Undergraduate Programs
McMaster’s Economics program is one of the best in Canada.
Economics is a fascinating field of study with many sub-fields, as demonstrated by our extensive list of undergraduate courses. The analytical and decision-making skills learned apply to a wide range of employment opportunities.
Our degree programs and pathways will prepare you for the next stage in your life – whether that is graduate school or the start of a career. Honours degree options include combined majors in mathematics or computer science.
McMaster Economics graduates are in demand.
Our alumni have successful careers in many areas. Some examples include law, finance, politics, business and academics. Our alumnus, Dr. Myron Scholes, was the 1997 Nobel Prize winner in Economic Sciences.
Undergraduate Programs in Economics
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Highlighted Undergraduate Courses
This course integrates both theoretical foundations and practical applications of macroeconomic policy. While the course is grounded in standard macroeconomic theory, it places an emphasis on the practical applications of macroeconomic policy as it affects macro variables such as interest rates, employment, and inflation.
Theoretical Component
Students will learn the IS-LM model, a cornerstone of Keynesian macroeconomics, and apply it to analyze the effects of monetary and fiscal policy decisions. The Keynesian approach in ECON 2MP3 is designed to complement, rather than duplicate, the classical framework taught in ECON 2Y03. In the theoretical part of the course, readings from a textbook will complement lectures.
Applied Component
Through in-class activities and homework assignments, students will become familiar with reputable sources of macroeconomic data. They will learn to use spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel) to manipulate data (e.g. calculating growth rates), produce tables and graphs and draw inferences for the information they compile.
Class discussions will focus on current macroeconomic events, such as Bank of Canada interest rate decisions, using background materials drawn from a range of sources, including:
- Newspapers (e.g., The Globe and Mail, The Wall Street Journal)
- Magazines (e.g., The Economist)
- Think tanks (e.g., C.D. Howe Institute)
- Central banks (e.g., Bank of Canada Monetary Policy Report)
- News agencies (e.g., Bloomberg)
Hands-on activities are incorporated throughout the course to bridge theory and real-world application, equipping students with analytical tools and data literacy essential for understanding today’s macroeconomic landscape.
Prerequisite(s): One of ECON 1BB3, 1BA3, or ARTSSCI 2E03; and one of MATH 1K03 or Grade 12 Advanced Functions U. Students without credit in one of MATH 1F03, 1M03, Grade 12 Calculus and Vectors U (or Grade 12 Advanced Functions and Introductory Calculus U) or equivalent are strongly advised to register in MATH 1F03 or MATH 1M03, 1MM3 concurrently with ECON 2Y03.
Antirequisite(s): ECON 2H03
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This course covers the applications of economics to important public issues, from a general interest perspective. Since topics vary from year to year, interested students should consult the Economics Department for further details.
Prerequisite(s): One of ECON 1B03, 1BX3 and one of ECON 1BB3, 1BA3; or ARTSSCI 2E03
This course is a detailed investigation of the financial sector. Topics include the role of capital markets in facilitating investment and growth, bond markets, stock markets, financial statements and taxation.
Prerequisite(s): One of ECON 1B03, 1BX3 and one of ECON 1BB3, 1BA3; or ARTSSCI 2E03
Not open to students with credit or registration in COMMERCE 2FA3. Not open to students enrolled in any Business 1 or Bachelor of Commerce program.
This course covers allocation of environmental services: efficiency and market failure; measuring environmental benefits; environmental regulation in Canada and elsewhere: taxes, tradable permits and other instruments; further topics.
Prerequisite(s): One of ECON 1B03, 1BX3, or ARTSSCI 2E03
