Economics (BA)
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Why study Economics?
As an economist, you will delve deeply into the world of numbers to provide analysis that will help propel your organization forward, whether you're working for Bombardier or the World Bank. Harnessing the power of statistics and mathematics to tackle economic problems such as interest and tax rates, budget deficits, and sustainable growth, you will be in a position to grapple with challenges that stand to have real-world stakes and impact.
As you acquire the expertise to use the tools of econometrics and economic theory, you may choose to focus on any aspect of economics or acquire a broad background in the discipline. You will also have the option of completing a series of paid internships through the Co-op program, putting you in a position to be job-market ready upon graduation.
Program structure & options
A Bachelor of Arts degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90 – 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.
- Honours in Economics (60 credits)*
- Specialization in Economics (60 credits)
- Major in Economics (42 credits)
- Minor in Economics (30 credits)
- Minor in Analytical Economics (24 credits)
*Honours is a highly concentrated program, ideal for students planning to continue to graduate studies. Please refer to our Honours page for eligibility and requirements information. Students applying to the University are able to apply to the major or specialization.
See the full degree requirements in the Undergraduate Calendar
Admission criteria
Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements*
- Quebec cegep: 23
- High School: B-
- ACT or SAT is NOT required
- Canadian curricula course requirements
- Accepted international qualifications
- University Transfers (internal/external): B- (Honours: B+), plus a good performance in the relevant Economics and Math courses.
- Baccalauréat français: 12
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 27
Application deadlines
We consider complete applications year round and give priority to applicants who apply by official deadlines.
FALL TERM
March 1 is the deadline to apply for fall term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by February 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.
Late applications will be considered if places are still available. Please check program availability for the term, before you start your application.
WINTER TERM
November 1 is the deadline to apply for winter term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by September 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.
Not all programs are available for winter term entry. Please check program availability for the term, before you start your application.
We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.
More information about the BA Economics
The program is built around core economic theory and econometric courses, including advanced courses for honours and specialization students and a wide range of electives that examine issues such as international policies, competition regulations, environmental challenges and financial analyses.
Sample classes and topics
- Economic Policy and Institutions
- Econometrics and statistics
- International Economics and Finance
- Economic Development
- Game Theory, Information, and Economic Modelling
- Public Sector Economics
- Natural Resource and Environmental Economics
- Income distribution and inequality
- Economics of Professional Sport
- Health Economics
Curriculum requirements
Required Economics credits are as follows:
- Honours in Economics (60 credits)
- Specialization in Economics (60 credits)
- Major in Economics (42 credits)
- Minor in Economics (30 credits)
- Minor in Analytical Economics (24 credits)
Each option also has specific required and optional courses. See the curriculum for each option.
The Co-op program gives academically strong students a chance to complete paid work terms and gain practical experience in their field. Placements range from provincial and federal government departments to companies in insurance, banking and telecommunications. Co-op work terms make it possible for you to do:
- Quantitative and qualitative analyses
- Policy research
- Econometric analyses and interpretation of survey data
Entry to the program requires an interview and a high level of academic performance.
Learn more about the Economics Co-op and C.Edge programs.
For more information please contact Émilie Martel, Program Coordinator, Internships and Experiential Learning.
According to the Quebec Government’s 2017 Relance inventory, about 37% of Quebec’s BA in Economics graduates move on to graduate programs at leading universities. For students joining the workforce, our program opens up many career paths for you in public and private industries, including:
- Financial analysis
- Banking
- Public sector policy analysis
- Administration
What can I do with a degree in Economics?
Learn more about Co-op
Learn more about our alumni
Still according to the Relance inventory, 95% of the Economics students who work are employed full-time following their studies. A student who graduated in 2019 with a BA in economics had an average hourly wage 9.6% higher than a BComm graduate.
A 2024 study conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows that the median earnings of Economics graduates in their early career are at $US 65,000. This is on par with Finance and Mathematics, making Economics a smart choice for students interested in working in their field for competitive wages.
Reference: Federal Reserve Bank of New York, The Labor Market for Recent College Graduates, https://www.newyorkfed.org/research/college-labor-markets.