Economics major – Bachelor of Arts

Quick Facts

Credential:
Bachelor of Arts

Duration:
4 years

Options:
Major, minor

How to apply

Start date:
January, May, September 

Location:
Abbotsford campus

Cost:
Tuition and fees

Features:

  • Co-op semester(s) provide paid work experience in your field of study
  • Develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Learn to apply economic theory to real-world issues through case studies and data analysis
  • Program eligible for financial aid

Program Description

Study Economics at UFV to gain the problem-solving, reasoning, and computer skills that employers value in government, business, or finance. 

Economics is the only discipline in the broad areas of Social Sciences and Business that's awarded the Nobel Prize. 

Degree options

You can complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics and choose to major or minor. 

Economics major

Develop your analytical and creative thinking skills in order to understand and communicate complex economic issues facing all levels of people — from individuals to entire nations.

  • Years 1 & 2: Introduced to the concepts of micro and macroeconomics and learn to strategically evaluate the influences and decisions contributing to the economic issues.
  • Years 3 & 4: In your third and fourth year, you hone your critical thinking skills and expand your knowledge of international markets, consumer demands, market structure, and more.

As an Economics student, you develop:

  • Problem-solving, quantitative, and computer skills
  • Independent thinking
  • A solid understanding of economic theory, finance, accounting, and the global economy

You will also gain hands-on experience working with real-world data, learning to:

  • Collect, process, and analyze data
  • Ensure data quality and consistency
  • Use statistical software to interpret data
  • Present research results effectively

View the Economics major program outline in the UFV Academic Calendar.

Economics minor

Complement your degree with an Economics minor to enhance problem-solving, computer, analytical, and financial knowledge. 

  • Years 1 & 2: Introduced to the economics of individuals, families, businesses, and nations, with a focus on understanding the foundations of micro and macroeconomics.
    Years 3 & 4: Choose from upper-level courses such as the economics of law, labour, environment, and transportation, while expanding your critical thinking and analytical skills.

An Economics minor is perfect for careers in law, business, government, or with non-profits. Combine it with another discipline such as business, political science, or psychology to add value to your degree. 

By the end of your studies, you'll have the skills to analyze economic issues both locally and globally.

View the Economics minor program outline in the UFV Academic Calendar.

Hands-on learning opportunities

Join the Student Economics Association (ECOSA)

  • Engage in networking and career-building activities, visit ECOSA.

Gain real-world experience and a competitive advantage with co-op placements

  • Build your résumé, expand your network, and earn money. 
  • Choose to work full-time or part-time.
  • Work full-time or part-time with flexible term lengths: 
    • 4 months
    • 8 months
    • 12 months
  • Declare co-op as an option on your transcript.
  • Visit the Career Centre to learn more.

Explore practicum and internship opportunities:

  • Gain valuable hands-on experience in your field. Check out the opportunities.

Take a directed studies course

  • Research an economics topic of interest, either independently or with a small class.
  • Instructor’s permission is required.

Transfer option

Complete the Economics Flexible Pre-Major (FPM) to meet lower-level course requirements (100/200 level courses) for a BA with a major in Economics to increase transfer opportunities to complete a BA in Economics at other institutions. View the BC Transfer Guide.

Career Expectations

Economics majors rank among the highest-earning BA graduates for both starting and mid-career salaries.

When you graduate, you are ready for entry-level positions in a wide range of careers, such as finance, technology, manufacturing, government, and non-profits (hospitals, community foundations, or charitable organizations), or pursue further studies in business or law.

Watch a video about a career in economics. It is much more than you think!

Entrance Requirements

View the entrance requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Economics in the UFV Academic Calendar. 

International Student Admissions

Upgrading Options

Students who do not meet the entrance requirements may complete upgrading to meet prerequisites for university-level courses. 

Prospective students should contact the Future Students office to learn more about upgrading options. 

Current or returning students should connect with the appropriate advising area based on the level of upgrading required:  

Questions?

Our Future Students team is here to help you understand your options and get ready to submit an application.

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