Bachelor of Arts in Economics Degree Program Guide

Economics degree program guide header

Are good schools a way to decrease inequality? Should we balance the budget even in a recession? Is the current immigration policy benefiting Canada or hurting it? Should the Bank of Canada increase interest rates? These are just a sample of the many issues that challenge economists today. 

Economics is a social science that studies businesses, markets, governments, consumers, workers, and all components that make up an economy. Is globalization making it harder to find jobs? Economists are called upon to research, analyze, and interpret information as well as to offer ideas for solutions and effective policies. Economics uses a well defined method of analysis, in conjunction with mathematics and statistics, to help make decisions in business, government, and beyond. If you have a strong interest in current affairs and possess skills in mathematics, consider enrolling in the U of A’s Economics program!

Academic Requirements for Economics Majors

General Requirements and Information
  • Promotion from year to year requires a GPA of at least 2.3. Students who wish to return to the Economics Major must present a GPA of 2.3 on a minimum of 9 units in a subsequent Fall/Winter
  • Graduation with Majors in Economics requires a graduation average of at least 2.3 with an average of at least 2.3 in all Economics courses
Course Requirements
  • All Economics majors require the completion of:
    • ECON 101 - Introduction to Microeconomics AND ECON 102 - Introduction to Macroeconomics OR ECON 204 - Principles of Economics
    • ECON 109 - Basic Writing in Economics
    • MATH 154 - Calculus for Business and Economics I
    • MATH 156 - Calculus for Business and Economics II
    • STAT 161 - Introductory Statistics for Business and Economics
  • A minimum of 36 units to a maximum of 48 units in senior-level ECON including:
    • ECON 281 - Intermediate Microeconomic Theory I
    • ECON 282 - Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory I
    • ECON 299 - Quantitative Methods in Economics
    • ECON 384 - Intermediate Microeconomic Theory II
    • ECON 385 - Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory II
    • ECON 399 - Introductory Econometrics
    • 6 units in ECON electives at 200-level or above
    • 6 units in ECON electives at 300-level or above
    • 6 units in ECON electives at 400-level
Additional Notes
  • To have the greatest possible flexibility in their choice of the 300- and 400-level courses required to complete a concentration in Economics, students should complete all the departmental requirements earlier rather than later in their programs. In particular, students should complete the ECON 101 and ECON 102; MATH 154 and MATH 156; STAT 161; ECON 281, ECON 282 and ECON 299 requirements as part of their first 60 units. Students are urged to take MATH 154 as soon as possible, preferably in their first year
  • MATH 154, MATH 156, and STAT 161 meet the requirements for 6 units from Non-Arts Discipline(s)
  • 400-level AREC courses approved as Arts options will be applied as senior level ECON in the major or minor, but will not fulfill 400-level ECON requirements

Academic Requirements for Economics Minors

Minor Requirements
  • ECON 101 - Introduction to Microeconomics
  • ECON 102 - Introduction to Macroeconomics
  • ECON 281 - Intermediate Microeconomic Theory I
  • 9 units from 200-level or above courses, of which at least 6 units must be at the 300-level or above

The University of Alberta Calendar will always contain the most up-to-date degree requirements for your program, and your requirements are determined by the calendar year you were admitted in.

What kinds of courses can Economics students take?

  • ECON 101 - Introduction to Microeconomics
  • ECON 102 - Introduction to Macroeconomics
  • ECON 204 - Principles of Economics
  • ECON 213 - An Introduction to the Economics of Developing Countries
  • ECON 241 - Money
  • ECON 331 - Labor Economics
  • ECON 341 - Money and Banking
  • ECON 414 - Economics of Developing Countries
  • ECON 421 - International Trade

What kinds of careers can you pursue with an Economics degree?

There are many different fields and career paths that students can pursue with an Economics degree. From banking and finance to public policy, graduates are equipped with analytical, research and critical thinking skills to name a few, that are assets in today’s job market. Although there is a list of career options below, it is important to understand that careers are not linear. Intentionally engaging in a variety of activities and following your curiosities will open new opportunities that you might not have expected. To learn more about how you can put your Arts degree to work, stop by the HUB Career Centre (8917 HUB Mall) for more information. 

  • Financial Analyst
  • Investment Banker
  • Credit Advisor
  • Educator (Professor, Secondary or Primary)
  • Economist
  • Policy Analyst
  • Statistician
  • Data Analyst
  • Actuary
  • Environmental Economist
  • Startup Advisor
  • Public Health Analyst
  • Real Estate Analyst
  • +More!

Interested in gaining work experience related to your career goals? If so, apply to Arts Work Experience to gain full-time, PAID, work experience before you graduate!

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