Economics

at UBC's

Vancouver Campus

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 issues. Your studies will include courses such as “Introduction to Game Theory and Applications” and “Economics of Renewable Resources.”

This program is also offered at UBC's Okanagan Campus
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Program information

  • Campus: Vancouver
  • Faculty: Faculty of Arts
  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts
  • Length 4 yrs
  • Co-op Yes
    You can combine your studies with full-time, paid work at top local and international organizations.
  • Honours Yes
    You can study intense specialization in a single field.

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.

Campus features

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.

Related links

Your future

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

Careers with Economics

Program requirements

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
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