The Bachelor of International Economics (BIE) is a distinct four-year, full-time degree offered by the Vancouver School of Economics at UBC with support from the Sauder School of Business. As students progress through their BIE degree, they gain a deep understanding of how the global economy works by applying their skills in quantitative methods and data analytics. This structure gives BIE graduates a competitive edge as they start their careers in business, government, academia, or the not-for-profit sector.
The BIE curriculum combines Economics, Business, Finance, and quantitative policy analysis in an international context. The program’s academic rigor is a product of the research excellence and high-quality education provided by UBC’s Vancouver School of Economics, which is consistently ranked number one in Canada and among the best in the world.
Every year, the BIE program supports students as they pursue Co-ops, exchanges, research assistantships, and internships. Many BIE students take advantage of these opportunities to apply their technical knowledge to real-world problems.
Three features make the BIE special:
The BIE begins with skills training in years 1-2, then progresses to advanced economics and business analysis in years 3-4. BIE courses are taught by research faculty from the Vancouver School of Economics and the Sauder School of Business. Courses cover these topics:
Study the aggregate economy and its relationship to the global economy; topics include economic growth, unemployment, business cycles, inflation, exchange rates, international financial markets, and the role of fiscal and monetary policy.
Deepens the understanding of the process of economic development, of technical progress and of economic growth, and studies their relationship to the evolution of income- and wealth inequality; uses empirical methods to analyze the role of institutions and of labor and credit markets, and to evaluate the effectiveness of targeted policy interventions; applies this knowledge to recent case studies in economic development.
Taught by research faculty from the Sauder School of Business. Includes courses in Strategic Management of single- and multi-business private sector enterprises, in International Business Management, with applications to government-business relations and studies in comparative socio-cultural- and political systems, and in Corporate Finance and in Entrepreneurial Finance. These Finance courses address financial issues that are encountered by those active on the investing side of entrepreneurship, such as investment bankers, venture capitalists, and private equity investors.
Offers economic analysis of environmental problems, energy systems, and natural resources; evaluates theoretically and empirically policy options to help resolve these issues; also offers a modern economic analysis of climate change, with an emphasis on the impact of climate change on social and economic outcomes, including the social cost of carbon emissions and climate justice.
The BIE transforms the world’s best undergraduate students into the next generation of global economic leaders. BIE alums work in industries and organizations locally, across Canada, and around the globe. See what BIE alums are up to.
Recent BIE grads have become:
“BIE gives you the flexibility to explore those opportunities while still pursuing a very rigorous and challenging degree that is useful in the workforce.”
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.
IB Diploma Programme
IB Certificate Courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.
If you’re unable to visit UBC in person, or you just want to get a sneak peek at your new home campus before you arrive, take one of our virtual tours. Current UBC students walk you through UBC’s residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.
Visit the Vancouver School of Economics website to learn more about International Economics.
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