Economics (BA)

The program can be completed full-time, part-time, or combined with any other major. The flexibility lets you explore widely or focus more intensively on issues that matter most to you.

Take advantage of a program that gives you a combination of the foundations of economics, data analysis, and research techniques with the skills to effectively convey your findings. Whether you’re interested in helping build better companies or better government policies, there’s something in economics for you.  

Degree Highlights
Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on in this program:

• Make an Impact: Gain the expertise to analyze complex situations, make informed choices, and influence strategic outcomes, preparing you for diverse and impactful roles in your chosen field.
• Customize Your Degree: You’ll have flexible options to complete your degree in Economics, Economics and Accounting, Economics and Financial Management or our newest program in Economics and Data Analytics.
• Top-Tier Professors: Faculty in the Department of Economics study issues such as: how social media affects political decisions, how your income affects your life expectancy; and the role a central bank digital currency can play in money laundering.

Top Experiences
Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for more!):

• Co-op: Apply for co-op positions at the end of your first year and complete three four-month work terms throughout your four-year degree. Co-op allows you to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, build valuable industry connections, and enhance your resume with practical skills and insights.
• Competitions: Learn forecasting skills as part of the SMITH Prediction Competition.  Explore options to participate in Canada-wide student competitions, including Bank of Canada Governor’s Challenge, the Finances of the Nation/Laurier Infographics Competition, and the Bank of Canada Student Research Paper competition.
• Research Opportunities: Work as an Instructional Assistant or Research Assistant in the Economics department and learn how cutting-edge economic research is done.

Courses, Options and Pathways

First-Year Courses

• Introduction to Microeconomics
• Introduction to Macroeconomics
• Introductory Calculus for Business and Social Sciences or Calculus I
• 3.5 non-economics elective credits

Sample First-Year Electives

• Evil and Its Symbols
• Environment, Sustainability and Society
• Pirates! A World History

Sample Upper-Year Courses

• Economics of Inequality
• Economics of the Canadian Banking and Financial System
• Economic Development
• Environmental Economics
• Health Economics
• Industrial Organization
• Sports Economics

Options and Minors
These are a few of the many popular academic opportunities which allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge:

• Data Analytics Option
• Entrepreneurship Option
• International Policy Option
• Legal Studies Option
• Management Option

Management Option

• The Management Option is for students interested in adding management-specific education to their degree. This is a direct-entry, 4.0-credit option that includes courses covering all the core pillars of management. Apply directly to Economics with Management Option on OUAC.

Your Career Awaits
It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

• Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options
Note: Additional training and education may be required.

• Accountant/auditor
• Actuary
• Bank Examiner/trust Officer
• Business Forecaster
• Business Consultant
• Commodity/industry Analyst
• Data Analyst
• Economist
• Financial Analyst/planner
• Insurance Agent/broker
• Investment Analyst
• Policy Analyst
• Trader

Your Co-op Experience
Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate with work experience.

You can apply for admission to co-op in your first year and may be eligible for an admission interview early in your second year. As a student in this program, you will be eligible to complete three work terms of four months’ duration, between second and fourth year, enabling you to obtain 12 months of full-time work experience.

Waterloo Campus
The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.