Economics and Financial Management (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics and Financial Management at Wilfrid Laurier University teaches you to navigate the complex world of personal and corporate finance, exploring how individual, family, government and firm decisions shape financial markets.

Award-winning experts in economics and finance deliver an AACSB-accredited education that blends academic rigor with real-world insight.

Develop skills in financial analysis, economic forecasting, risk management and strategic decision-making, fundamental to decision-making across businesses, non-profits, community organizations and governments, and preparing you for a career as a financial planner, investment analyst, wealth manager, banker or corporate finance professional.

Program Details

Discover what makes this Laurier program unique and how you'll gain real-world experience.

Why Should I Choose This Program?

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:

  • Career-Ready Curriculum 
    Learn how the Bank of Canada's interest rate decisions impact bond and stock prices and understand the effects of exchange rates on the riskiness of international supply chain choices.
  • Mix Politics with Business 
    Study the role of government regulations in maintaining financial stability — and recognize when they might contribute to instability. Explore the influence of psychological biases on financial decision-making and discover how governments can use these insights to improve personal finances.
  • Teaching Excellence 
    Learn from internationally recognized, award-winning experts in economics and finance, dedicated to delivering an exceptional educational experience. Blending academic rigor with real-world insights, you will gain a deep understanding of economic and financial principles.

How Will I Gain Real-World Experience?

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 
    You can apply to co-op at the end of first year and complete three four-month work terms over the course of your four-year degree.
  • Competitions 
    Grow your forecasting skills as part of the SMITH Prediction Competition. Explore options to participate in Canada-wide student competitions.
  • Teaching and Research 
    Gain hands-on experience throughout your degree in the CI Financial Lab. Work as an Instructional Assistant in the Economics department. Explore research opportunities with the Laurier Centre for Economic Research and Policy Analysis (LCERPA).
  • Student-Run Labs 
    Learn how to conduct leading edge statistical analysis with coding in Stata, R or Python through the student-run PRISM lab.

Courses and Program Enhancements

Explore a sample Economics schedule to see what your day-to-day might look like in this program.

What Courses Will I Take?

Get a glimpse of what you will study throughout your degree. See what your first-year classes will look like through sample courses and start exploring what your upper academic years can offer.

How Can I Enhance My Degree?

Explore a variety of courses, specializations and pathway options that let you shape your degree around your unique interests and goals. Find out how you can customize your experience and prepare for what’s next.

aacsb logo

AACSB Accreditation

The Economics and Financial Management (BA) program is offered by the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics and is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business – delivering on excellence and the highest standards for business schools in the world. 

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)

Career Options

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

What Jobs Can I Get After Graduation?

Our Economics and Financial Management (BA) graduates go on to a wide range of rewarding careers. Here are just a few examples:

  • bank examiner/trust officer
  • business forecaster
  • economic developer
  • financial analyst
  • investment banking analyst
  • lawyer/paralegal
  • pricing analyst
  • securities trader

Note: Some roles may require additional training or education.

Explore more careers.

Will I Be Supported After Graduation?

As a Laurier alum, you will have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

How Does Business Co-op at Laurier Work?

Co-op lets you integrate what you learn in the classroom with practical experience in your chosen field. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network and graduate with work experience.

At the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University, 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. You will complete three four-month work terms between second and fourth year, giving you 12 months of full-time work experience.

Interested? Learn more about co-op.

verticalCenterFlex

99%employment rate for co‑op students – 2025 / 2026

Tuition and Costs

What are the Tuition Fees and Costs for Economics at Laurier?

Below is a breakdown of tuition fees and expenses for Laurier Economics students for one year (or two terms) studying full time. Fees are based on 2026/27 rates and are subject to increase. All fees are shown in Canadian dollars.

Tuition Fees for Economics Students
Fee Type Domestic Students International Students
Tuition $6,180 $39,112
Student Fees $2,334
$4,219 with co-op
$3,282
$5,167 with co-op
Textbook Fees $1,500 $1,500

See a full breakdown of your first-year expenses.

Scholarships and Bursaries

When you apply to Laurier you’ll be automatically assessed for entrance scholarships (based on your final admission average) and for in-course scholarships in your upper years (based on your Laurier GPA from the previous academic year). We also offer more than 700 competitive scholarships and awards, which require separate applications and may be awarded throughout the academic year.

Additional Financial Support

  • Get information and advice on eligibility for government assistance (like OSAP) from our Financial Aid office.
  • Apply for bursaries to receive additional support based on financial need and academic performance.
  • Learn money management skills through courses, workshops and financial coaching.
  • Visit the Career Centre for support finding part-time job opportunities.

 

Lazaridis School of Business and Economics graduates employed or in post‑graduate studies in 2025

 

Laurier students engaged in hands‑on learning in 2025/26

 

Laurier is among the top 7 percent in the Center for World University Rankings 2026

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. With more than 60 programs in arts, science, business and music, you can customize your degree, gain hands-on learning opportunities and join in the community beyond the classroom.

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.

students in a classroom

How Will I Learn in This Program?

This is primarily an in-person program, meaning you'll attend classes on campus and learn face-to-face with professors and classmates. When you register for courses, you'll be able to select from available sections and create your timetable. 
 
In-person delivery gives you direct access to faculty, hands-on learning opportunities and a traditional university student experience.

Subscribe to Emails

Become a Laurier insider to get quick, fun and informative updates along your application journey.

Get in Touch

Have questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548‑889‑8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?