Economics and Data Analytics (BA)

Laurier’s Economics and Data Analytics (BA) program teaches you how to work with complex data sets and use them to draw insights for the “big-picture” business and policy issues facing today’s world.

You’ll learn how to use the data management and statistical analysis tools needed to work with real world financial and economic data. These skills are forecast to be some of the most in-demand in the job market over the next decade. 

Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on:

  • Graduate Career-Ready 
    Learn to analyze large data sets, apply cutting-edge technology and statistical techniques and make informed decisions across industries. Understand how these skills impact real-world issues like housing, student loans and environmental policy, preparing you for influential roles in data-driven decision-making.
  • Customize Your Degree 
    Take advantage of flexible options to complete your degree in Economics, Economics and Accounting, Economics and Financial Management or Economics and Data Analytics.
  • Teaching Excellence 
    Learn from internationally recognized, award-winning experts in economics and finance, dedicated to delivering an exceptional educational experience. Blending academic rigor with real-world insights, you will gain a deep understanding of economic and financial principles.

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more!):

  • Co-op
    Apply for co-op positions at the end of your first year and complete three four-month work terms to get valuable work experience before you graduate.
  • Student-Run Labs 
    Learn how to conduct leading edge statistical analysis with coding in Stata, R or Python through the student-run PRISM lab.
  • Competitions 
    Participate in Datathons, Hack-a-thons, or the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition to showcase your learning. Grow your forecasting skills as part of the SMITH Prediction Competition.
  • Teaching and Research 
    Work as an Instructional Assistant in the Economics department and explore research opportunities with the Laurier Centre for Economic Research and Policy Analysis (LCERPA).

Courses, Options and Pathways

Courses

Get a glimpse of what you will study throughout your degree. See what your first-year classes will look like through sample courses and start exploring what your upper academic years can offer.

Program Options

Explore a variety of courses, specializations and pathway options that let you shape your degree around your unique interests and goals. Find out how you can customize your experience and prepare for what’s next.

AACSB logo

AACSB Accreditation

The Economics and Data Analytics (BA) program is offered by the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics and is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business – delivering on excellence and the highest standards for business schools in the world. 

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • data analyst
  • financial analyst
  • investment banking associate
  • market research analyst
  • public health statistician
  • statistical analyst

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Your Co-op Experience

Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network and graduate with work experience.

You can apply for admission to co-op in your first year and may be eligible for an admission interview early in your second year. As a student in this program, you will be eligible to complete three work terms of four months’ duration, between second and fourth year, enabling you to obtain 12 months of full-time work experience.

Interested? Learn more about co-op.

verticalCenterFlex

99%employment rate for co‑op students – 2024 / 2025

student-business-lecture-banner.jpg

Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Center for World University Rankings

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2024

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2024

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot. With more than 60 programs in arts, science, business and music, you can customize your degree, gain hands-on learning opportunities and join in the community beyond the classroom.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

students in a classroom

Delivered In Person

Join us on campus and experience university life firsthand.

You can complete your program primarily through in-person courses where you will attend classes in a physical classroom on scheduled days and times, which you will see and choose from when you register for courses. 

Connect face-to-face with your professors, learn alongside your classmates and be part of the campus community from day one.  

Hear From Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be a Laurier Golden Hawk? Student Life at Laurier is your social media source to get unfiltered content, first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?