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Future Students

Economics I

Overview

Economics I is your first step into understanding how the world works – from markets and money to policy and decision making. If you’re already interested in economics, this direct entry program is for you! In your first year, you’ll get a strong foundation in economic theory, math, and critical thinking, while exploring other Social Sciences courses to broaden your perspective. This flexible pathway sets you up for success in upper year Economics programs and gives you the analytical and problem-solving skills employers look for in every industry. 

You will automatically be placed in the Economics Honours BA program at the end of your first year, or you can apply to any other economics degree programs and specializations. 

Upper Year Economics Degree Programs Include: 

  • Honours Economics B.A. 
  • Honours Economics Accelerated B.A. 
  • Honours Economics B.A. Co-op 
  • Combined Honours B.A. in Economics & another subject 
  • Honours Economics B.A. Specialist Option* 
  • Honours Economics & Computer Science B.A. 
  • Honours Economics & Mathematics B.A. 
  • B.A. Economics 

Co-op Program Options 

If you’re looking to gain work experience throughout your degree, the Economics Co-op Specialist Program is for you! You can apply to this degree program at the end of your first year in Economics I. A co-op program means that you will study at McMaster for five years, with three paid co-op work terms and the rest as academic in course studies. 

Common positions for co-op in economics include (but is not limited to): 

  • Data Analyst 
  • HR Assistant 
  • Junior Economist 
  • Data Entry Clerk 

Sectors where you can find a co-op includes (but is not limited to): 

  • Banks such as RBC, BMO, CIBC, Scotiabank, Tangerine-Tango 
  • Financial services like Mercedez Benz, Canadian Red Cross, investment companies and the Canadian Revenue Agency 
  • Private and public corporations like City of Hamilton, Downtown Brampton BIA and Hamilton Health Network. 

Fast Facts

7 Word Renowned Research Centres

$8k-$10k

Average compensation for co-op

Pair with Mohawk Certificate in Business

Expandable List

  • Internationally and nationally recognized faculty who receive prestigious research grants and publish in top-ranked journals.
  • Faculty include a Canada Research Chair in Public Economic Theory, the Ontario Research Chair in Health Human Resources, the ArcelorMittal Dofasco Chair in Advanced Manufacturing Policy, the LIUNA Enrico Henry Mancinelli Professor in Global Labour Issues and the Senator William McMaster Chair in Econometrics.
  • Excellence in research and home to three research centres: McMaster Decision Science Laboratory (McDSL), Public Economics Data Analysis Laboratory (PEDAL) and Statistics Canada Research Data Centre at McMaster (RDC).
  • Classes held in state-of-the-art learning facilities.
  • Exclusive Level I course, events and personal support.
  • Through our partnership with Mohawk College, you can earn a college certificate while completing your degree. Earn a Mohawk College certificate in one of the following areas:
    • Business Studies
    • Disability Management
    • Leadership and Management in the Not-for-Profit Sector.
  • Economics students may find internships with the Canada Revenue Agency, Bank of Canada and a variety of related institutions of interest.
  • Internationally and nationally recognized faculty who receive prestigious research grants and publish in top-ranked journals.
  • Faculty include a Canada Research Chair in Public Economic Theory, the Ontario Research Chair in Health Human Resources, the ArcelorMittal Dofasco Chair in Advanced Manufacturing Policy, the LIUNA Enrico Henry Mancinelli Professor in Global Labour Issues and the Senator William McMaster Chair in Econometrics
  • Excellence in research and home to three research centres: McMaster Decision Science Laboratory (McDSL), Public Economics Data Analysis Laboratory (PEDAL) and Statistics Canada Research Data Centre at McMaster (RDC)
  • Classes held in state-of-the-art learning facilities

Student Testimonials

↗︎

I currently work at the Ministry of Economic Development where I assist in the design, implementation, and evaluation of various government-funded programs.

Harresh Sivamohan
Economics

Your Classes

What You’ll Take:

  • Introduction to Microeconomics (ECON 1B03)
  • Introduction to Macroeconomics (ECON 1BB3)
  • Introduction to Mathematical Economics (ECON 1ME3) OR one of MATH 1MM3, MATH 1A03, MATH 1LS3.
  • Electives listed in Undergraduate Calendar 2025-2026

One of the following:

  • Calculus for Science I (MATH 1A03)
  • Calculus for Life Sciences I (MATH 1LS3)
  • Calculus for Business, Humanities and the Social Sciences (MATH 1M03)
  • Electives

For a full list of courses that can be available in this program, please consult the academic calendar.

Admissions