This degree is for those students who are currently completing/ have completed a first undergraduate degree and are interested in beginning a second undergraduate degree at Queen’s.

At its core, the social science of economics is concerned with the material well-being of human societies. It will help students understand the world in which they live and work. It will equip students to succeed in an increasingly knowledge-based and interdependent global economy. It will allow students to identify, describe and improve the strategies and incentives used by individuals, businesses and governments.

Economics will arm students with the tools to face a surprisingly wide range of problems that affect our everyday lives. Students in economics will learn how to document and value risk, study labour markets and global trade, design and assess government policies, and describe the operation of international currency markets.

But there are so many other questions economists can ask. What determines the prices of goods and services? Why do stock and bond prices rise and fall? Why do some people earn so much, while others earn so little? Can carbon taxes slow global warming? How much should one spend or save? Where should one invest their savings? Should people buy houses? How does the tax system affect each person, their family and the businesses in their neighbourhood? By showing students how to systematically address these questions and many, many more, economics will help students make better decisions in their personal life, in business and as a global citizen.

Major in Economics

A major is an intensive course of study in one discipline, with approximately half of the courses within the discipline with room for an optional minor in any other Arts and Science discipline.