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Your four-year plan for the economics major

The courses and activities below are a recommended plan to help you achieve success in the economics major program. For more specific inquiries, please contact the Undergraduate Advisor.

First year  Second year  Third year  Fourth year

First year

0 - 30 units: Your first semester may feel like a giant leap! You could take all or some of these courses in one semester. If you are unsure, contact an SFU academic advisor. 

Academic

ECON lower-division requirements:

  • ECON 103 - Principles of Microeconomics (4)
  • ECON 105 - Principles of Macroeconomics (4) 
  • MATH 157 - Calculus I for the Social Sciences (3)      

Additional ECON courses you could take:

  • ECON 102 - The World Economy (3)     
  • ECON 104 - Economics and Government (3)
  • ECON 182 - Selected Topics in Economics (3)

We strongly encourage you to take an additional course in math, like MATH 158, and complete your Breadth requirements. Consider pursuing a minor, certificate, or a joint major if you're interested. 

Extracurricular

There are many on-campus activities for you to participate in. Here are some suggestions: 

Second year

30 - 60 units: In your second year, you will be able to declare your major in economics. Contact an undergraduate advisor to declare your economics program.

After you have completed ECON 201 with at least a C- grade, completed 30 units, and met the minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and the minimum ECON GPA, you may declare your economics program.  

NOTE: You can declare your economics program at any time during your degree after you've met the requirements. 

Academic

ECON lower-division requirements:

  • ECON 201 - Microeconomic Theory I: Competitive Behavior (4)
  • ECON 233 - Introduction to Economics Data and Statistics (4) OR BUS 232 - Data and Decisions I (4)
  • ECON 220W - Communication in Economics (4)
  • One additional 200-level ECON course, such as:
    • ECON 260 - Environmental Economics (3);
    • ECON 282 - Selected Topics in Economics (3);
    • ECON 290 - Canadian Microeconomic Policy (3); or
    • ECON 291 - Canadian Macroeconomic Policy (3)

Consider adding a Concentration or declaring an Honours program. Think about a minor or certificate to enhance your degree. Try to complete your Breadth requirements. 

Tip: Students who are interested in Honours Economics are strongly encouraged to take MATH 240 and MATH 251. 

Extracurricular

  • Want to get work experience during your degree and stand out fromt the crowd? Check out Co-op.
  • Wanted to live in another country? You can study abroad through an international exchange program. Explore universities in England, Germany, Korea, and more.
  • Want to improve your grades? The Student Learning Commons offers workshops on common challenges such as exam preparation, time management, writing, and learning English as an additional language.
  • The Economics Student Society organizes events every semester. Join them and meet fellow economics students outside of class.

Third year

60 - 90 units: As you start taking upper-division courses, you will build on what you learned in your lower-division courses. Your core upper-division courses will give you the foundation to explore topics in your elective courses.

This is a great time to check in with an undergraduate advisor to make sure you are on the path to success. 

Academic

We encourage students to take their core courses in their third year, as these are prerequisites for many upper division courses. We suggest spreading the three core courses out over two terms. 

ECON upper-division requirements:

At least 30 upper-division units in economics is required, including:

  • ECON 333 - Statistical Analysis of Economic Data (4)
  • ECON 302 - Microeconomic Theory II: Strategic Behavior (4)
  • ECON 305 - Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory (4)      

Electives can include any 300-level courses such as: 

  • ECON 310 - Money and Banking (3)
  • ECON 342 - International Trade (3)
  • ECON 345 - International Finance (3)
  • ECON 355W - Economic Development (4)*
  • See our list of courses

* The university requires you to take one upper-division W course from within your major. ECON 355W fufills this university requirement, or you can wait and take an ECON 400-level W course. 

Extracurricular

Throughout your time at SFU, join us for exclusive economics student events, including:

  • Career workshops: exploring career paths with an economics degree,
  • LinkedIn workshops: exploring how to network with economics alumni
  • A professional photoshoot: free, professionally-taken headshots for your online portfolio and/or LinkedIn profile
  • Alumni Speakers: we invite recent graduates to talk about their careers and to answer any questions that current students have. Past sessions have included alumni from the Canada Revenue Agency, Big Five chartered banks, Bank of Canada, and many more.

Fourth year

90 - 120 units: During your final year, you will be finishing up course requirements and thinking of your future.

Academic

ECON upper-division courses:

  • At least one 400-level ECON course 

To enhance your experience in ECON, you may want to take more than one 400-level seminar course while completing your degree.

Extracurricular

During your last year, we want to make sure that you are prepared for the next stage of your life. Participate in our career events as well as our alumni socials. 

We bring alumni and graduating students together for a night of networking and socializing. This allows both alumni and graduating students to engage, exchange ideas, and network in a fun, inclusive environment. 

    

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