Honours Economics Specialist Option
The Honours BA Specialist Option stream is a variation of the Honours BA stream in Economics, offering a solid foundation in economics with specific differences. The main divergence lies in the additional econometrics course required for the Specialist Option, which is essential preparation for a graduate degree in Economics. Honours stream students take Applied Econometrics (ECON 3E03), emphasizing applied techniques over mathematical theory, while Specialist Option students study Econometrics I (ECON 3EE3), focusing more on mathematical treatment and better readying them for advanced econometrics in MA programs.
Specialist Option students also engage in Econometrics II (ECON 4G03) and have varied level III and IV courses. Honours students take Methods of Inquiry in Economics and Honours Economic Analysis, writing short paper reviews and analyses. Specialist Option students enrol in Research Methods in Economics and Economic Specialist Seminar, presenting papers and conducting supervised original research.
Completion of advanced theory courses (Economics 3G03, 4T03, and 4TT3) is necessary, especially for admission to an MA in Economics. Crucially, MA programs expect a B+ average in levels III and IV, underscoring the importance of careful planning for success in economics MA applications.
HOW TO APPLY TO THE HONOURS ECONOMICS SPECIALIST OPTION
Students start in the Social Sciences Level 1 program or Economics 1 program and apply to the Honours BA Specialist Program at the end of their first year. Students must complete any Level 1 program with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 (C) including an average of at least 5.0 (C) in ECON 1B03 and 1BA3/1BB3.
View the Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar lists course requirements and minimum grade requirements for entry to and continuance in the Honours Economics (Specialist Option).
SAMPLE COURSES BY YEAR (NOT ALL REQUIRED)
Level I Courses
- ECON 1B03 – Introductory Microeconomics
- ECON 1ME3 – Introduction to Mathematical Economics
- ECON 1BB3 – Introductory Macroeconomics
Level II Courses
- ECON 2N03 – Public Policy Toward Business
- ECON 2P03 – Economics of Professional Sports
- ECON 2Q03 – Economics of Bad Behaviour
Level III Courses
- ECON 3G03 – Introduction to Advanced Economic Theory
- ECON 3EE3 – Econometrics I
- ECON 3E03 – Applied Econometrics
Level IV Courses
- ECON 4AA3 – Economic Specialist Seminar
- ECON 4FF3 – Research Methods in Economics
- ECON 4G03 – Econometrics II
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Economics Undergraduate Administrative Assistant
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Email: econug@mcmaster.ca
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Phone: (905) 525-9140 ext. 23772
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L8S 4M4
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