At a glance
48 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- Gain up to 20 months of relevant work experience through the co-op program.Co-op Experience
- Choose between Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business streams.Program Options
- Customize your degree with specializations in Econometrics, Financial Economics, Public Policy, or Intensive Economics.Specializations
- Benefit from academic and social support, including mentorship and events organized by the Economics Society.Student Support
Explore what makes economies tick, from local markets to global finance. In this program, you'll grapple with complex questions like how to foster economic growth, prevent financial crises, and stimulate new industries. You'll start with the fundamentals of micro- and macro-economics in your first year, then delve into specialized areas such as public policy, labor economics, health economics, and finance in upper years. This degree will equip you with the analytical skills and knowledge needed for careers in the public sector, private sector, or academia.
Curriculum
The Economics degree can be pursued through Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business. After first year, approximately 40% of your courses will be in Economics, with the remaining electives drawn from over 100 subject areas at Waterloo. You can also choose to add areas of focus or minors to further specialize your studies.
- First Year - Honours Arts
- Introduction to MicroeconomicsECON 101
- Introductory Calculus for Arts and Social ScienceMATH 104
- Inquiry and Knowledge CreationARTS 160
- Arts First Course
- Prospective Major #2
- Elective
- First Year - Honours Arts and Business
- Introduction to Business in North AmericaARBUS 101
- Introduction to MicroeconomicsECON 101
- Introductory Calculus for Arts and Social ScienceMATH 104
- Accounting Information for ManagersARBUS 102
- Professional and Business EthicsARBUS 202
- Inquiry and Knowledge CreationARTS 160
- Introduction to MacroeconomicsECON 102
- Prospective Major #2
- Upper Years (Sample Courses)
- Money and Banking IECON 206
- Models of Choice in Competitive MarketsECON 290
- International FinanceECON 332
- Workers, Jobs, and WagesECON 409
Careers
A degree in Economics from Waterloo provides you with the skills and knowledge for diverse career paths. The co-op program further enhances your employability by offering practical, paid work experience.
- Economist
- Statistician
- Financial Analyst
- Policy Advisor
- Business Analyst
- Data Scientist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
- If your first language is not English and you have not studied full-time in an English-language system for the last four years, you must provide proof of proficiency. Accepted tests include IELTS Academic (6.5 overall, 6.5 writing/speaking) and TOEFL iBT (90 overall, 25 writing/speaking, for tests before Jan 21, 2026; 100 overall, 25 writing/speaking for tests after Jan 21, 2026). PTE Academic is also accepted with a score of 63 overall (65 writing/speaking).
- What academic qualifications are needed for admission?
- You need to have completed six Grade 12 U and/or M courses, including Grade 12 U English with a minimum grade of 70%. Mathematics of Data Management is recommended.
- How do I apply to the Economics program?
- Applications are submitted through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC). You will initially apply to either Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business, and then declare Economics as your major at the end of your first year.
- What are the estimated tuition fees for international students?
- Tuition and incidental fees are estimates and can vary. It is recommended to use the Tuition Fee Estimator on the university website for specific program costs for the 2026/2027 academic year. These estimates do not include costs for preliminary English language training.
- What are the career opportunities after graduating with an Economics degree?
- Graduates can pursue careers as Economists, Statisticians, Financial Analysts, Policy Advisors, Business Analysts, or Data Scientists. The program also includes a co-op option for practical work experience.
- What is the structure of the Economics program?
- The Economics degree can be pursued through Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business. After your first year, approximately 40% of your courses will be in Economics, with the remainder being electives from over 100 subject areas. You can also choose to add specializations or minors.
Entry requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent)Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses, including one Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of 70%). Mathematics of Data Management is recommended.
IELTS Academic6.5 overall, with 6.5 in writing, 6.5 in speaking, 6.0 in reading, and 6.0 in listening.
TOEFL iBT90 overall, with 25 in writing and 25 in speaking (for tests completed before January 21, 2026). Tests completed as of January 21, 2026 require 100 overall, with 25 in writing and 25 in speaking.
PTE Academic63 overall, with 65 in writing and 65 in speaking.
You need to provide English language test scores if your first language is not English AND you have not completed four most recent years of full-time education in an English-language school system. Exemptions may apply if you have studied in Canada and your first language is English, or if you are a Francophone Canadian. Official test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. Tests taken prior to May 1, 2024, do not fulfill requirements.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition and incidental fees are estimated. Please use the Tuition Fee Estimator for specific program costs. Costs do not include preliminary English language training programs.
Tuition (home)Tuition and incidental fees are estimated. Please use the Tuition Fee Estimator for specific program costs.
LivingThe Tuition Fee Estimator does not include other expenses such as off-campus housing, groceries, textbooks, or equipment.
The Tuition Fee Estimator provides estimates based on the 2026/2027 academic year and assumes a Fall 2026 start. Additional costs for preliminary English language training programs are not included in the estimate. Fee schedules are available for a detailed breakdown of components.
How to apply
1. Apply through OUACSubmit your application via the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).
2. Choose your program streamSelect either Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business as your initial program choice.
3. Declare your majorDeclare Economics as your major at the end of your first year of study.
4. Complete Declaration of Academic ExperienceAfter applying, complete this in the applicant portal to determine if English language test scores are required.
Frequently asked questions
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
+
If your first language is not English and you have not studied full-time in an English-language system for the last four years, you must provide proof of proficiency. Accepted tests include IELTS Academic (6.5 overall, 6.5 writing/speaking) and TOEFL iBT (90 overall, 25 writing/speaking, for tests before Jan 21, 2026; 100 overall, 25 writing/speaking for tests after Jan 21, 2026). PTE Academic is also accepted with a score of 63 overall (65 writing/speaking).
What academic qualifications are needed for admission?
+
You need to have completed six Grade 12 U and/or M courses, including Grade 12 U English with a minimum grade of 70%. Mathematics of Data Management is recommended.
How do I apply to the Economics program?
+
Applications are submitted through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC). You will initially apply to either Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business, and then declare Economics as your major at the end of your first year.
What are the estimated tuition fees for international students?
+
Tuition and incidental fees are estimates and can vary. It is recommended to use the Tuition Fee Estimator on the university website for specific program costs for the 2026/2027 academic year. These estimates do not include costs for preliminary English language training.
What are the career opportunities after graduating with an Economics degree?
+
Graduates can pursue careers as Economists, Statisticians, Financial Analysts, Policy Advisors, Business Analysts, or Data Scientists. The program also includes a co-op option for practical work experience.
What is the structure of the Economics program?
+
The Economics degree can be pursued through Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business. After your first year, approximately 40% of your courses will be in Economics, with the remainder being electives from over 100 subject areas. You can also choose to add specializations or minors.