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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.

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 2023-24 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 will 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. For the past two years, the ECU Tutor Centre has been the largest volunteer program of students helping students on campus.

Find the ECU

The ECU office is in the Business & Economics Building, (BEC 339).

Contact the ECU

The 2024-25 executive council:

Role Name Email
President Aidan Scarcella

aidanmscarcella@gmail.com

Vice-President Callum Lewis
Director of Marketing Luca Gaffeny

lucagaffeny@uvic.ca

Director of Merchandising Justin Owen

justinowen606@gmail.com

Director of Events Sam Shipley

Director of Student Relations Komal Hayre

komalpreet.hayre@gmail.com

Director of International Student Relations Karen Nakabayashi

karen.nakabayashi@gmail.com

Email  if you would like to help out with the ECU.

Visit the ECU Facebook site

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

Some career options for economics majors.

Meet some of our alumni.

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 ishow 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

Co-op requirements

Co-op information for Employers

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

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.