Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Arts website to learn more about Economics.
View full program detailsProgram information
Gain a deep understanding of the economy and examine the social, cross-cultural, and ethical dimensions of economic decision-making. You’ll learn how to choose and apply appropriate quantitative methods to a range of economic issues, and effectively communicate complex economic matters. Your studies will include courses such as “Introduction to Game Theory and Applications” and “Economics of Renewable Resources.”
Program overview
- Campus
- Vancouver
- Program length
- 4 years
- Honours This option has additional requirements compared to those required in a Major specialization. Students must maintain high academic standing and may have to write a graduating thesis.
- Yes
- Co-op Co-op is an optional program where students alternate between academic terms and paid work terms. It’s an opportunity to gain relevant job experience while completing your degree.
- Yes
- Faculty
- Faculty of Arts
- Degree
- Bachelor of Arts
What you'll learn
Economics offers expertise in a variety of fields including industrial organization, labour, economic measurement, economic history, macroeconomics, public policy, and international trade and finance development, as well as resource, health, and transitional economics. You may select a Minor, Major, or Honours program in Economics, as well as Combined Major programs in Economics and Political Science, Economics and Philosophy, Economics and Statistics, or Economics and Mathematics.
The Vancouver School of Economics at UBC is ranked top in Canada, and in the top 20 such departments in the world. UBC economics alumnus, Robert Mundell won the 1999 Nobel Prize for Economics, following his groundbreaking analysis of exchange rates and monetary policy.
Courses
There are hundreds of courses you can take within Economics. Here are a few you might like.
Elements of theory and of Canadian policy and institutions concerning the economics of growth and business cycles, national income accounting, interest and exchange rates, money and banking, the balance of trade.
Historical approaches to long-run economic growth; international comparisons of income growth and inequality; colonialism; evolution of world capital markets; human migrations; rise of world trading empires; instability in the international economy.
Techniques and problems in benefit-cost analysis of public projects. Examination of alternative approaches to public decision-making such as cost-effectiveness analysis and multiple-objective frameworks. Case studies of projects in the areas of natural resources, the environment, human resources, public services, and transportation.
Principles of rational behaviour in strategic situations and various notions of equilibrium useful in predicting outcomes. Applications from economics, business, politics, law and biology.
Outcomes
Your career opportunities will vary widely across a range of fields including finance, insurance, business, public policy and administration, statistics, mathematics, law, education, and others.
There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests, including:
- Economic analyst
- Economic development officer
- Financial auditor
- Financial controller
- Inventory analyst
- Investment analyst
- Labour policy analyst
- Labour relations officer
- Pollster
- Real estate development
- Social policy advisor
Take action & plan
Program requirements
Choose application type:
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the UBC Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Arts
- No specific courses required beyond those needed for general admission
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation
- Second Languages
- Social Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts
Want to get a feel for campus?
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Related programs
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Arts website to learn more about Economics.
View full program detailsGet a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Arts website to learn more about Economics.
View full program details