B.A. Major in Economics
Purpose, Goals, Targets
The purpose of the BA with a major in Economics is to introduce students to the core body of knowledge within the Economics discipline; thereby developing within the students a particular set of abilities or skills. These include: i. evaluative and critical thinking (being able to analyse and comment on the work of others); ii. analytics (being able to use either deductive or mathematical reasoning to solve problems); iii. learning skills (the ability to meet goals, manage time, and complete a project successfully); iv. cooperation skills (the ability to cooperate with others and work in teams); v. information technologies skills (the ability to use a number of systems and programs); vi. applications (being able to apply the tools of economic analysis to real- world problems); vii. effective oral and written communication skills (being able to write and speak with clarity); viii. creativity (being innovative in formulating and testing hypotheses about economic issues); ix. research skills (the ability to conduct research and organize material effectively); and x. decision making skills (the exercise of independent judgment and ethical decision-making). The program is designed to provide students with the standard training offered in any other four year college and university. Emphasis will be given on the application of the basic tools to policy areas.
Employment Opportunities
A Major in Economics concentrates on building broad-based rather than job-specific skills i.e., it is a Liberal Arts rather than a professional or vocational degree. An in-depth study of economic issues and methods will enhance many career paths. Policy oriented courses are particularly helpful for the later study of law or politics; theory courses sharpen reasoning skills as well as adding depth to policy analysis and are especially important for the later study of business, finance and accounting through an MBA degree; and a Major in Economics is an obvious prerequisite for graduate studies in Economics. It is anticipated that students will use the Major in Economics to enter such career paths as: provincial ministries, government agencies, crown corporations, financial services sector (insurance, banking, etc.), consulting firms, firms in the natural resources sector, graduate studies in Economics, Business and Law, self employment.
Structure
Program admission requirements
Students are expected to enter the Major program in the third year of their studies, although fourth year applicants will also be considered. According to the rules of the TRU B.A. program, students can declare their Major as early as the second year of their studies. The minimum admission requirements into the Economics Major are admission to the B.A. program, and completion of ECON 1900 and ECON 1950 and one of the following courses: MATH 1400; or MATH 1170; or equivalent.
Program requirements
The Major in Economics program requires the completion of at least 45 credits in Economics, of which a minimum of 30 credits must be at the upper level (3000 and 4000 level) of which no less than 6 credits must be at the 4000 level. The program consists of core and elective courses.
Required Economic courses
- ECON 1900: Introduction to Microeconomics
- ECON 1950: Introduction to Macroeconomics
- ECON 2900: Intermediate Microeconomic I
- ECON 2950: Intermediate Macroeconomics I
- BUEC 2320: Statistics for Business and Economics I
- BUEC 3330: Statistics for Business and Economics II
- ECON 3900: Intermediate Microeconomics II or ECON 3950: Intermediate Macroeconomics II
Required Mathematics courses
Choose one of the following courses: MATH 1170; or MATH 1140; or equivalent
Upper Level Courses to Select From
- ECON 3200: Introduction to Mathematical Economics
- ECON 3500: Public Finance: Policy Topics
- ECON 3550: International Economics
- ECON 3600: Labour Economics
- ECON 3610: The Economics of Gender
- ECON 3650: Government and Business
- ECON 3670: Economic Analysis of Law
- ECON 3690: Community Economic Development
- ECON 3700: Benefit-Cost Analysis and the Economics of Project Evaluation*
- ECON 3710: Economics of the Environment*
- ECON 3730: Forestry Economics*
- ECON 3740: Land Use*
- ECON 3840: Economics Analysis of Health Services
- ECON 3900: Intermediate Microeconomics 2
- ECON 3950: Intermediate Macroeconomics 2
- ECON 4100: International Financial Markets
- BUEC 4110: Financial Institution Management
- ECON 4320: Econometrics
- BUEC 4330: Forecasting in Business and Economics
- ECON 4500: Economics of Taxation
- ECON 4550: International Trade
- ECON 4560: International Macroeconomics and Finance
- ECON 4660: Industrial Organization
- ECON 4720: Development Economics
- ECON 4800: Transportation
* Offered every year. The other courses are rotated. Speak to the department chair for information on which other courses are offered in any given year.
Click here to see the calendar course descriptions
Further Information
Admissions information:
Phone: (250) 828-5036
Fax: (250) 371-5960
E-mail: admissions@tru.ca
Program enquiries:
Michaline Novak, B.A. Program Advisor
Phone: (250) 371 5566
Fax: (250) 371 5510
Email: baadvising@tru.ca