Economics and Data Analytics (BA)

Laurier’s Economics and Data Analytics (BA) program teaches you how to work with complex data sets and use them to draw insights for the “big-picture” business and policy issues facing today’s world.

You’ll learn how to use the data management and statistical analysis tools needed to work with real world financial and economic data. These skills are forecast to be some of the most in-demand in the job market over the next decade. 

Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on:

  • Graduate Career-Ready: Learn to analyze large data sets, apply cutting-edge technology and statistical techniques, and make informed decisions across industries. Understand how these skills impact real-world issues like housing, student loans, and environmental policy, preparing you for influential roles in data-driven decision-making.
  • Customize Your Degree: Take advantage of flexible options to complete your degree in Economics, Economics and Accounting, Economics and Financial Management or Economics and Data Analytics.
  • Teaching Excellence: Learn from internationally recognized, award-winning experts in economics and finance, dedicated to delivering an exceptional educational experience. Blending academic rigor with real-world insights, you will gain a deep understanding of economic and financial principles.

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more!):

  • Co-op: Apply for co-op positions at the end of your first year and complete three four-month work terms to get valuable work experience before you graduate.
  • Make Something New: Take science entrepreneurship courses and explore the Science Maker Lab to gain hands-on experience.
  • Competitions: Participate in Datathons, Hack-a-thons, or the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition to showcase your learning. Grow your forecasting skills as part of the SMITH Prediction Competition.
  • Teaching and Research: Work as an Instructional Assistant in the Economics department and explore research opportunities with the Laurier Centre for Economic Research and Policy Analysis (LCERPA).

 

Courses, Options and Pathways

First-Year Core Courses

  • Introduction to Microeconomics
  • Introduction to Macroeconomics
  • Calculus 1
  • Principles of Programming or Introduction to Programming
  • Introduction to Data Analytics
  • Introductory Linear Algebra or Introductory Linear Algebra with Applications

Sample First-Year Electives

  • Introduction to the Business Environment
  • Introduction to Psychology

Sample Upper-Year Courses

  • Data Analytics
  • Economics of Inequality
  • Economics of the Canadian Banking and Financial System
  • Time Series Analysis
  • Financial Data Analysis
  • Regression Analysis

Specializations and Minors

These are a few of the many popular academic opportunities which allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge:

  • Statistics Minor
  • Research Specialization

Check out other options to enhance your degree.

Management Option

The Management Option is for students interested in adding management-specific education to their degree. This is a direct-entry, 4.0-credit option that includes courses covering all the core pillars of management. Apply directly to Economics and Data Analytics with Management Option on OUAC.

 

AACSB logo

AACSB Accrediation

The Economics and Data Analytics (BA) program is offered by the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, and is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business – delivering on excellence and the highest standards for business schools in the world. 

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)
  • OUAC codes: UED (Economics and Data Analytics); UEE (Economics and Data Analytics with Management Option)

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • data analyst
  • financial analyst
  • investment banking associate
  • market research analyst
  • public health statistician
  • statistical analyst

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Your Co-op Experience

Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate with work experience.

You can apply for admission to co-op in your first year and may be eligible for an admission interview early in your second year. As a student in this program, you will be eligible to complete three work terms of four months’ duration, between second and fourth year, enabling you to obtain 12 months of full-time work experience.

Interested? Learn more about co-op.

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98%employment rate for co‑op students – 2023 / 2024

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Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Global 2000 World University Ranking

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2023

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2023

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

Chat with Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be in this program? U Community is our Discord server where future Golden Hawks like you can connect with current students to get their first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?