Economics

“Economics is the study of how individuals, firms, government and other organizations within our society make choices, and how these choices determine society’s use of its resources.” (Joe Stiglitz).

Economics borders on other academic disciplines, such as political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology and business administration. It also draws heavily on the study of history, statistics and mathematics. Economists are central players in setting government policy, from social programs to economic development.  In the private sector, they contribute to market research for new products, evaluate the impact of mergers, and assess tax policy.

Students who desire some minimum understanding of economics are encouraged to consider taking one or two courses at the 1200 level. Entrance into higher level courses ordinarily requires a full-year of principles of economics, but this may be waived with the approval of the Department.

The Economics Department is able to offer students with a special interest in economics the opportunity to undertake some concentration beyond the core of required courses in the following areas and associated courses.

Money and Banking
ECON 3307Money & Banking3
ECON 4407Monetary Economics3
Public Finance
ECON 3319Public Finance: Taxation3
International
ECON 3327Asia Pacific Economies3
ECON 3365International Economic issues3
ECON 4413International Macroeconomics and Finance3
ECON 4414International Trade3
Quantitative
ECON 3302Mathematical Economics3
ECON 3303Intermediate Economic Statistics3
ECON 4403Econometrics3
Regional
ECON 3324The Atlantic Canadian Economy3
ECON 3325Atlantic Canadian Economy Seminar3
Nature Resources and Environment
ECON 3362Natural Resource Economics3
ECON 3363Environmental Economics3
Comparative Systems
ECON 3315Comparative Economic Systems3
Cost-Benefit Analysis and Health
ECON 3364Cost-Benefit Analysis3
ECON 3366Health Economics3
Development
ECON 3310Development Economics3
ECON 4410Issues in Economic Development3
Labour
ECON 3340Human Resource Economics3
ECON 3341Labour Economics3
ECON 3349Women and the Economy3
Industrial Organization
ECON 3316Industrial Organization3
Other Theory Courses
ECON 4400Advanced Microeconomic Theory3
ECON 4401Advanced Macroeconomic Theory3
ECON 4404Special Topics in Microeconomics3
ECON 4405Special Topics in Macroeconomics3

Students who desire a major in economics are encouraged to enroll in an appropriate program under the guidance of a faculty advisor. There are two general programs:

  1. Bachelor of Arts with a major in economics, and
  2. Bachelor of Commerce with a major in economics.

See Faculty of Arts and Sobey School of Business of this Calendar, for the basic requirements for these degrees.

In addition to the programs cited above, information on graduate courses, may be found in the Graduate Academic Calendar.

Note: Students are advised that possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee admission to a particular academic program.  Limits to the number of students who can be in a particular program at any one time exist and depend very much on the number of faculty members available in a particular academic unit.