Economics (Arts & Science)

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Options available

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Arts & Science
  • Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Education
  • Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws
  • Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Management

Campus

  • Lethbridge

Intake

Fall & Winter

Program description

Economics is a behavioural science that studies the conditions under which individuals provide the best possible satisfaction of their needs. It is not specifically about money, things or material objects — it’s about the consequences of individual decisions made under conditions of scarcity.

Everybody thinks of and deals with economics whether they are aware of it or not. It concerns everybody and everything, transcending time and space, and is at the core of our civilization and human existence. It is a means of looking at all human interaction, regardless of culture, race or gender.

As an economics student, you will gain a deep understanding of the decision making process at the individual, firm or government level. You will learn how unhampered market processes lead to efficient production of goods and services, and the effects of interfering with these processes.

You will deal with a variety of topics, such as the comparison of economic systems, the economics of marriage and family, as well as banking and private property rights. You’ll also delve into current concerns like employment, inflation, government bailouts, the national debt, nonrenewable resources, agriculture and the environment.

Minors | Adding a minor to your degree is a great way to explore academic interests beyond your major. A minor is a set of courses comprising a secondary focus of interest. It is generally not related to your major. A minor may be required or optional. Pursue a second passion by adding a minor to your degree.

Honours thesis | If your GPA is high enough in your fourth year, you can opt to complete an undergraduate thesis course. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree.

Experience learning | Our students have a number of experiential learning opportunities available to them including co-operative education, international exchanges, independent and applied studies as well as volunteer opportunities. uLethbridge is the only university in Alberta to offer co-operative education to all majors in the arts & sciences, at both the undergrad and grad level. Transfer students can actually head out on their first work term before ever stepping foot on campus! For example, many transfer students have completed a summer work term before starting classes in September.

Skills acquired | In addition to developing exceptional written and oral communication skills in this program, you’ll also develop strong critical and analytical thinking skills, advanced information acquisition and management skills, as well as precise attention to detail. All of these abilities are highly sought after in the business world and can be applied to practically any scenario.

Possible careers

An education in economics prepares you for a wide variety of jobs and serves as an excellent foundation from which to pursue law school or other advanced degree work. Employment possibilities range from policy-oriented work with private firms, foundations or trade associations to technically-oriented work with public sector agencies or private firms.

  • Finance
  • Foreign trade
  • Government
  • Business Management
  • Banking & Financial Services
  • Trade & Development
  • Budget Consulting
  • Strategic Planning
  • Economic Geography
  • Financial Aid Counseling
  • Taxation
  • Insurance Management

Admission requirements

General-ALL-ALL

​For admission, Canadian high school students in Alberta must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:

This course
  • English Language Arts 30-1
Three of these courses
  • Aboriginal Studies 30
  • Art 30 or Art 31
  • Biology 30
  • Chemistry 30
  • Choral Music 30, General Music 30, or Instrumental Music 30
  • Dance 35
  • Drama 30
  • Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2
  • Mathematics 31
  • Physics 30
  • Science 30
  • Social Studies 30-1
  • Five credits in Advanced-level CTS Computer Science (CSE)
  • One or more distinct languages at the 30 level
One additional
  • That has not already been used
  • May be from the list above
  • Must be at the 30 level
  • Must be worth at least five credits (multiple courses worth a total of five or more credits can be used)
  • Cannot be a Special Project

 

First year cost estimator

For Economics (Arts & Science)

Let us help you understand your tuition and fees for your first year at the University of Lethbridge.

The economics program at the University of Lethbridge will provide you with insight into concerns dealing with the distribution of wealth amongst organizations and individuals. An economics degree from uLethbridge will leave you with a logical, strategic and structured decision-making acumen that is highly transferable into the labour market.
- Kyle (BA '20 Co-op), Economics

Sample classes

Course selections for the program will vary, but may include:

  • Introduction to Microeconomics
  • Introduction to Macroeconomics
  • Economics and Business Statistics
  • Econometrics I
  • Money & Banking
  • International Economics
  • Environmental Economics