Economics is the science of choice.
How will new international trade agreements affect jobs and wealth? Does cutting business taxes help spur growth? What is the optimal price to charge for a specific product? How do labour markets affect professional sports outcomes? Why do individuals make poor health choices even when they know better? Examining these important questions are part of studying Economics at McMaster University.
McMaster’s Economics program is one of the best in Canada. Current faculty members lead and take part in international research programs. Economics graduates are in demand by employers. The analytical and decision making skills learned apply to a wide range of employment opportunities.
The Economics department offers:
Economics is a fascinating field of study with many sub-fields, as demonstrated by our extensive list of undergraduate courses. Our degree programs and pathways will prepare you for the next stage in your life – whether that is graduate school or the start of a career.
- Economics I Pathway
- B.A. in Economics
- B.A. Honours in Economics
- B.A. Honours-Specialist in Economics Option
- A variety of combined programs including combined honours in Economics and Mathematics or Computer Science.
Additional credential options include: Minors in Finance or Business as well as an exclusive Mohawk College Affiliated Certificate in Business Studies. Many of our students take advantage of courses, grants, and work placements offered by the Office of Experiential Education.
International Students
Social Science undergraduate students come from every part of the world. Discover why students from around the world choose the Faculty of Social Sciences at McMaster University.
Critical skills for tomorrow’s work environment
Economics students become adept at analyzing contemporary problems faced by all sectors. Students develop sophisticated problem-solving, numeracy, research, communication and decision making skills. Skills in quantitative analysis are also of great interest to employers.
These competencies are key for career success now as well as in future jobs that do not yet exist.
Our graduates have found employment as:
- Lawyers
- Managers (government/business)
- Policy Researchers
- Economic Analysts
- Economic Consultants
- Economic Forecasters
- Financial Planners
- Statisticians
- Banking / Financial Services
- Budget Analysts
Alumni have successful careers in many areas. One Alumnus, Dr. Myron Scholes, was the 1997 Nobel Prize winner in Economic Sciences.
Graduate School Opportunities
Economic graduates have also been admitted to graduate programs in economics, business administration, public policy, environmental studies, industrial relations, and financial mathematics.
McMaster also has an excellent graduate program.
Scholarships Awards & Fellowships
McMaster’s Entrance Scholarships/Honours Awards are automatic and do not require a separate application. Scholarship values are based on a student’s final admission average to program.
Students completing their high school credentials in Canada or Canadian citizens/Permanent Residents completing high school outside of Canada are eligible for these awards provided that they meet the academic criteria.
Economics students are eligible for more than fifteen additional Scholarships and Awards.
We love questions!
If you have questions about our program contact our undergraduate Administrative Assistant at econug@mcmaster.ca or Professor Bridget O'Shaughnessy, Chair of Undergraduate Studies in Economics, at econugchair@mcmaster.ca.