Economics Undergraduate Program-FAQs

Economics offers a rigorous framework to explore important questions about the world: What makes countries develop and improve their standard of living? Can technical progress increase income inequality? Why do countries trade with each other? Why are oceans over-fished? What policies would promote ecological prudence? Why did the Asian crisis occur? How can we understand Chinese development over the last two decades?

Yes. A curriculum in economics is designed to help you to think about broad questions of social importance and not to teach you special skills such as accounting and marketing.

A B.A. degree in Economics gives you useful skills such as problem-solving ability, effective writing, basic empirical skills, and knowledge of Canadian and international economic institutions. A background in economics is a good stepping stone for careers in management, law, civil service, journalism and finance. However, a B.A. in Economics is not a professional degree. An M.A. degree qualifies you to work as an economist in the private or public sector.

UBC's economics department is one of the top departments in Canada with expertise in a wide variety of fields such as industrial organization, labour, economic measurement, economic history, macro-economics, public policy, international trade and finance, resource economics, development, health economics and transitional economics. The department has many high profile researchers and they bring up-to-date knowledge to the classroom. Faculty members are also actively engaged in public debates that help shape economic policy at the provincial and national level.

Programs:

What undergraduate programs does the Department offer?
The Economics Department at UBC has a range of options available for every level of interest in the subject.
Majors /Combined Majors Program
Honours Program
Minor Program

Check out the main homepage of the Department where you will find information on courses, graduate program, faculty, research papers etc.

When is the application available online?
The application will be available on the Economics website March 15 and the deadline is May 20.

I am currently attending a College. What do I need to know about applying to the Economics Major at UBC?
To be admitted students must submit a formal application online. The requirements for application/admission include the following:

Timing is very important. The online application is due by May 20, 2012. It must be submitted on time. We do not reserve places for late applicants. If you do not have all the requirements listed above by May 20, but you expect to have completed them all by August 31, then apply on May 20, and include on your online form a statement of what requirements you are missing and how you plan to make them up. If you show a clear plan to complete the missing requirement(s) by August 31, 2012 then your application will be considered on a provisional basis. It is your responsibility to inform us when you have completed missing requirements.

For example, most College transfer students will not have been accepted to UBC by May 20. If you have applied to come to UBC in Winter 2012/2013 then apply to Economics by May 20, and tell us on the application form that you are waiting to hear about UBC admission. We will then deal with your application on a provisional basis, until you inform us that you have been admitted to UBC. Likewise if you do not have the required courses you must make them up in Summer, either in College or at UBC.

Many College transfers study Commerce (in the Sauder Business School) courses and then try to switch to Economics when they are denied admission to UBC Sauder Business School. Be aware that we do not accept COMM courses for any purpose in Economics. They do not count as Econ Principles or as Econ second-year and third-year courses for application purposes. If you wish to study Economics in UBC then prepare yourself by studying Econ and Math courses, rather than COMM courses, in College. In particular, courses that transfer to UBC as Math 1st are not acceptable as satisfying the Department of Economics UBC Math 104 and UBC Math 105 requirements.

Your application must be accompanied by official transcripts covering all post-secondary courses taken other than UBC, must be submitted to be considered for admission.

If you are not accepted to Economics on first application then you will likely not be accepted ever. Please move on to another major immediately. Many more students are intent on majoring in Economics than the Department can possibly accommodate. Our programs are heavily oversubscribed and, unfortunately, each year we are forced to turn away about 35% or more of all applicants because we do not have sufficient spaces to accommodate all demand. If you are not in the top 250 applicants in one year, it is highly unlikely that you would be in the top 250 in any other year, when there is a whole new panel of applicants to be considered.

Please see the other question/answers in this FAQ file for further information on these topics.

How do I get into the Economics Honours/Majors/Combined Majors Program?
Admission to the Honours/Majors/Combined Majors program in Economics is not automatic. To be admitted students must submit a formal application online. Because there are a limited number of places some students who satisfy the minimum prerequisites may not be admitted.

Do I still need Math 105 (or equivalent) even though the Sauder Business School (Commerce) no longer requires it for their programs?
Yes you do! Economics requires UBC Math 104 and UBC Math 105 (or equivalents) as prerequisites for the Economics application process and as course prerequisites (i.e. Econ 301, 302, 325, 326, 490 etc.).

Is there a fee to apply to the Economics Undergraduate Programs?
There is no fee to apply to any of the Economics Undergraduate Programs.

What is the application deadline? When do I apply?
An online application for admission to the Honours/Majors/Combined Majors program should be submitted by May 20, prior to registering for the final 60 credits, to ensure that the student will be considered for admission. The online Application form is available on the Economics home page at website: application online .

Do I need to include copies of transcripts?
Official transcripts of the student's record from all post-secondary educational institutions attended, other than UBC, must be submitted to be considered for admission.

Is a resume required? Are reference letters required?
No, resumes and reference letters are not required.

What GPA is required to get into the Economics Honours?
Registration in the Honours Progam in Economics is restricted and subject to quota. All students who apply are ranked by GPA (and admission requirements (prerequisites)) and students are admitted by the highest GPA until the quota is filled. The GPA for the last student admitted varies widely from year to year. The only thing we can predict with a high degree of accuracy is if your GPA average is A+ or above you are guaranteed admission. If your GPA average is in the range of B+ to A range we cannot predict whether or not you will be admitted until all applications are submitted and reviewed.

What GPA is required to get into the Economics Majors?
Registration in the Majors Progam in Economics is restricted and subject to quota. All students who apply are ranked by GPA (and admission requirements) and students are admitted by the highest GPA until the quota is filled. The GPA for the last student admitted varies widely from year to year. The only thing we can predict with a high degree of accuracy is if your GPA average is B+ or above you are guaranteed admission. If your GPA average is in the range of B- to B+ range we cannot predict whether or not you will be admitted until all applications are submitted and reviewed. If your GPA average is C+ or below you should plan on majoring in another field and consult your Faculty Advising Office (i.e. Faculty of Arts Advising 604-822-4028).

Do you admit students on a provisional basis?
An application will be accepted, under certain conditions, from a student who has not met all requirements, providing that the student indicates on their application online that there is a firm plan for these missing requirements to be met by August 31. It is the student's responsibilty to inform the Department, in writing and by the deadline, that the missing requirements have been completed -- the Department will not seek this information independently. If otherwise eligible, such students will be admitted provisionally.

Do you admit students in their fourth year -- that is, to graduate within the next academic year (May/November 2013)?
We regret to inform you that no applications can be accepted from students who wish to graduate within the next academic year (May/November 2013). All Economics programs are two-year programs. Enrollment in Economics Majors/Combined Majors programs is limited by the Department of Economics’ capacity to offer the required final year research-seminar course Econ 490. All spaces in Econ 490 for Winter 2012/2013 Term 1: Sept-Dec 2012 and Term 2: Jan-Apr 2013) have already been allocated to students who applied to our two-year programs, on schedule, in May 2011. There is no possibility for students who apply to Economics Programs in May 2012 to take Econ 490 before Winter 2012/2013 even if they have completed all the prerequisites. This is not negotiable -- all places in Econ 490 have already been allocated. Students who wish to graduate from UBC in May/November 2013 must do so with a Major other than Economics.

If I do not get accepted to the economics major/combined major what should I do?
You must find an alternative major. The common choices are Interdisplinary Studies, Commerce, International Relations, Political Science, Psychology, History, English and Asian Studies. Choosing an alternative major prepares you for graduation in time with your cohort. Graduation on time with a BA is the most important objective; choice of major is very much secondary to this.

Can I keep re-applying even though I was rejected?
In principle you may apply more than once, as long as you satisfy all the requirements for application. A student who applies to the Economic Majors or a Combined Economics program and who has 75 or more credits on their academic record requires, in addition to the standard prerequisites, that the student have a Major Specialization (other than Economics) declared on the Student Services Center. It is a Faculty of Arts requirement that every student have a declared major at the beginning of Third year. No application to Economics will even be considered from a student who has 75 or more credits and who does not satisfy this requirement.

While it is possible to apply more than once, however, please think very carefully about pursuing this possibility. Many more students are intent on majoring in Economics than the Department can possibly accommodate. Every year we are forced to turn down applicants because we do not have sufficient spaces to accommodate all demand. If you are not in the top 250 in one year, it is highly unlikely that you would be in the top 250 in any other year, when there is a whole new panel of applicants to be considered. In addition, no applications are being accepted to Fourth-year -- that is, from applicants wishing to graduate within 12 months of application. All spaces in the graduating course - Econ 490 - were already allocated to students in the previous year, in which you applied and were unsuccessful. All applicants must wait 18 months before taking this course, whether or not they have the prerequisites; this is because all spaces in this course have already been allocated two years in advance.

Each year a number of third-year students (some who have applied and not been accepted, others who have chosen not to apply) make the unfortunate mistake of overloading on Economics courses and then applying with the hope that they will be accepted since Economics is the only major they have prepared for (or that they are interested in, or that they are sincere about, etc.). This hope, and its associated poor choice of study plan, will lead only to disappointment. The UBC Senate requires that every applicant to Economics be admitted or not admitted based on a single selection criterion which depends on their GPA rank and on the availability of spaces in the program. This criterion is applied equally to all applicants -- zero weight or favour is given to applications based on the number of Economics courses they have completed. Further, to reward this kind of behaviour would be grossly unfair to the many students who have submitted applications and who have accepted the results. The Department of Economics insists on keeping faith with the many who have submitted to the standard process.

In short, if you apply to Economics and are turned down, your first concern and priority must be to select an alternative major with which to graduate. This prepares you for graduation in time with your cohort. Graduation on time with a BA is the most important objective; choice of major is very much secondary to this and please remember that no application to the Economic Major or a Combined Economics program will be accepted from a student who has 75 or more credits on their academic record, and who does not have a Major Specialization (other than Economics) declared on the Student Services Center.

How do I apply to the Combined Major in Economics and Mathematics?
Admission to the program is subject to the same admission restrictions and application process that pertain currently to the Major in Economics. Specific requirements may be different for students in the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Science.

How do I apply to the Combined Major in Economics and Political Science?
Admission to the program is subject to the same admission restrictions and application process that pertain currently to the Majors in Economics, and is also subject to admission procedures in Political Science. Students completing the Foundations program will be exempted from the requirement of POLI 100.

How do I apply to the Combined Major in Economics and Philosophy?
Admission to the program is subject to the same admission restrictions and application process that pertain currently to the Major in Economics and may also be subject to admission procedures in Philosophy. In addition to Faculty requirements, the program has Economics and Philosophy requirements.

How do I apply to the Combined Major in Economics and Statistics?
Admission to the program is subject to the same admission restrictions and application process that pertain currently to the Major in Economics. Specific requirements may be different for students in the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Science.

How is admission determined for the majors/combined majors program?
All applicants to the combined majors programs and to the majors program will be ranked according to their average calculated in the following manner. In the case of applicants who have successfully completed 60 or more credits, the average is based on all post-secondary courses attempted (including any failing grades), except for 12 credits of work in which grades were lowest; and in the case of applicants who have completed fewer than 60 credits of work, the average is based on the grades obtained in the best 48 credits of work completed. The average in both cases must include all passing and failing grades obtained i(i) 6 credits of Principles of Economics (equivalent to UBC Econ 101 and Econ 102); (ii) 6 credits of University-level Calculus (equivalent to UBC Math 104 and Math 105); (iii) 3 credits that satisfy the Writing component of the Faculty of Arts Writing and Research Requirement (ASTU 150, CAP, Arts One, English 100 or an approved equivalent); (iv) 6 credits of second-year or third year Economics (courses in this category are not acceptable unless they require Principles of Economics as a prerequisite); Courses required under (i)-(iv) cannot be taken on a Credit/D/Fail basis.

Note: Combined Majors must also follow the admission restrictions and application process determined by the other associated department.

Is it easier to get into a Combined Major Program (example: econ/political science or econ/stats) than it is to get into the straight Economic Major?
Absolutely not. From the list of applicants to Economics in any one year the Department of Economics selects a single pool of students based on GPA and admission requirements. Once the overall pool has been selected students are then allocated to the program of their choice, whether it is the straight Economic Major or a Combined Major Program. In other words, students selected to any Economics Program in a given year have all satisfied exactly the same admission criteria.

Is it possible to switch from one Economic Major Program to another (example: switch from Econ/Stats to Econ)?
Yes. You must see an economics advisor and submit your request in writing. Since students in all of our major programs were originally selected into a single pool at the time of admissions (based on GPA and other admission requirements) they have all satisfied the same admission criteria. It is up to the student then to decide which is their preferred major.

How do I get into the Minor Program?
There is no formal application for the Minor Program for students in the Faculty of Arts. Students who are enrolled in a Major program other than Economics, and who obtain at least 30 credits and no more than 42 credits in Economics, with at least 18 of these credits in a course numbered 300 or above, qualify to graduate with a Minor in Economics. Econ 310 and Econ 311 cannot be included in the requirement of 18 credits in courses numbered 300 or above. Economics courses which do not have Econ 101 and Econ 102, (or Econ 100) as a prerequisite, for which unassigned transfer credit may have been granted, may not be included in the 30 credits required for a Minor in Economics. At least 24 of the 120 credits required for the B.A. degree must be in subjects or fields other than those of the Major and Minor. Note: Students in the Faculty of Science, Sauder Business School or Faculty of Applied Science should contact their undergraduate office for a Minor Program Approval Form.

Major in Economics and another Major?
Yes, students wishing to pursue a Major in Economics and another subject will take at least 42 credits and no more than 48 credits in Economics, and at least 42 and no more than 48 credits in their other discipline. (Students pursuing a double major in Economics and International Relations should note that some Economics courses can count towards both majors. They must check with the Faculty of Arts Advising office to make sure they satisfy these ceiling restrictions.) At least 30 credits in each discipline/field of specialization must be in courses numbered 300 or above. (See the current UBC Calendar, 'Faculty of Arts' section 'B.A. Degree Program Requirements').

What is the difference between a double major and combined major?
A double major is two majors one in each subject. This requires approximately 42 credits in each of the fields of specialization, for a total credit requirement of 84. A combined major in two fields is a single major that requires core material from each of the fields. It requires approximately 30 credits in each core for a total of 60 credits for the combined major.

Can you do a double Honours degree?
Yes, students wishing to pursure another honours subject besides Economics should consult the Honours Advisor.

How can I do economics, within the Interdisplinary Studies-IDST?
Like other students in the Faculty of Arts, IDST students must complete at least 120 credits overall, of which 48 must be upper-level credits (courses numbered 300 and 400). IDST students must also meet the Faculty of Arts Requirements for Writing and Research, Language, Literature, and Science (IDST students typically fulfill their research requirement with a course in the discipline they have chosen in their primary category). However, unlike most other Arts students who enroll in either a Major or Honors program, IDST students can create coherent programs of their own design. Because these self-designed programs are alternatives to the Major or Honors programs, they cannot be combined with either, nor with a Minor program.

An IDST program of studies represents a student's final 60 credits of course work for the B.A. degree. When planning these 60 credits, students must choose two of the following broad categories - Humanities, Social Sciences, Creative and Performing Arts, or Sciences - into which their courses will fit. One will be their Primary Category and the other will be their Secondary Category.

What is the Arts Co-Op Program?
The University and employers co-operate to provide students with an opportunity to alternate practical, paid work experience in various fields of interest with your academic studies. As a co-op graduate, you will be well prepared, academically and professionally, for your future career. The UBC Arts Co-op Program is a co-op program for all the departments in the Faculty of Arts. For further information on the Arts Co-Op Program see website.

Who is the Econ Co-Op Coordinator?
Professor Viktoria Hnatkovska. He can be reached via email at: hnatkovs@interchange.ubc.ca Her office is located in Buchanan Tower 9th floor Room 922, telephone (604) 822-5941.

What should I do if I am an Economics Major Co-op student and economic courses are full?
Any Economics Major co-op student who has difficulty in registering in economic courses should come to the Departmental Office located in Buchanan Tower #997, call the undergraduate secretary at (604) 822-4931 or send an email to: tina@econ.ubc.ca and we will try to assist you with your registration.

Will academic prerequisites and other academic requirements of my Majors program or my Combined Majors program be waived if I am a Arts Co-op student?
The general answer to this question is no. A student must fulfill all academic requirements of their program to graduate. Furthermore, they must ensure that their academic plans take into account the need to schedule courses prerequisites in a way that allows them to graduate in a timely manner. In particular, no student is permitted to take Econ 490 before they have completed the prerequisites for this course (Econ 301, Econ 302, Econ 325, Econ 326, Fourth-year standing). Econ 326 and Econ 490 can never be taken concurrently, for any reason. Also Econ 325 must be taken before Econ 326, so students must take the three-term sequence Econ 325-Econ326-Econ490 into account in all their Co-Op arrangements. It is essential for Arts Co-Op Economics students to have full Departmental advice on their academic programs to make sure the requirements of the Department are taken fully into account.

Is advising mandatory for Economic Majors students?
It is essential for students to plan their program of studies over their final two years to ensure that they complete (i) all requirements for their Major program; and (ii) all Faculty of Arts/Faculty of Science/Faculty of Applied Science requirements for graduation. The student may consult with a department advisor in formulating their program of studies if they have any difficulty. The student must independently seek verification from the Faculty of Arts Advising Services Office/Faculty of Science Advising Office/Faculty of Applied Science Advising Office as to whether their program satisfies Faculty requirements for graduation.

Is advising mandatory for Combined Majors students?
It is essential for students to plan their program of studies over their final two years to ensure that they complete (i) all requirements for their Combined Major program; and (ii) all Faculty of Arts/Faculty of Science requirements for graduation. Students may also be required to obtain approval from the other associated Departments. The student must independently seek verification from the Faculty of Arts Advising Office/Faculty of Science as to whether her/his program satisfies Faculty requirements for graduation.

Is advising mandatory for Economic Honours students?
It is essential for students to plan their program of studies over their final two years to ensure that they complete (i) all requirements for the Honours program; and (ii) all Faculty of Arts/Faculty of Science requirements for graduation. Economics Honour students are required to obtain Economics Department approval of the Economics Honour section of their program. The Department will verify whether the student's proposed program satisfies all Economics Honour requirements. The student must independently seek verification from the Faculty of Arts Advising Services Office/Faculty of Science Advising Office as to whether their program satisfies Faculty requirements for graduation.

Is advising mandatory for Economic Minor students?
It is recommended that students check their program of study to ensure that they complete (i) all requirements for their Economics Minor program; (ii) all requirements for their intended major; and (iii) all Faculty of Arts/Faculty of Sciences/Sauder Business School/Faculty Applied Science requirements for graduation.

What is the procedure for graduation?
4th Year students registered in their last degree required courses must apply for graduation through the Student Service Centre. Students who are not registered in the Winter Session must contact Enrolment Services for assistance with their graduation applications.

How will I know if I am eligible for graduation (met all the economic honours/combined majors/majors/minor requirements)?
Please call the Department of Economics (604) 822-2876 to book an advising appointment to see if the economic program requirements for graduation have been satisfied.

If I have taken more than 60 credits of Economics what will happen?
The Faculty of Arts has a ruling that to graduate with a Major, a student must include in the 120 credits required for the degree at least 42 credits but no more than 60 credits in one subject (discipline) or field of specialization. You may take more than 60 Economic credits but they won't be used in the 120 total credits required to graduate.

How do I enter the honours, majors, combined majors or minor code on the student services center?
The honours, majors and combined majors code can only be entered by the Economics Department if you are accepted into the programs. The minor code can be entered by you (Faculty of Arts Students only) on the Student Services Centre as long as you have a major. The Minor code for Economics is: 3006.

I dropped the honours/majors/combined majors specialization code? What do I do?
You can come to the Departmental Office located in Buchanan Tower #997, call the undergraduate program at (604) 822-4931 or send an email to: tina@econ.ubc.ca and the specialization code will be re-entered.

If a required course is full what do I do?
If Econ 325, Econ 326 or Econ 490 are full, and you are a Combined Major/Major/Honours student in Economics come to the Department Office located in Buchanan Tower #997 to speak to the undergraduate program asssistant, call (604) 822-4931 or send an email to: tina@econ.ubc.ca

Can Economics courses be taken without prerequisites?
Students must have the specified prerequisite for the course in which they wish to enroll. The department does not allow students to be registered in courses for which they do not have the required prerequisite(s) as outlined in the current UBC calendar. Please consult the UBC current calendar for prerequisite listings.

Can I take summer courses elsewhere besides U.B.C?
Students in the Faculty of Arts who wish to interrupt their U.B.C. studies and take courses in other institutions for credit towards a U.B.C. degree must obtain, in advance, a Letter of Permission from the Faculty of Arts Advising, located in Buchanan D110.

How do I find out what post secondary courses within B.C. transfer to U.B.C.?
You can obtain this information at website: http://bctransferguide.ca/

What economic courses are offered in the summer?
This information can be obtained from the Summer Session Calendar http://www.ubc.ca

Is Economics 490 offered during the summer?
Economics 490 is not offered during Summer Session.

Can I take Econ 325 and Econ 326 at the same time as Econ 490?
No. Econ 326 and Econ 490 can never be taken concurrently, for any reason. Also Econ 325 must be taken before Econ 326, so students must take the three-term sequence Econ 325-Econ326-Econ490 into account in all their course planning.

Can Stat 200 be used in place of Econ 325 to satisfy the Economics Majors Requirement?
STAT 200 can substitute for ECON 325 (Please note: that Econ 325 is a better preparation for Econ 326.). If STAT 200 is selected an additional ECON elective at the 3xx or 4xx level is required to ensure that the total number of ECON credits is at least 42. Please see the Department of Economics Undergraduate website for further information on Economic Major Requirements.

If Stat 241 or Stat 251 or some 300 level statistics course are taken can they replace Econ 325?
You can apply to the Economics Majors Advisor to be exempted from Econ 325 if you have passed any of these courses. However, these courses do not count as ECON credits towards any Economics program requirements.

Can I obtain credit for two courses under the Probability and Statistics section?
Please consult the current UBC calendar under the Credit Exlusion Lists - Probability and Statistics (Faculty of Science) for information.

If I have taken Comm 291 can it replace Econ 325?
Comm 291 may be used to satisfy the prerequisite for Econ 326, with the permission of the Department of Economics. However, note that Comm 291 does not substitute for Econ 325 for the Economics Major Requirement.

Can Comm 295 substitute Econ 301 (Econ 201)?
While you cannot obtain credit for both, Econ 301 (Econ 201) is still a requirement for the Economics Major Program. If you have obtained a letter grade of B or above in Comm 295 please consult the Department Advisor to discuss options.

Is it possible to do a Minor in Economics without taking Econ 301 (Econ 201) and Econ 302 (Econ 202)?
Yes, it is possible to do a Minor in Economics without taking Econ 301 (Econ 201) and Econ 302 (Econ 202).

Can Econ 310 and Econ 311 count for the 18 credits of 300 level of Economics courses required for the Minor Program?
Econ 310 and 311 are introductory courses similar to Econ 101 and 102 and do not count towards the 18 upper level (300+) courses required for the Minor. These courses count towards the 12 lower level (100-299) credit courses for the Minor in Economics.

Can Econ 1st unspecified credit count towards the Economics courses required for the Minor Program?
No! Economics courses which do not have Econ 101 and Econ 102 or the equivalent as a prerequisite, for which unassigned transfer credit may have been granted (e.g. Econ 1st), may not be included in the 30 credits required for a Minor in Economics.

Can I take a semester or a year at another university?
Yes, UBC provides opportunities for undergraduate students with other universities. Please consult the Go Global Office and the current UBC calendar (under Alternative Study Options) for further information. However, if you are an Economics Majors student you must have your program of study approved by the Economics Undergraduate Advisor. You must ensure that your academic plans take into account the need to schedule courses prerequisites in a way that allows you to graduate in a timely manner. In particular, no student is permitted to take Econ 490 before they have completed the prerequisites for this course (Econ 301, Econ 302, Econ 325, Econ 326, Fourth-year standing). Econ 326 and Econ 490 can never be taken concurrently, for any reason. Also Econ 325 must be taken before Econ 326, so Economics students must take the three-term sequence Econ 325-Econ326-Econ490 into account in all their Exchange arrangements. It is essential for Economics students on Exchange to have full Departmental advice on their academic programs to make sure the requirements of the Department are taken fully into account. Please call 604-822-2876 to book an Economics Advising Appointment.

Where can I find out further information on the exchange program?
See the current UBC Calendar under "Alternative Study Options"-Go Global.