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Program Summary
Economics may be a specialized area of knowledge, but it is relevant to almost every aspect of our lives. At its core, it is the study of reasoned choice in the context of scarce resources and competing interests. The need to make such choices pervades the day-to-day lives of all of us—as individuals and in society as a whole.
The Carleton advantage
Exceptional teaching and research
At Carleton, you will be taught by experienced faculty who have a keen understanding of the discipline and are recognized for their excellence in teaching and research. In addition, you will benefit from courses offered by seasoned senior economists with extensive working experience in the federal government, local firms and non-governmental organizations.
Co-op opportunities
Students in the Honours program, who are eligible to work in Canada, can apply for admission to the co-op program either at the time they apply for admission to Carleton or after they have begun their program. Students will be eligible for a co-op placement after second year and after they have met all requirements for the co-operative education option specified in the Carleton University Undergraduate Calendar.
The normal requirement for the co-op notation on your transcript is the satisfactory completion of three work terms. Each term is normally four months in duration. Co-op work terms provide you with an opportunity to integrate the theoretical and practical aspects of your studies, and to work in government, non-profit or private-sector organizations.
The capital advantage
Carleton’s location in the nation’s capital, Ottawa, gives you unique access to a wide range of resources. You will benefit from a wealth of research facilities and libraries in the city as well as the departments and agencies of the federal government, including:
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- Bank of Canada
- Competition Bureau
- Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Department of Finance Canada
- Global Affairs Canada
- Health Canada
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
The program
Bachelor of Economics (Honours)
Carleton’s Bachelor of Economics (BEcon) is offered as an Honours program in which you study the operation of market-based economies, examining the causes of economic growth, inflation, unemployment and international trade. You will look at how governments manage their economies by developing and administering policies to regulate activities such as international trade, taxes and competition, and you will study economic theory and research methods. Students who wish to focus their studies in particular areas may choose to complete one or two of the seven available Concentrations:
- Computational Analysis
- Development
- Economic Theory (recommended for students intending to pursue graduate studies in economics)
- Financial Economics
- International Political Economy
- Mathematics and Quantitative Economics
- Natural Resources, Environment, and Economy
Combined Honours
A BEcon Combined Honours program is available for students who wish to study both Economics and another eligible discipline.
BGINS specializations
Students who enroll in the Bachelor of Global and International Studies (BGInS) program have the option of selecting a specialization in either “International Economic Policy” or “Global Development”, both of which provide relatively non-technical insights into how economic forces help to shape our world.
Minors in Economics
A Minor in Economics and a Minor in Industrial Economics are available.
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Economics
A Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Economics is available for qualified students who have already completed an undergraduate degree.
First-year experience
First-year BEcon students are encouraged to include a Firstyear Seminar (FYSM) in their first-year course load. First-year Seminars will get you away from the lecture hall and give you the chance, in a small class setting, to discuss and debate topics with your classmates and professors. You will also receive early and frequent feedback on class assignments and instruction in research, writing and study skills.
Future opportunities
The workplace
By pursuing a degree in economics, you will develop the sound problem-solving, communication, analytical and research skills that many employers seek.
Carleton Economics graduates can be found working in a wide range of fields, including:
- federal and provincial government departments and agencies such as the Department of Finance Canada, the Bank of Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), Global Affairs Canada and Statistics Canada;
- private business, banking, financial institutions, industry and insurance; and
- research positions with consulting firms and with nongovernmental organizations such as the Conference Board, the North-South Institute and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC).
Graduate studies
Graduates of our BEcon programs are generally well qualified to go on to graduate studies in a variety of fields including not only economics, but also public administration, public policy, international affairs, business and other cognate disciplines. If you think that you may wish to pursue an advanced degree, you are encouraged to investigate graduate programs early in order to ensure that your specific BEcon program is best-suited to meet the relevant graduate-level requirements.
Professional programs
Many professional programs, including law, teaching and business (MBA), encourage well-rounded applicants from a variety of backgrounds to apply. Economics provides a strong foundation for such programs, and you are encouraged to pursue interests you may have in these fields after completing an undergraduate degree in economics.
