Bachelor Of Arts - Honours Arts - Economics at University of Waterloo - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

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Program overview

Earn your Bachelor of Arts in Economics degree while exploring careers and gaining paid experience through North America's largest co-op program. This program is designed to help you wrestle with important and complex questions about economies, such as how to stimulate new industries and avoid financial crises. You will cover the fundamentals of micro- and macro-economics in your first year and analyze how these principles apply across various sectors in upper years. Whether your goal is to work in the public sector, private sector, or academia, this degree will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge, complemented by valuable co-op experience.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Arts in Economics program is structured to provide a comprehensive education over a four-year period. Here are some key features of the program:

Program Length: Four years
Available as a co-op program, allowing students to gain relevant work experience.
Students can choose to study through either Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.
After the first year, students will take approximately 40% of their classes in Economics.
Students have the flexibility to select electives from over 100 subject areas at Waterloo.

In addition to the core curriculum, students are encouraged to explore various areas of focus within Economics, such as Financial Economics and Public Policy, to customize their degree further.

Featured Experiences

The Bachelor of Arts in Economics program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance learning and career readiness:

Co-op Program: Students can participate in a co-op program that integrates classroom learning with real-world experience, allowing them to alternate between study and work terms.
Mentorship Opportunities: The Economics Society organizes academic and social events, providing students with mentorship and networking opportunities.
Paid Work Experience: Students can earn money while gaining valuable experience in their field through co-op placements.
Sample Co-op Job Titles: Students may work in roles such as Economist, Statistician, or Business Analyst, among others.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Economics program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada. Here are some potential job options:

Economist: Analyze economic data and trends to provide insights for businesses and government policies.
Statistician: Use statistical methods to collect, analyze, and interpret data, helping organizations make informed decisions.
Business Analyst: Evaluate business processes and systems to identify areas for improvement and implement solutions.
Financial Analyst: Assess financial data to guide investment decisions and financial planning for organizations.
Policy Advisor: Work with government or non-profit organizations to develop and analyze policies that impact economic growth and public welfare.

These roles highlight the versatility of an Economics degree, as graduates can find opportunities in various sectors, including finance, public policy, and academia.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - Economics program at the University of Waterloo, the following Academic Requirements apply:

Minimum GPA: Not specified.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.
Prerequisite courses:
- English and Mathematics with a minimum grade of 7.5 in each.
Overall average of 8.3 is required.

For international students, particularly those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, the following general requirements must be met:

Bàng Tốt Nghiệp Phố Thông Trung Học (Secondary School Graduation Certificate).

It is advisable to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered. For any clarification and support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

At the University of Waterloo, English is the primary language of instruction, and a high level of English language proficiency is essential for success in our programs. If you are applying for undergraduate admissions, you will need to provide an English language test score if:

Your four most recent years of full-time education have NOT been in an English-language school system AND
Your first language is NOT English.

Here are the accepted English language tests and their minimum score requirements:

Test	Minimum Score
Internet-based TOEFL (iBT), including Home Edition and Paper Edition	90 overall, 25 writing, 25 speaking
IELTS Academic	6.5 overall, 6.5 writing, 6.5 speaking, 6.0 reading, 6.0 listening
CAEL or CAEL online	70 overall, 60 per band, 70 writing, 70 speaking
PTE Academic	63 overall, 65 writing, 65 speaking
Cambridge English test (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)	180 overall, 176 writing, 176 reading, 176 speaking, 176 listening
Duolingo English test	120 overall (before July 1, 2024), 125 for direct entry (after July 1, 2024)
EFAS - English for Academic Success	75% overall in 400 levels, 75% in each of academic, oral, and writing

It is important to note that tests not listed above are not accepted for admission consideration. Official test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to Waterloo's Office of the Registrar. Emails, faxes, and student copies of test scores are not accepted for admission.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!