The Vancouver School of Economics offers undergraduate programs of study that lead to the degrees of Bachelor of International Economics, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Arts. The School also offers combined programs with Political Science, Philosophy, Mathematics, and Statistics. In addition, the School offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy, and a minor program in economics.
For information on the Bachelor of International Economics, see the Vancouver School of Economics. For information on advanced degrees, see graduate Economics.
Admissions
Admission to the Major/Combined Major/Honours Programs
In order to be admitted to an economics program, a student must have completed the Lower-Level Requirements for their intended Major, Combined Major or Honours program, as outlined in the Programs section. Students must also have completed the prerequisite admissions requirements:
| Admission Requirements1 | Credits |
| One of MATH_V 100, 102, 104, 110, 120, 180, 184, or SCIE_V 001 | 3 |
| One of MATH_V 101, 103, 105, 121, or SCIE_V 001 | 3 |
| Arts Writing Requirement2 | 3 |
| Total credits applicable to the BA | 54 |
1 Admission requirements cannot be taken on a Cr/D/F basis. | |
2 For a list of courses that satisfy the writing component of the Bachelor of Arts Research and Writing Requirement, see the Faculty of Arts Degree Requirements. |
Admission to the Major, a Combined Major or the Honours program in Economics is not automatic, even if the minimum admissions requirements are met. To be admitted, a student must submit a formal application. Because there are a limited number of places, some students who satisfy the minimum admissions requirements may not be admitted.
Selection for admission is based on a weighted average of the grades from all credits of post-secondary coursework attempted, with the exception of up to 12 credits that may be excluded from the calculation. Grades from economics and related courses are weighted more heavily in the calculation. For more information, see the School's BA admission page.
It takes no fewer than two Winter Sessions to complete a Major, Combined Major or Honours program in Economics once admitted.
Applications
Students must apply to the Major, Combined Major or Honours program by written application, which must be received by the deadline set by the Vancouver School of Economics. The application form is available on the School's BA admission page along with the current deadline.
The application form must be accompanied by a copy of the student's permanent record from UBC and official transcripts of the student's record from all other post-secondary educational institutions attended.
Courses
Electives and Substitutes
Economics Electives in economics programs are ECON_V courses that count towards the major’s credit requirements but are not specifically required for the program. We encourage students to choose electives which collectively create a “focus” or theme for their degree. You can consult with a School advisor for advice on forming a theme based on your interests.
Economics recognizes a number of courses as approved substitutes for certain requirements of a program or admission. In particular, there are a number of substitutes for statistical courses like ECON_V 325, such as STAT_V 200. You can find a current list here.
Students who substitute an ECON_V course for a course from another discipline (e.g., STAT_V) should ensure they still meet the total credit requirements of their economics program. This usually requires taking an additional ECON_V course at the same, or higher, level. For details see the VSE website.
Senior Research Seminar
All BA and BSc economics students are required to complete a senior research seminar as part of their program of study. For honours students, this is ECON_V 499. For majors students, this is ECON_V 490. ECON_V 490 is restricted to students in Majors and Combined Majors in Economics in their final academic session.
Students should note the prerequisites for senior courses and plan their programs accordingly. In particular, pay attention to the prerequisites for ECON_V 490: all of ECON_V 301, 302, 325 and 326 (or equivalent) must be completed before enrolling in ECON_V 490.
Programs
All programs in economics are divided into upper-level and lower-level requirements. These requirements can be completed at any time prior to graduation, subject to the admissions requirements described above.
Major in Economics
To be granted a major in economics, students must be admitted to the program and complete the following major requirements. In addition, students must also complete the degree requirements for their Bachelor’s degree.
| Lower-Level Requirements | Credits |
| ECON_V 101 and 102 | 6 |
| ECON_V credits numbered 200 or above | 3 |
| ECON_V 325 | 3 |
| Upper-Level Requirements | |
| ECON_V 301 or 304 | 3 |
| ECON_V 302 or 305 | 3 |
| ECON_V 326 | 3 |
| ECON_V 490 | 3 |
| ECON_V Electives numbered 300 or above | 6 |
| ECON_V Electives numbered 400 or above1 | 12 |
| Total ECON_V credits numbered 300 or above2 | 30 |
| Total ECON_V credits3 | 42 |
1 ECON_V 457 will not count towards 400-level electives | |
2 Economics courses that (i) have been granted unassigned first-year transfer credit (e.g., ECON 1st), or (ii) have been taken on a Credit/D/Fail basis, may not be included in the 42 credits required for a program in Economics. | |
3 There is a list of substitutable courses that meet certain admissions and program requirements. For more information, refer to the Electives and Substitutes section above. | |
Combined Major in Economics and Political Science
Students Entering Prior to 2025
Admission to the program is subject to the admission requirements, restrictions and application process that pertains currently to the Majors in Economics and Political Science. Students should apply to Economics for admission to the combined major. In addition to degree requirements, the program has Economics and Political Science requirements.
| Economics Lower-Level Requirements | Credits |
| As for the Major in Economics | See above |
| Economics Upper-Level Requirements (Years 3 and 4) | |
| ECON_V 301 or 304 | 3 |
| ECON_V 302 or 305 | 3 |
| ECON_V 326 | 3 |
| ECON_V 490 | 3 |
| ECON_V Electives numbered 300 or above | 3 |
| ECON_V Electives numbered 400 or above | 3 |
| ECON_V at any level | 3 |
| Total ECON_V credits numbered 300 or above | 21 |
| Total ECON_V credits | 33 |
| Political Science Requirements | |
| POLI_V 100 | 3 |
| POLI_V 101 | 3 |
| POLI_V 240 | 3 |
| POLI_V 350 or 352 | 3 |
| POLI_V 220 or 260 | 3 |
| POLI_V Electives numbered 300 or above | 15 |
Students Entering After 2025
Admission to the program is subject to the admission requirements, restrictions and application process that pertains currently to the Majors in Economics and Political Science. Students should declare a Major in Political Science either before or at the same time as they apply to economics. Students should apply to Economics for admission to the combined major.
In addition to degree requirements, the program has Economics and Political Science requirements. For information about the different focuses for the Political Science part of the combined major, see Political Science.
| Economics Lower-Level Requirements | Credits | ||
| As for the Major in Economics | See above | ||
| Economics Upper-Level Requirements (Years 3 and 4) | |||
| ECON_V 301 or 304 | 3 | ||
| ECON_V 302 or 305 | 3 | ||
| ECON_V 326 | 3 | ||
| ECON_V 490 | 3 | ||
| ECON_V Electives numbered 300 or above | 3 | ||
| ECON_V Electives numbered 400 or above1 | 3 | ||
| ECON_V at any level | 3 | ||
| Total ECON_V credits numbered 300 or above | 21 | ||
| Total ECON_V credits | 33 | ||
| Political Science Lower-Level Requirements | Credits | POLI_V Lower-Level Requirements (Politics, Policy and Administration) | Credits |
| POLI_V 100 | 3 | POLI_V 100 | 3 |
| POLI_V 101 | 3 | POLI_V 101 | 3 |
| POLI_V 110 | 3 | POLI_V 110 | 3 |
| POLI_V 240 (or 340) 2 | 3 | POLI_V 220 | 3 |
| Total POLI_V Credits numbered 299 or below | 12 | Total POLI Credits numbered 299 or below | 12 |
| Political Science Upper-Level Requirements | POLI_V Upper-Level Requirements (Politics, Policy and Administration) | ||
| POLI _V 350 or POLI_V 352 | 3 | POLI_V 302 | 3 |
| Total POLI_V Credits numbered 300 or above | 18 | POLI_V 350 | 3 |
| Total credits from the PPA approved list3 | 6 | ||
| Total POLI credits numbered 300 or above | 18 | ||
1 ECON_V 457 will not count towards 400-level electives | |||
2 Students who have not completed POLI_V 240 may substitute POLI_V 340 for POLI_V 240, although they are still required to complete a total of 12 POLI_V credits at the 100- and 200-level. | |||
3 For the PPA approved list, see Political Science. | |||
Combined Major in Economics and Philosophy
Admission to the program is subject to the admission requirements, restrictions, and application processes that pertain currently to the Majors in Economics and Philosophy. In addition to degree requirements, the program has Economics, Philosophy, and joint requirements. Students should apply only to Economics for admission to the combined major.
| Economics Lower-Level Requirements | Credits |
| As for the Major in Economics | See above |
| Economics Upper-Level Requirements | |
| ECON_V 301 or 304 | 3 |
| ECON_V 302 or 305 | 3 |
| ECON_V 326 | 3 |
| ECON_V 490 | 3 |
| ECON_V Electives numbered 300 or above1 | 6 |
| Total ECON_V credits numbered 300 or above | 21 |
| Total ECON_V credits | 33 |
| Philosophy Requirements | |
| PHIL_V 220, 222, 230, 321, or 330 | 3 |
| One of PHIL_V 240 or 340 | 3 |
| One of PHIL_V 314, 315, 338, 360, 369, 461 | 3 |
| One of PHIL_V 431, 432, 469, 491 | 3 |
| PHIL_V Electives numbered 300 or above | 12 |
| Total PHIL_V credits | 24 |
| Joint Requirements2 | |
| ECON_V 318/PHIL_V 362 | 3 |
| ECON_V 319/PHIL_V 363 | 3 |
1 ECON_V 457 will not count towards 400-level electives | |
2 Students may elect to take joint requirements under either the PHIL_V or ECON_V course code. Credits may be applied to the economics or philosophy elective credit requirements. | |
B.A. Combined Major in Economics and Mathematics
Admission to the program is subject to the admission requirements, restrictions and application processes that pertain currently to the Majors in Economics and Mathematics. For the B.Sc. Combined Major in Mathematics and Economics, see the listing under the Faculty of Science. In addition to degree requirements, the program has Economics, and Mathematics requirements. Students should apply only to Economics for admission to the combined major.
| Economics and Mathematics Lower-Level Requirements | Credits |
| As for the Major in Economics1 | See above |
| MATH_V 200 or 2262 | 3 |
| MATH_V 215 | 3 |
| MATH_V 2202 | 3 |
| MATH_V 221 or 223 | 3 |
| Economics Upper-Level Requirements | |
| ECON_V 301 or 304 | 3 |
| ECON_V 302 or 305 | 3 |
| ECON_V 326 | 3 |
| ECON_V 490 | 3 |
| ECON_V Electives numbered 300 or above | 3 |
| ECON_V Electives numbered 400 or above3 | 3 |
| Total ECON_V credits numbered 300 or above | 18 |
| Total ECON_V credits | 33 |
| Mathematics Upper-Level Requirements | |
| MATH_V credits numbered 300 or higher4 | 18 |
1 Students that have not taken ECON_V 101 and 102 in their first two years may replace them with the approved equivalents ECON_V 310 and 311. MATH_V 100 and 101, in the admission requirements, are considered part of the Combined Major in Economics and Mathematics. | |
2 Students obtaining 68% or higher in MATH_V 226 may replace MATH_V 220 with 3 credits of electives. | |
3 ECON_V 457 will not count towards 400-level electives | |
4 Suitable electives include MATH_V 302, 303, 320, 321, 402, 403, 418, 419, and 443. MATH_V 320 would be valuable for graduate study. |
B.A. Combined Major in Economics and Statistics
Admission to the program is subject to the admission restrictions and application processes that pertain currently to the Majors in Economics and Statistics. For the B.Sc., Combined Major in Statistics and Economics, see the B.Sc. Combined Major in Statistics and Economics. In addition to degree requirements, the program has Economics, and Statistics requirements. Students should apply only to Economics for admission to the combined major.
| Economics and Statistics Lower-level Requirements (Year 1 and 2) | Credits |
| ECON_V 101 and 102 | 6 |
| One of MATH_V 100, 102, 104, 110, 120, 180, 184 | 3 |
| One of MATH_V 101, 103, 105, 121 | 3 |
| One of DSCI_V 100, ECON_V 226, ECON_V 227 | 3 |
| ECON_V 325 or STAT_V 2001 | 3 |
| MATH_V 200 or 226 | 3 |
| MATH_V 220 | 3 |
| MATH_V 221 or 223 | 3 |
| ECON_V Electives numbered 200 or above | 3 |
| Total credits | 54 |
| Economics and Statistics Upper-level Requirements (Years 3 and 4) | |
| ECON_V 301 or 304 | 3 |
| ECON_V 302 or 305 | 3 |
| Either (a) ECON_V 326 and STAT_V 301 or (b) ECON_V 398 and STAT_V 306 | 6 |
| ECON_V 490 | 3 |
| ECON_V Electives numbered 300 and above | 3 |
| ECON_V Electives numbered 400 and above2 | 3 |
| Total ECON_V credits numbered 300 or above | 18 |
| Total ECON_V credits | 33 |
| MATH_V 303 or 307 | 3 |
| STAT_V 302 or MATH_V 302 | 3 |
| STAT_V 305 | 3 |
| STAT_V 404 or 443 | 3 |
| STAT_V Electives numbered 300 or above | 3 |
| STAT_V Electives numbered 400 or above | 3 |
1 If STAT_V 200 is completed, an additional ECON_V course numbered 300 or higher must be taken. Similarly, if ECON_V 325 is completed, an additional STAT_V course numbered 200 or higher must be taken. These additional courses may be taken in any year of the program. | |
2 ECON_V 457 will not count towards 400-level electives | |
Honours in Economics
To be granted an honours in economics, students must be admitted to the program and complete the following honours requirements. In addition, students must also complete their degree requirements, and meet the continuation and grade requirements.
| Lower-Level Requirements (Years 1 and 2) | Credits |
| As for the Major in Economics | See above |
| A minimum of 75% on all credits attempted | |
| A minimum of 78% in the best 12 credits of Economics attempted | |
| Upper-Level Requirements (Years 3 and 4) | |
| ECON_V 304 | 3 |
| ECON_V 305 | 3 |
| ECON_V 306 and 307 with a 68% average | 6 |
| ECON_V 326 | 3 |
| ECON_V 495 | 3 |
| ECON_V 499 | 6 |
| ECON Electives numbered 300 or above3 | 12 |
| ECON Electives numbered 400 or above3 | 12 |
| Total ECON credits numbered 300 or above1,2,3 | 51 |
| Total ECON credits1,2 | 60 |
| Grade Requirements | |
| A cumulative average of at least 78% in ECON courses numbered 300 or above | |
| No more than 6 credits in ECON courses numbered 300 or above with a grade less than 68% | |
1 Students should note the total ECON credit requirements for the Honours degree differ from the Major in Economics; this is important for students who substitute certain required courses, as described above. | |
2 Economics courses that (i) have been granted unassigned first-year transfer credit (e.g., ECON 1st), or (ii) have been taken on a Credit/D/Fail basis, may not be included in the 60 credits required for an Honours program in Economics. | |
3 Up to 12 credits of specific CPSC_V courses may be counted towards Honours electives, with permission of the Honours advisor. ECON_V 457 will not count towards 400-level electives | |
Honours Graduation and Continuation Requirements
Continuation in the Honours Economics Program requires that students achieve an average of 78% or higher in ECON_V courses numbered 300 and above in each Winter Session under evaluation.
Students who do not meet this continuation requirement will be required to discontinue from the Honours Program and will be offered admission to the Major in Economics Program instead.
Students who complete all requirements for the Honours program with the exception of the grade criteria above will be allowed to graduate with a Major in Economics. In such cases, successful completion of ECON_V 499 will be accepted as satisfying the ECON_V 490 requirement towards the Major in Economics program.
Minor in Economics
Students who are enrolled in a major program other than Economics and who:
(i) obtain at least 30 credits and no more than 42 credits in Economics (ECON_V), and
(ii) obtain at least 18 of these credits in courses numbered 300 or above, excepting upper-year principles of Economics (e.g. ECON_V 310, 311, or equivalent), qualify to graduate with a Minor in Economics.
Economics courses that (i) have been granted unassigned first-year transfer credit (e.g., ECON 1st), or (ii) have been taken on a Credit/D/Fail basis, may not be included in the 30 credits required for a Minor in Economics.