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Future Students

Faculty of Social Sciences

Economics I

Step 1: Begin Your First Year In Economics I (Direct Entry)

See the world differently – and learn how to make an impact.

Economics I is where you start exploring the systems, behaviours, and policies that shape the world around us. If you’re curious about how decisions are made, how data reveals patterns, or how economic ideas influence society, this is where you begin to see the world through a new lens.

In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in economic theory and quantitative reasoning – while joining a community that asks big questions and cares about making an impact.

You’ll learn alongside peers who challenge your perspective, with professors who push your thinking and advisors who help you discover the path that fits.

Admission At A Glance

OUAC Application Code: MLE
Anticipated Admission Average: Low-to-mid 80s
Target Enrolment: 125 students

Ontario Admission Requirements:

Six 4U/M courses, including:

  • English 4U
  • Advanced Functions 4U
  • Calculus and Vectors 4U

No supplementary application required.

Planning ahead? We’re here to help.

Use McMaster’s tuition and fees estimator to get a clear, easy view of your first-year costs – so you can plan with confidence.

Step 2: Your First-Year (Level I) Curriculum & Exploration

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Your Core Economics I Courses

All Economics I students take three foundational courses that introduce the key ideas, questions, and tools that economists use to understand the world:

Together, these courses give you a strong grounding in how markets work, how economies grow and change, and how mathematical models help explain real-world behaviour.

They’re designed to build your confidence, sharpen your analytical skills, and prepare you for upper-year Economics courses – no matter which path you choose next.

Breadth Requirements & Electives

Alongside your core Economics courses, you’ll take a mix of Social Sciences courses and open electives. Economics I gives you a strong foundation in theory and quantitative reasoning – while still giving you the flexibility to explore across disciplines.

Your electives are a chance to try subjects that spark your interest, strengthen your skills, or help you discover new directions. It’s your opportunity to follow your curiosity and see what feels meaningful to you.

Many students explore complementary areas like political science, sociology, psychology, or Indigenous studies, while others branch out into Humanities, Science, or other Faculties. Level I helps you find the path – co-op, accelerated, combined programs, or upper-year Economics – that fits you best.

Accelerated Honours Economics (New Option)

What Is the Accelerated Option?

A fast-paced, more intensive pathway for high-achieving students who want to dive deeper into Economics sooner. You’ll apply at the end of first year and begin an advanced sequence of courses in Level II, allowing you to complete your Honours Economics degree in three years instead of four.

This accelerated structure means you can enter the workforce or pursue further studies sooner – gaining experience earlier while benefiting from a focused, immersive learning environment.

Is This Path Right for You?

This option is typically a good fit if you:

  • Complete all three core Economics I courses
  • Maintain a strong academic record
  • Enjoy a rigorous, fast-paced learning environment
  • Plan early with an Academic Advisor

Students in the accelerated pathway often benefit from smaller classes and closer collaboration with peers and faculty.

The program is especially well-suited for students considering graduate studies or careers in finance, consulting, government, international development, or other analytically focused fields.

Pathways For Combined Programs

If you’re thinking about a combined program, your first-year course choices may look a little different. With some early planning, you can begin building toward both disciplines right from your first year. Here’s how these pathways typically start:

Economics & Computer Science

Students interested in this combined program usually take:

  • The three core Economics I courses
  • An introductory programming course (such as COMPSCI 1MD3, or an equivalent)
  • First-year math courses, including Calculus and Linear Algebra

Economics & Mathematics

Students on this pathway typically complete:

  • The three core Economics I courses
  • Calculus, Linear Algebra, and other key first-year math requirements
  • Additional quantitative electives, as recommended by the Mathematics & Statistics department

Step 3: End Of First Year – Choose Your Economics Pathway

Moving Into Upper-Year Economics

At the end of your first year in Economics I, you do not need to apply to continue into the standard Honours BA Economics program. Students in Economics I automatically move into Honours Economics unless they choose to apply to a different upper-year option.

If you’re interested in a specialized, combined, accelerated, or co-op pathway, you’ll submit an application during the Level II Program Selection period – the same time all Social Sciences students apply for their upper-year programs.

Upper-Year Economics Degree Options You Can Apply To


McMaster offers a wide range of Economics pathways designed to match different interests and goals. Applications are required for the following programs:

These options allow you to shape your degree around interests such as policy, data analytics, quantitative economics, interdisciplinary study, or preparation for graduate school.

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Planning For Economics Co-op

If you’re interested in gaining paid work experience during your degree, you can apply to the Honours Economics Co-op program at the end of your first year. Applications are submitted through the Faculty of Social Sciences’ Careers & Experiential Education office.

If accepted, you’ll follow a structured five-year degree plan that alternates academic terms with paid work placements – giving you hands-on experience in areas like finance, policy, consulting, and data analysis.

Step 4: Choose Your Path – Program & Specialization Options

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Each Pathway Is Designed For Different Interests, Strengths & Goals

As you move into Level II, you’ll have the opportunity to choose an Economics pathway that reflects your interests, goals, and how you like to learn. Each option offers a different balance of theory, quantitative focus, interdisciplinary study, and real-world experience.

Below is a snapshot of the pathways available to Economics students and what each option is designed to support.

Honours Economics (BA) Learn more

A flexible, well-rounded degree that blends core economic theory with applied coursework. It’s a great fit if you want a strong foundation for careers in policy, business, law, public administration, or for graduate studies in applied economics.

Good for:

  • Students who want a balanced, comprehensive economics education
  • Those considering careers in policy, consulting, business, or public service
  • Students who want room for electives or interdisciplinary exploration

Honours Economics (Co-op) Learn more

This pathway adds three full-time, paid work terms, giving you hands-on experience in areas like finance, data analysis, consulting, and policy. Economics Co-op is a structured, transcript-recognized program, supported by McMaster’s Careers & Experiential Education office.

Good for:

  • Students who want industry experience before graduation
  • Those interested in data-driven roles, finance, consulting, or government work
  • Students who want to build a professional network while studying

Honours Economics (Specialist Option) Learn more

A more mathematically rigorous version of the Honours Economics program, designed for students who want deeper quantitative training. The specialist option includes advanced econometrics courses (such as Econometrics I – ECON 3EE3) that prepare you for graduate-level economics and quantitative research.

Good for:

  • Students planning for graduate school (MA or PhD in Economics)
  • Those who enjoy mathematical modelling, theory, and quantitative analysis
  • Students who want advanced training in econometrics and research methods

Honours Economics (Accelerated) Learn more

A fast?paced pathway for high?achieving students who want to move through their degree more quickly. By beginning advanced coursework earlier, students can complete the Honours Economics degree in three years instead of four. This option requires strong academic performance and careful planning.

Good for:

  • High-performing students seeking an efficient, academically rigorous pathway
  • Those planning for graduate studies or quantitatively focused careers
  • Students who want to progress through the degree more quickly

Combined Honours Economics & Computer Science (BA) Learn more

An interdisciplinary program that combines economic theory with programming, algorithms, and computational thinking. This pathway builds strong analytical and technical skills for careers at the intersection of data, technology, and economic analysis.

Good for:

  • Students interested in data science, tech policy, or computational economics
  • Those who want both economic insight and technical skills
  • Students considering careers in analytics, software-adjacent roles, or fintech

Honours Economics & Mathematics (BA) Learn more

A quantitatively intensive program that combines economic theory with advanced mathematics. This pathway develops strong analytical skills and prepares students for graduate-level economics or quantitative careers.

Good for:

  • Students who enjoy calculus, linear algebra, and mathematical modelling
  • Those planning to pursue graduate studies in economics
  • Students interested in research, analytics, or quantitative finance

Combined Honours Economics & Another Subject (BA) Learn more

An interdisciplinary option that lets you combine Economics with another subject across the Social Sciences – or beyond. This pathway gives you the flexibility to shape a degree around your interests while gaining a strong foundation in economic thinking.

Good for:

  • Students who want to connect economics with fields like political science, sociology, philosophy, or geography
  • Those interested in interdisciplinary policy work or broader social analysis
  • Students who value flexibility, breadth, and choice in their degree

Economics (General BA) Learn more

A three-year degree offering a solid foundation in economics – without the intensive pace of the Honours stream. This option gives you flexibility to explore electives and complete your degree sooner.

Good for:

  • Want a less intensive pathway into economics
  • Prefer a shorter degree with room to explore other interests
  • Plan to enter the workforce sooner

Step 5: Planning & Support – What To Do In First Year

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Your first year in Economics I is about building strong academic foundations – while keeping your options open. The planning tools, advising support, and course choices below are designed to help you stay on track, explore confidently, and prepare for upper-year pathways.

Connect With Academic Advising Early Speak With An Advisor Today

Once you start in Economics I, the Faculty of Social Sciences’ Academic Advising & Support team is there to help you navigate your degree. Advisors support students throughout the year by helping with course planning, understanding program requirements, and exploring pathways like co-op or combined degrees.

Here’s how academic advising supports students in first year:

  • Meet with an advisor early to plan your first-year courses
  • Check prerequisites for programs like co-op, specialist, or combined degrees
  • Get guidance on electives that keep your options open
  • Stay on track for the Level II program you’re working toward

Academic advisors are a key source of support once you begin – so you’re never navigating your degree on your own.

Strengthen Your Math Foundation

Economics I builds a strong foundation in economic theory, quantitative reasoning, and critical thinking. That’s why Advanced Functions 4U and Calculus & Vectors 4U are required – math is part of the program from the start, but support is built in along the way.

You’re not expected to be an expert right away – advisors and academic resources are there to support you as you build confidence in math.

Explore Your Interests Through Electives

Even within the structured Economics I program, you’ll have room to take Social Sciences courses and open electives. These choices let you explore new ideas, develop complementary skills, and shape a pathway that fits your evolving interests.

Electives can help you:

  • Test out subjects connected to potential combined degrees
  • Strengthen skills that complement economics
  • Stay flexible as you learn more about what motivates you

Many students use electives as a way to explore interests before deciding on a specific pathway in upper years.