics.
Suggested Course Enrolment Plan:
| Fall Term | Winter Term | |
|---|---|---|
| AP/ECON 1000 3.0: Introduction to Microeconomics | AP/ECON 1010 3.0: Introduction to Macroeconomics | |
| AP/ECON 1530 3.0: Introductory Mathematics for Economists I | AP/ECON 1540 3.0: Introductory Mathematics for Economists II |
Anytime in Year 1
- General Education Requirements (21 Credits in total, 6.0 in NATS, 6.0 or 9.0 in SOSC, and 6.0 or 9.0 in HUMA)
- 12.0 or 15.0 credits General Education courses
Anytime in Year 1 to 4
- 18.0 credits Outside Major, 33.0 credits Free Choice
- Prerequisites: Students are expected to have the necessary pre- or corequisites completed in order to enrol in any course
- You must take and successfully complete ECON 1000 before (not after and not at the same time as) ECON 1010
- You must take and successfully complete ECON 1530 before (not after and not at the same time as) ECON 1540
In the second year, you will expand upon the foundational knowledge acquired in your first year to prepare for elective courses and advanced studies in Economics.
Suggested Course Enrolment Plan:
| Fall Term | Winter Term | |
|---|---|---|
| AP/ECON 2300 3.0: Intermediate Microeconomic Theory I | AP/ECON 2350 3.0: Intermediate Microeconomic Theory II | |
| AP/ECON 2400 3.0: Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory I | AP/ECON 2450 3.0: Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory II |
Anytime in Year 2
- AP/ECON 2500 3.0: Introductory Statistics for Economists I
- General Education Requirements (21 Credits in total, 6.0 in NATS, 6.0 or 9.0 in SOSC, and 6.0 or 9.0 in HUMA)
- 6.0 or 9.0 credits General Education courses
Anytime in Year 1 to 4
- 18.0 credits Outside Major, 33.0 credits Free Choice
- Prerequisites: You must take and successfully complete ECON 1000, ECON 1010, ECON 1530, and 1540 before ECON 2300 and ECON 2400
- You must take and successfully complete ECON 2300 before (not after and not at the same time as) ECON 2350
- You must take and successfully complete ECON 2400 before (not after and not at the same time as) ECON 2450
In the third year, you will explore specialized fields in Economics and pursue your specific interests within the discipline.
Anytime in Year 3
- AP/ECON 3210 3.0: Use of Economic Data
- 6.0 ECON credits at the 3000 or 4000 level
Anytime in Year 1 to 4
- 18.0 credits Outside Major, 33.0 credits Free Choice
- Prerequisites: You must take and successfully complete ECON 2500 before (not after and not at the same time as) ECON 3210
In the fourth year, you will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of advanced-level elective courses offered in small-size classes.
Anytime in Year 3
- 12.0 ECON credits at the 4000 level
Anytime in Year 1 to 4
- 18.0 credits Outside Major, 33.0 credits Free Choice
Our Economics program is perfect for the twenty-first century learner. With diverse students in mind, we offer a wide range of courses that you can choose from, depending on your individual learning preferences and career goals. Throughout the program, students develop strong quantitative and analytical thinking skills, preparing them for diverse career opportunities across various industries and sectors. Beyond choosing to study Economics, you have the option to customize your study. You can choose the length and depth of specialization within your degree - whether it’s a three-year bachelor’s or more intensive four-year honours bachelor’s program. If you’re weighing two subjects of interest but can’t make a decision, you’re able to declare a major, which would be your primary area of study, as well as a minor, or secondary subject. Or give them equal billing and go for a double major. Whatever path you envision, you’ll have choices to accommodate you along the way.
This is a suggested course enrolment plan. Students should use this worksheet in addition to their Degree Planning Worksheet, the University Academic Calendar, and the Degree Progress Report for degree planning.
Honours BA (120-credit) degree program graduation requirement: Students must successfully complete (pass) at least 120 credits that meet the Faculty's degree and program requirements with a cumulative GPA of at least 5.00 (C+).
Upper-Level Course Requirements: At least 36.0 credits must be at the 3000 or 4000 level, including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level. To fulfil this requirement, a minimum 9.0 credits of Outside Major or Free Choice courses must be at the 3000 or 4000 level and 6.0 credits at the 4000 level.
Writing Requirement: A minimum of 6.0 credits of ECON courses must be designated as writing courses (any AP/ECON courses ending in “9”).
Many students choose to take a lighter course load in their first year, typically taking fewer than 30 credits, yet manage to complete their degree in four years by enrolling in summer courses.
Transfer students should discuss their schedule with an academic advisor. Academic Advisors can assist with questions about your program and general degree requirements as well as other issues you may be encountering (e.g., academic penalties, transfer credits, petitions, program changes, as well as degree and general education requirements). You should meet with an academic advisor at least once a year.
Academic Advisors can assist with questions about your program and general degree requirements as well as other issues you may be encountering (e.g., academic penalties, transfer credits, petitions, program changes, as well as degree and general education requirements). You should meet with an academic advisor at least once a year.
Students starting in Winter term would take their first term courses in the Winter term and their second term courses in the Summer term or in the following Fall term.
Students can enrol in the optional LA&PS Co-Op Program as early as their second year.