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Honours 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 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 admitted into 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. Accelerated Specialist Option
  • Honours Economics B.A. Co-op 
  • Honours Economics & Mathematics B.A. 
  • Combined Honours B.A. in Economics & another subject 
  • Honours Economics B.A. Specialist Option* 
  • Combined Honours B.A. Specialist + M.A. in Economics Option
  • B.A. Economics 

Fast Facts

3 Year Accelerated Option

$8k-$10k

Average compensation for co-op

Pair with Mohawk Certificate in Business

Expandable List

  • Internationally and nationally recognized faculty members, including Canadian Research Chairs
  • Faculty who are featured on CHCH, CTV News, and Global News
  • Excellence in research and home to three research centres: Mestelman & Muller McMaster Decision Science Laboratory (McDSL), Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis (CHEPA), and Statistics Canada Research Data Centre at McMaster (RDC).
  • 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 Business Studies or Disability Management.
  • Eligible Honours Economics students can receive a conditional offer of admission to McMaster’s Master of Finance (MFin) program before completing their undergraduate degree, giving you a head start on your next step after graduation.

The Faculty of Social Sciences Careers & Experiential Education team offers students many opportunities to connect their academic learning to work experience, career planning and the community around them.

  • Economics students may find internships with the Canada Revenue Agency, Bank of Canada and a variety of related institutions of interest.
  • Apply for a paid undergraduate student research award (USRA) alongside a research faculty member.
  • Gain global experience at one of 70+ study abroad destinations.
  • Participate in an active Economics Student Society that offers events, networking and volunteer opportunities.
  • Curious about where your economics degree can take you? Explore career potential career outcomes by sector, category or job title. Explore careers.

Co-op Program Options 

If you’re looking to gain work experience throughout your degree, the Economics Co-op 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. 

Information Box Group

“Through my co-op with the City of Hamilton, I was able to develop new knowledge and hands on experience in the marketing industry – I did data analysis, website and social media management, and partnership development. A co-op will expose you to so many new paths and connections you didn’t even know about.” 

Emmalee, Honours Economics Co-op, City of Hamilton, Economic Development Office 

Your Classes

  • 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 2026-2027

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

Admissions