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Becoming a Golden Hawk means more than just cheering on our (really good) varsity teams – it means being a student who cares about your community, who works hard in the classroom, and who takes advantage of all the learning opportunities that can happen outside the classroom, too.

Steps to Apply

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Steps to Apply

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Economics (BA)

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Our Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics provides a combination of sound mathematics, strong statistical analysis, and the ability to effectively convey these findings. The Economics program empowers you by offering a flexible education. The program can be completed full-time, part-time, combined with virtually any other major within the university, and allows you to take any business (BU) class you’re interested in. Learn more about Economics at Laurier.

Apply Your Learning

Make the most out of your university career by taking advantage of all that Laurier has to offer you. Volunteer work, campus clubs, leadership programs, studying abroad, work experience – there are so many ways you can extend your classroom experience into the real world. Here are just a few examples of the experiences you’ll get in the Economics program: 

  • Enhance your academic and social experience by joining the Business and Economics Residence Learning Community. 
  • Find learning supports through the Mathematics and Statistics Learning Labs. 
  • Work as an Instructional Assistant in the Economics department. 
  • Join the Laurier Economics Club. 

Check out the Economics Experience and Career Guide.

 

top percentage of business schools worldwide*

 

co-op placement rate for first work term

 

placement rate after graduation

*Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business since 2004.

Admissions

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

Your Next Steps

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Program Details

Be the One in the Boardroom with Quantitative Answers

We believe a successful Economics program provides a combination of sound mathematics, strong statistical analysis and the ability to powerfully convey these findings. Our Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics provides rigorous training that will give you both theoretical and empirical methods to understand, interpret and communicate the key issues in today’s society.

Laurier’s Economics department is uniquely positioned within our Lazaridis School of Business and Economics to provide you with three options to complete your degree in Economics, Economics and Accounting or Economics and Financial Management. The end result is a career-ready Economics graduate with the tools and skills to make a huge impact in the workforce.

At the micro level, you’ll be looking at individual businesses and homes. At the macro level, you’ll be evaluating entire economics and industries where you’ll learn about, interpret and explore challenges facing society, such as scarcity of resources, inflation and unemployment.
Be prepared for graduate studies or a successful career in economics, business, law, public administration and other industries.

This degree is flexible, so you can combine Economics with another field of study and/or complete the Research Specialization to advance your academic study, take part in real business research and develop your analytical skills.

Calling all Future Accountants!

You can gain a career advantage through our CPA-accredited Economics and Accounting program. Develop your understanding of business and government issues in a data-driven economy.

Live and Learn

As an Economics student, you can take part in our business degree co-op program – the largest in the country – where you can explore different career options and develop skills for your future during three work terms. Economics-specific co-op positions are available that will lead directly to the career you want.

Notable Alumni

The Economics program has been the foundation for many successful alumni worldwide. Here are just a few of our most successful graduates:

  • David Chilton (BA '85), author, The Wealthy Barber
  • Bob Schlegel (BA '72), founder and CEO, Pavestone Company (1980-2012) and Bedrock Freight Logistics (2003)
  • Alex Mustakas (BA '83), artistic director and CEO, Drayton Entertainment
  • Craig Wright (BA '85), senior VP and chief economist, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
  • Carolyn Wilkins (BA '87), senior deputy governor, Bank of Canada
  • Jacqui Douglas (BA '04), global editor, Global Strategy Team
  • Cindy McCormick (BA '19), senior accountant, Tomlinson Group of Companies
  • Farah Omran (BA '16), senior economist, Scotiabank

Program Options and Courses

Options and Minors

These are a few of the many popular academic opportunities which allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge:

  • Applied Social Research Option
  • Combined honours BA degree with another discipline
  • Entrepreneurship Option
  • International Policy Option
  • Legal Studies Option
  • Management Option
  • Research Specialization

Check out other options to enhance your degree.

First-Year Courses

  • Introduction to Microeconomics
  • Introduction to Macroeconomics
  • Introductory to Calculus and Social Sciences or Calculus I
  • 3.5 non-economics elective credits

Sample First-Year Electives

  • Evil and Its Symbols
  • Environment, Sustainability and Society
  • Pirates! A World History

Sample Upper-Year Courses

  • Economics of Inequality
  • Economics of the Canadian Banking and Financial System
  • Industrial Organization

Similar Programs

Co-op

Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate with work experience.

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. As a student in this program, you will be eligible to complete three work terms of four months’ duration, between second and fourth year, enabling you to obtain 12 months of full-time work experience.

Interested? Learn more about co-op.

Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

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"If you’re thinking about Economics, do it. It’s amazing – the professors, Laurier – it changed my life going to Laurier. It was the best decision I’ve ever made!"
Sarah Hutton, current Economics student
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"I wanted to pair Economics up with financial management because they complement each other well –understanding how financial markets work, how the finance profession might look as well and overall, it gives me different career paths that I can explore after graduation.”

Vincent Vigal, current Economics student

Your Career Awaits

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

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • accountant/auditor
  • actuary
  • bank examiner/trust officer
  • business forecaster
  • commodity/industry analyst
  • financial analyst
  • insurance agent/broker
  • insurance underwriter

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

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AACSB Accrediation 

The Lazaridis Economics (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. 

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.

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.
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"If you have the opportunity to learn in your co-op roles it will set you up for more job opportunities, but the education alone is enough for you to feel prepared going out to the work force.”
Enrique Orellana, current Economics student

Interested in More Info?

Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.

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