Economics
The Department of Economics at Dalhousie University offers a full slate of undergraduate and graduate programs, with opportunities to go beyond the classroom and expand your learning abroad. Complete your undergraduate degree as a major, or consider completing an honours or co-op degree and/or earning one or more certificates if certain courses are taken as part of the program.
Your major map: Economics
The Economics Major Map highlights academic and co-curricular opportunities and provides an overview of how students can optimize their degree. Students are encouraged to connect with advising supports at Dalhousie and use the Academic Calendar and Timetable to create their course plan.
< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR
- Complete required introductory courses in Economics: ECON 1101/1102 and in other required subjects. See the first-year course planner worksheet for more information
- At the end of your first year, you can declare your major and register for second-year courses
30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR
- You will start taking more core courses* in ECON, deepening your knowledge of the discipline: ECON 2200, ECON 2201, and additional 2000-level courses of your choice
- Consider combining your degree with another subject with a double major, minor, or certificate
60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+
- Aim to take 4-6 ECON courses* grouped around topics that interest you.
- Make sure you're on track with course requirements using DARS
- Looking for an experiential learning experience? consider enrolling in ECON 4002
- Apply for an honours degree ahead of your fourth year if you are considering graduate studies
90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR
- In your final year, you should be taking 4-6 ECON* courses
- Complete any remaining requirements for a certificate or minor and check your degree audit to ensure you are on track to graduate
- Apply to graduate by Dec 1 for spring convocation and July 2 for fall convocation
*Note that not all courses are offered each semester or year and that course requirements may vary according to your degree type (major, double major, minor, honours). Be sure to keep track of these by consulting the academic calendar.
*After declaring your major, we strongly encourage you to connect with program advisors for course planning and any other questions related to your program.
< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR
Your first year is a time to explore your interests and build your connections
- Enroll in a first-year interest group (FIGS) like Logic and Problem Solving and Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Science, or sign up to be mentored by an upper-year student.
30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR
- Combine academic study with paid career-related work experience by enrolling in co-op.
- Explore the myCareer portal to browse through work and volunteer opportunities on and off campus.
60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+
- Consider applying for a summer research award. There are 70 Faculty-coordinated summer research awards available each year, on a competitive basis
- Other opportunities for senior undergraduate students include science communications internships, science innovation and entrepreneurship through SURGE, and leadership roles with your departmental society.
- Explore opportunities to study abroad through the department
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< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR
- Attend the Dal Science Welcome Party
- Attend the Faculty of Science Program Fair for help planning your next steps
30-60 CREDIT HOURS /SECOND YEAR
- Reach out to award-winning faculty to inquire about volunteering in a world-class research centre lab
- Meet like-minded students by joining the Dalhousie Undergraduate Economics Student Association (DUESA)
- Attend the weekly seminars held by the department, where students and colleagues share innovative research and ideas
60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+
- Consider running for a position with the Dal Science Society's Executive or with your student society
- Get your work published in The Exchange, an undergraduate journal of Economics
90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR
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< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST-YEAR
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30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR
- Explore career paths and industries that spark your interest by attending an alumni panel discussion
60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+
- See which scholarships and prizes might be available to you through the department, on a competitive basis
90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR
- Time to celebrate your achievements and graduate!
- Connect with the Bissett Student Success Success Centre career supports to get prepared for interviews, and more as your prepare to head out on the job hunt or to apply for graduate school
For any questions about your major, enrolling in a minor or certificate, summer research, or honours, speak with a program advisor!
Where your degree can take you
A BSc degree in Economics provides great preparation for a variety of careers. The skills and knowledge aquired through this program can be applied, but not limited to career paths in:
Policy, research, finance, business management, commerce, consulting, law, marketing, journalism, and education, among many more
Core competencies gained
Discipline-related skills:
- An understanding of the equity, efficiency, and sustainability of human behavior in the production, distribution, and consumption of commodities
- Application of quantitative methods and computer modeling to measure and analyze economic problems, theories, and concepts
- Ability to apply economic reasoning to modern-day questions and societal issues, with a multi-faceted approach
Transferable skills:
- Academic writing and presentation skills
- Critical thinking and analytical skills
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Time management
- Leadership and teamwork
- Basic statistical analyses
- Research skills
- Data analysis
Possible careers and employment
Economics Alumni can be employed within a variety of industries and have multiple career path options. These are influenced by the student's elective courses, experiential learning choices, and certificates. Some of the options below will typically require graduate-level training*, while some can be pursued following the completion of baccalaureate program only.
- Actuary
- Accountant*
- Budget analyst
- Business consultant
- Commodities broker
- Credit analyst
- Data analyst
- Economist*
- Economic forecaster
- External auditor
- Financial advisor
- Government economist*
- Investment banker
- Journalist
- Market research analyst*
- Management consultant*
- Policy analyst/advisor*
- Politician*
- Public relations advisor
- Research assistant
- Statistician
- Teacher/Professor*
