Explore what makes economies tick
What's the appropriate mix of governments and markets in the economy? How should we mitigate the environmental side effects of economic activity? What are the impacts of AI on the future of work? How do firms develop from entrepreneurial ventures into public corporations?
Economists approach these questions using a mix of institutional knowledge, theoretical models developed with mathematical tools, and the statistical analysis of economic data.
You'll learn to apply the tools of economics to business and finance; data analysis; government and politics; education, work, and wages; health and well-being; the environment; or forecasting the impacts of events on the interconnected global economy.
At Waterloo, you'll combine statistical training with skills that prepare you for careers in both business and public policy. You'll develop strong institutional knowledge in your areas of specialization.
As well, a thorough grounding in economic theory gives you a framework with which to understand the world both inside and outside the workplace. Together, these skills will prepare you well for the decision-making roles you will take on later in your career.
If you're looking for a stronger foundation in mathematics and quantitative analysis, you can choose Mathematical Economics as your major in Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business, giving you additional preparation for research-oriented careers and graduate studies in economics and related fields.
Faculty:
Faculty of Arts
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Learn more: What can you do with a degree in Economics?
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
No
Academic and social support. Whether it’s the mentorship program, a professor-student social, or a games night, Waterloo’s Economics Society organizes supportive social and academic events.
Build an awesome résumé. Choose the co-op program and graduate with 20 months of relevant experience on top of your academic learning.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
In the world's leading co-op program, you'll explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!
Sample co-op job titles
- Information technology/finance support
- Economist/statistician
- Assistant internal auditor
- SAP merchandising/change management
- Project control officer
- Associate business analyst
- Sales operations coordinator
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
The study/co-op sequence is the same whether you study Economics through Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business. Your first work term will be in the winter term of second year.
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Off |
| Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Third | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fourth | Study | Co-op | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | Study | - |
Admissions
Ontario students
Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of at least 70%)
Admission average: High 70s (co-op and regular)
Recommended courses
We strongly recommend that you take high school Calculus and Vectors and Advanced Functions (or equivalents) as economics is a mathematically intensive discipline. Students without this background can take the necessary mathematics courses in first year.
Not studying in Ontario?
Search our admission requirements for Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.
How to apply
Apply to Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business and choose Economics as your major at the end of first year.
Related program
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Connect with us
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, careers?
From the Missing Manual
Check out our Missing Manual website for tips and advice from Waterloo students and staff.
What can you do with an economics degree?
When you think “economics,” you might think of business, finance, banking… you know, the economy. But economics is bigger than that: it’s a way of studying human behaviour — and economists work in nearly every field you can think of.
ECON 424: Machine Learning in Economics
In this course, you'll explore how AI can be used to predict different outcomes based on data sets about human behaviour and create AI algorithms, which you'll use in prediction competitions to test their accuracy against your classmates!
Economic reality
Combining STEM with the arts, Honours Arts and Business student Mahtash found her perfect fit in Economics classes, where she learned to analyze data and use it to make real differences in people's lives.