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Economics Degree Planner

Economics

The Department of Economics at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø offers a full slate of undergraduate and graduate programs, with opportunities to go beyond the classroom and expand your learning abroad.Ìý 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: EconomicsÌý Ìý

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 ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøand use the Ìý²¹²Ô»å 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.
  • MakeÌýsure you're on track with course requirements usingÌýDARSÌý
  • Looking for an experiential learning experience? consider enrolling in
  • 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 graduateÌý
  • Apply to graduate by Dec 1 for spring convocation and July 2 for fall convocationÌý

*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 withÌýprogram advisorsÌýfor course planning and any other questions related to your program.ÌýÌý

< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

  • Your first year is a time to explore your interests and build your connections

  • Enroll in a (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 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, , and leadership roles with your departmental society.
  • Explore opportunities to study abroad through the departmentÌý
  • 90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR
  • Gain teaching and communication skills by applying for a teaching assistant role or working with a science outreach organization like or
  • Attend career prep workshops or apply for graduate or professional programs
  • Don't forget to complete your Co-Curricular Record!

Ìý< 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 YEARÌý

  • Reach out to award-winning faculty to inquire about volunteering in a world-class research centre lab
  • Meet like-minded students by joining the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøUndergraduate 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+ Ìý

  • ÌýConsider running for a position with the Dal Science Society's Executive or with your student society
  • Get your work published inÌýThe Exchange, an undergraduate journal of Economics

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

  • You're about to join over 30,000 other grads all over the world as a Dal Science alumni!Ìý
  • Stay involved with your faculty and department and with our incredible network of alumni

< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST-YEARÌýÌý
  • Familiarize yourself with Dalhousie's many supports and reach out to advisors for guidance, make sure to review

Ìý30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR Ìý

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

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:Ìý

  • 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 conceptsÌý
  • Ability to apply economic reasoning to modern-day questions and societal issues, with a multi-faceted approach

Transferable skills:Ìý

  • Academic writing and presentation skills
  • Critical thinking and analytical skills
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Time management
  • Leadership and teamwork
  • Basic statistical analysesÌý
  • 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.ÌýSome of the options below will typically require graduate-level training*, while some can be pursued following the completion of baccalaureate program only.

  • ActuaryÌý
  • Accountant*
  • Budget analyst
  • Business consultant
  • Commodities broker
  • Credit analyst
  • Data analyst
  • Economist*
  • Economic forecaster
  • External auditor
  • Financial advisor
  • Government economist*Ìý
  • Investment banker
  • Journalist
  • Market research analyst*
  • Management consultant*
  • Policy analyst/advisor*
  • Politician*
  • Public relations advisor
  • Research assistant
  • StatisticianÌý
  • Teacher/Professor*
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