Honours BA in Economics (Specialist) - St. George in Toronto Canada | University of Toronto

Economics is a field of social science that examines diverse aspects of human behavior and significantly impacts societal structure, welfare, and progress. Most human endeavors aim to fulfill material needs. Across numerous regions, people must dedicate substantial effort to securing fundamental necessities like food, clothing, and housing. Even in technologically developed nations where meeting these basic needs is relatively straightforward, the pursuit of additional goods and services seems endless. Consequently, every society—regardless of its political system—exhibits both competitive and cooperative traits. Competition arises as individuals vie to fulfill personal desires from finite resources, while cooperation emerges because organized production yields the greatest abundance of goods. Economics addresses challenges stemming from the tension between unlimited wants and limited resources.
Undergraduate economics education introduces students to economic reasoning, enhances their understanding of human behavior, and develops their ability to critically assess modern economic issues. The discipline heavily incorporates mathematical methods in its analysis, with all economics programs mandating at least one mathematics course.
While an undergraduate degree provides foundational knowledge, becoming a professional economist typically requires advanced study. Students considering graduate work should consult the Department for course selection guidance. The Economics Specialist and Economics and Mathematics programs, with their stronger mathematical focus, specifically prepare students for graduate studies and serve as ideal foundations. However, students can also build suitable academic backgrounds through the Economics Major, frequently combined with complementary programs.