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“Economics is the study of how individuals, firms, government and other organizations within our society make choices, and how these choices determine society’s use of its resources.” (Joe Stiglitz).
Economics borders on other academic disciplines, such as political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology and business administration. It also draws heavily on the study of history, statistics and mathematics. Economists are central players in setting government policy, from social programs to economic development. In the private sector, they contribute to market research for new products, evaluate the impact of mergers, and assess tax policy.
Students who desire some minimum understanding of economics are encouraged to consider taking one or two courses at the 1200 level. Entrance into higher level courses ordinarily requires a full-year of principles of economics, but this may be waived with the approval of the Department.
The Economics Department is able to offer students with a special interest in economics the opportunity to undertake some concentration beyond the core of required courses in the following areas and associated courses.
Students who desire a major in economics are encouraged to enroll in an appropriate program under the guidance of a faculty advisor. There are two general programs:
See Faculty of Arts and Sobey School of Business of this Calendar, for the basic requirements for these degrees.
In addition to the programs cited above, information on graduate courses, may be found in the Graduate Academic Calendar.
Note: Students are advised that possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee admission to a particular academic program. Limits to the number of students who can be in a particular program at any one time exist and depend very much on the number of faculty members available in a particular academic unit.
The Bachelor of Commerce is a well-established, foundational degree and requires the requirements listed below alongside general graduation requirements.
Regardless of the degree sought, the Department of Economics requires that the program of study leading to a major in economics include the following:
Excluding Business Consultancy (ECON 4475).
Classics, English other than Introduction to Literature (ENGL 1205), History, Philosophy other than Critical Thinking (PHIL 1200), Religious Studies, and Modern Languages courses on literature and/or culture. In special circumstances, with the permission of the Chairperson, part of this requirement may be fulfilled by: Comparative Economic Systems (ECON 3315).
Majors are strongly encouraged to include Mathematical Economics (ECON 3302) and/or Intermediate Economic Statistics (ECON 3303) among their Economics electives.
Upon completion of forty-five (45) credit hours, Commerce students with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 may elect to declare a major in Economics. (In exceptional circumstances, students can also be admitted to the major by permission of the Chairperson.)
To complete a major in Economics, students must attain a minimum grade point average of 2.2 in ECON courses.
The Department of Economics offers honours programs to students enrolled in either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Commerce. Descriptions of the general requirements for the degrees of Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and of Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) are contained in Section 3. In addition to these general requirements, for graduation with honours in economics, all students must comply with the following:
Equivalent courses may be taken, subject to approval of the Chair.
Students in the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science have the option of declaring a minor in Economics. To satisfy the requirements for this minor students must complete twenty-four (24) credit hours in Economics, with at least twelve (12) credit hours at the 3000-level or above.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) is a well-established, foundational degree and requires the requirements listed below alongside general graduation requirements.
Arts students are encouraged to take Quantitative Methods I (MGSC 1205) and/or Intro to Computer Applications (CISY 1225) in fulfillment of B.A. Breadth Requirement b. The above requirements for the major will satisfy B.A. Breadth Requirement d and six (6) of the nine (9) credit hours in B.A. Breadth Requirements c.
Students must achieve a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in the courses listed above.
To obtain a concentration in Economics in partial fulfillment of the B.A. General degree (i.e., one with Double Arts Concentrations and a minimum of ninety (90) credit hours), a minimum of twenty-four (24) credit hours in Economics with a minimum grade point average of 2.00 is required. Further details are available from the chairperson.
The Department of Economics offers honours programs to students enrolled in either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Commerce. Descriptions of the general requirements for the degrees of Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and of Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) can be found under Faculties. In addition to these general requirements, for graduation with honours in economics, all students must comply with the following:
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