BA and BSc majors
The BA major is ideal if you're planning to pursue a career in fields such as finance, business and accounting. You'll also be prepared to study in professional graduate programs such as law, business administration and public administration.
Our BSc program supplements the BA program with courses that emphasize the more mathematical and quantitative aspects of economics. It is best suited for students with an aptitude for mathematics and is a good starting point if you're planning graduate studies in economics and related areas (including finance) or a career in economic research.
Fast-Paced BA in Economics
This program will assist you to go through your BA in Economics in 3 years rather than 4. You can informally follow this study plan to speed up graduation. The benefit you will receive being formally registered in the fast-paced program is that the department can better provide support in the form of workshops on study strategies and regular check-ins with the undergraduate advisor as well as facilitating the formation of study groups. If you are formally recognized in this program, you will take many courses with the same group of students allowing you to move through the program as a cohort.
Please note that if you fall behind when completing the required credit units in the fast-paced program, you will have every opportunity to complete your BA in Economics at your own pace.
Admissions
Learn everything you need to know about becoming a UVic student, from choosing a program and reviewing admission requirements to submitting your application and reporting your grades.
If you have questions, talk to a student recruiter or attend one of our events.
Courses
Learn about our 2024-25 courses.
See the University Calendar for a listing of all ECON courses.
Economics Course Union
What we do
The ECU is here to:
- Plan and organize student events and activities, everything from pub crawls and movie nights to operating the ECU tutor centre.
- Help develop a strong community among economics students and between economics students and the faculty and staff in the Department.
- Represent students in the Economics Department, at department meetings and on departmental committees.
We hold a number of activities throughout the year. If you want to be part of these activities we want to hear from you. We are also looking for third and fourth year students to volunteer in the ECU Tutor Centre, helping out students in first and second year economics courses. Let us know if you are able to help out!
Find the ECU
The ECU office is in the Business & Economics Building, (BEC 339).
Contact the ECU
The 2024-25 Executive Council:
| Role | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| President | Aidan Scarcella | |
| Vice-President | Callum Lewis | callumlewis@uvic.ca |
| Director of Marketing | Luca Gaffney | |
| Director of Merchandising | Justin Owen | |
| Director of Events | Sam Shipley | |
| Director of Student Relations | Komal Hayre | |
| Director of International Student Relations | Karen Nakabayashi | |
| General Inquiries |
Join the ECU link tree! It’s where the most up-to-date information about opportunities and events in the UVic Economics community are posted.
Follow the ECU on Instagram! For information on upcoming events, trivia, and other content.
Email the ECU ecu.uvic@gmail.com to get involved.
Funding
UVic offers scholarships, bursaries, awards and other funding opportunities to help you further your education and succeed in your studies. Explore funding options at UVic.
Most scholarships are awarded based on recommendations made by the department. However, some require a separate application form.
Awards for Economics students.
Our recent scholarship and award winners.
Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards (JCURA)
The Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Award (JCURA) supports students who complete a research project under the mentorship of a faculty supervisor.
Full-time 3rd and 4th year students with a GPA of 7.0 or above are eligible to apply. Each successful student receives a $1,500 credit in their UVic account.
Valerie Kuehne Undergraduate Research Awards (VKURA)
Valerie Kuehne Undergraduate Research Awards (VKURA) give first- and second-year students the opportunity to gain research experience. Paid research internships are full-time for 12 weeks (between May 1 and August 31).
Honours program
Honours students conduct original research under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Learn advanced research methods that aren’t covered in regular coursework. Gain access to small courses restricted to top students.
Write your thesis alongside a cohort of like-minded students who share ideas and support in the Honours Seminar (ECON 499).
Get more details on our honours program.
Career options
Graduates of our programs have become lawyers, accountants, financial analysts, investment advisors and policy makers. They’re academics, chief economists of major financial institutions, CEOs of major companies, entrepreneurs and more.
Economists are at the forefront of all major policy issues, including:
- Climate Change
- Globalization
- Economic Development
- Immigration
- Healthcare
Co-op
Our optional co-operative education (co-op) program gives you hands-on paid work experience related to what you're studying. It's the perfect way to develop your skills and find a career you love.
Learn more about what co-op is, how it works with your degree and what to expect as a co-op student.
Sample jobs & employers
- Financial Institutions Commission – Risk Analyst
- CIBC Wood Gundy – Investment Advisor Assistant
- BlackBerry – Pricing Analyst
- BC Ministry of Energy and Mines – Policy Assistant, Mines and Minerals Resources
Hands-on learning
Applied portfolio management program
This program gives economics and business students investment education, hands-on experience and industry exposure.
As part of the program, students manage a pool of real money, in close coordination with industry and academic support, while building tangible investment management experiences.
Get details on the applied portfolio management program.
Minors & specializations
Minor in economics
A minor is an optional program that allows you to study in an area outside of your major program area. Whether you want a career in public policy or just want to understand key debates, an economics minor helps.
A minor in economics requires:
- 6 units of courses numbered at the 100 or 200 level
- 9 units of courses numbered at the 300 or 400 level
Financial mathematics & economics option
We’ve partnered with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics on a joint program that will lead to a BSc Major in Financial Mathematics and Economics.
Students completing the program will have excellent preparation for careers and graduate studies in modern financial analysis, risk management and actuarial science. Students are required to take a selected combination of courses.
Business & finance
Add business and finance to your economics BA with a business minor, a finance option or both. See the program planning worksheets to learn what your studies would look like.
Forms
Departmental forms
- Prerequisite Waiver Form
- Request to Repeat a Course Form
- Academic Advising Forms
- Pending Declaration Screenshot Sample
Submit department forms to econreg@uvic.ca
Program planning worksheets