Welcome to Economics at StFX, where students explore issues that are of central importance to the human condition at the local, national and global levels. These issues include unemployment, inflation, poverty and inequality, pollution and environmental degradation, sustainable economic development, depletion of fish stocks and other resources, international economic interactions, budget deficits and national debts.
Career Options
The study of economics is an integral part of a liberal arts education, and a useful component of various professional programs. It focuses attention on the structure and organization of society, while developing students’ ability to analyze problems logically. The study of economics provides a sound understanding of fundamental aspects of the world around us. This means a wide range of career opportunities including in financial institutions, large and small corporations, think-tanks and government and non-government agencies. It also provides a sound basis for those wishing to pursue careers in such areas as law, management, journalism and public policy.
Degree Choices
Students can earn a BA, a BSc or a BBA honours with a concentration in Economics. In the BA program they can opt for an honours, including with a subsidiary subject, advanced major or major. The BA advanced major and major can be combined with a minor in business administration. These can also be combined with an advanced major or major in development studies.
The First Year
Introductory Economics (Econ 101/102) familiarizes students with economic concepts and methodologies used in examining pressing problems and issues in areas such as alternate economic systems, the inner-workings of the market, the theory of production and costs, the role of the government, the role of money, and components of the national and international economy. Classes focus on inflation, unemployment, international trade, price distortions and national policies such as fiscal and monetary policy, trade policy, and the regulation of prices.
Why StFX?
Economics at StFX has a long tradition of offering an intimate learning environment where students explore some of the most challenging topics within their field. Small class sizes in upper year courses facilitate maximum interaction with their professors and peers and promote a student-centered environment. Students can also participate, through groups like the Economics Society, in the intellectual life of the department by being involved in the choice of speakers and other activities.