Economics (BA)

Take advantage of a program that gives you a combination of the foundations of economics, data analysis and research techniques with the skills to effectively convey your findings. Whether you’re interested in helping build better companies or better government policies, there’s something in economics for you.  
 
The program can be completed full-time, part-time, or combined with any other major. The flexibility lets you explore widely or focus more intensively on issues that matter most to you.

Program Details

Degree Highlights

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 in this program:

  • Make an Impact 
    Gain the expertise to analyze complex situations, make informed choices and influence strategic outcomes, preparing you for diverse and impactful roles in your chosen field.
  • Customize Your Degree 
    You’ll have flexible options to complete your degree in Economics, Economics and Accounting, Economics and Financial Management or our newest program in Economics and Data Analytics.
  • Top-Tier Professors 
    Faculty in the Department of Economics study issues such as: how social media affects political decisions, how your income affects your life expectancy; and the role a central bank digital currency can play in money laundering.

Top Experiences

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 
    Apply for co-op positions at the end of your first year and complete three four-month work terms throughout your four-year degree. Co-op allows you to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, build valuable industry connections and enhance your resume with practical skills and insights.
  • Competitions 
    Learn forecasting skills as part of the SMITH Prediction Competition. Explore options to participate in Canada-wide student competitions, including Bank of Canada Governor’s Challenge, the Finances of the Nation/Laurier Infographics Competition and the Bank of Canada Student Research Paper competition.
  • Research Opportunities 
    Work as an Instructional Assistant or Research Assistant in the Economics department and learn how cutting-edge economic research is done.

Courses, Options and Pathways

Courses

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.

Program Options

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.

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AACSB Accreditation 

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. 

Admissions

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

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
  • business consultant
  • commodity/industry analyst
  • data analyst
  • economist
  • financial analyst/planner
  • insurance agent/broker
  • investment analyst
  • policy analyst
  • trader

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.

Your Co-op Experience

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.

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99%employment rate for co‑op students – 2024 / 2025

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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.

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Center for World University Rankings

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2024

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2024

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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Delivered In Person

Join us on campus and experience university life firsthand.

Attend all your classes in a physical classroom on scheduled days and times, which you will see and choose from when you register for courses.

Connect face-to-face with your professors, learn alongside your classmates and be part of the campus community from day one.  

Hear From Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be a Laurier Golden Hawk? Student Life at Laurier is your social media source to get unfiltered content, first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

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?