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Economics is a social science that studies specific aspects of human behavior and significantly impacts a society's structure, prosperity, and growth.
A substantial portion of human effort focuses on fulfilling material needs. Across much of the world, people must dedicate most of their energy to securing fundamental necessities like food, clothing, and housing. Even in technologically advanced nations where meeting these basic needs is relatively straightforward, the pursuit of additional goods and services seems endless. As a result, all societies - whether capitalist, socialist, or communist - exhibit both competitive and cooperative traits. Competition arises as individuals vie for limited resources to fulfill personal desires, while cooperation emerges because organized production yields the greatest abundance of goods. Economics examines the tensions between unlimited wants for products and services and the finite resources available to meet them.
An undergraduate Economics education aims to introduce students to economic reasoning and prepare them to critically evaluate current economic challenges. It also seeks to help students understand economic science's nature and the evolving directions of economic theory. Modern economic research increasingly incorporates mathematical methods, so Economics majors should complete at least one foundational mathematics course. Additional math courses are recommended, as many Economics classes utilize mathematical analysis.
Given developments in economic theory, a bachelor's degree alone doesn't qualify someone as a professional economist. Graduate studies may therefore be necessary. Students considering advanced degrees should consult the department for guidance on course selection.
Students from different countries should have qualifications equivalent to Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Six 4U/M courses, including:
English Language Requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): The minimum requirement is an overall band of 6.5, with no band below 6.0.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): The minimum scores required for the different TOEFL tests are:
Internet-based Test:
Minimum Requirement: total score of 100 + 22 on Writing
Discretionary Range: total score 89-99 + 22 on Writing
Cambridge Assessment English C1: Advanced or C2: Proficiency: A minimum overall score of 180, with at least 170 in each component.
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): The minimum score required to meet our English facility requirement is an overall score of 70 and no part below 60.
Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees (CanTEST): The minimum requirement is a total score of 4.5, and no part below 4.