Economics (BSc)

Why choose this program?

• Dal’s Economics program gives you the tools you need to make positive changes through economic and social policies. As an economics student, you'll figure out how to use the world’s limited resources to best serve society. You'll do this using solid scientific methods that measure and analyze how people and institutions make economic choices.

Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:

• Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
• Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
• Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).

Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

• Program-specific admission requirements
• Minimum overall average: 75%
• Academic English 12
• Pre-calculus Math 12
• Three additional academic subjects 

Financial information

• A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you. 

Program options

• Dal Science offers a host of opportunities for you to explore interests and customize your degree. If you prefer smaller class sizes, some of our programs have the option of completing your first year on our Truro Campus. Whether you decide to enroll in the Integrated Science Program, get an honours degree, or pursue a combination of disciplines, our team of advisors will help you figure out how to tailor your degree to fit you perfectly.
• From summer research awards, internships, working as a teaching assistant, or getting involved with SuperNOVA summer camps, there are many ways to gain hands-on experience during your degree. Many of our programs offer a co-op option that gives you real-world, paid experience in your field while making the connections you need to kick start your career. Science co-op students apply the latest theories to fields including biotechnology, conservation, agriculture, medicine, meteorology, and economics, and many more.

The following Economics program options are offered by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Science. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:  

• BSc or BA (120 credit hour) Honours (Concentrated)
• BSc or BA (120 credit hour) Combined Honours
• BSc or BA (120 credit hour) Major
• BSc or BA (120 credit hour) Double Major
• BSc or BA (90 credit hour) Minor in Economics
• Minor in Economics

What you will learn

The traditional way of teaching economics is deductive: start from first principles and talk ideas out logically. The Dalhousie Economics program ensures you get a mix of classes, some of which are deductive, and some of which are more inductive or practical and problem-oriented.

Sample courses may include:

Year 1

• Principles of Microeconomics
• Principles of Macroeconomics
• Writing for the Sciences
• Integrated Science I 

Year 2

• Economics of Innovation
• Law and Economics
• Economics of Global Warming
• Women and the Economy 

Year 3

• Public Finance
• History of Economic Thought
• Economic Development
• International Finance 

Year 4

• Poverty and Inequality
• Ethics, Justice & Economics
• Market Design
• Macroeconomic Theory 

You'll have the option to choose courses that are more geared toward the social sciences rather than the math side of economic theory. The program offers many opportunities for customization so you can pursue your interests as you discover them.

Careers
Our graduates don't end up working in just one field, because the principles of economics can be applied to just about any job or industry. This program prepares you for participating in and shaping public life and society in a multitude of ways.

Possible careers include:

• Policy Advisor
• Politician
• Business Consultant

Future studies could include programs at the graduate level in economics, public administration, or business administration. Studying and eventually practicing law is also an excellent application for a degree in economics.