Overview

The Associate of Arts (Economics) Degree is a two-year credential offered by many institutions in the province of British Columbia and beyond. The Associate Degree program is designed to provide broad-based knowledge and experiences in preparation for entering the workforce, or as a foundation for further undergraduate study.

Program Description

Students within the Associate of Arts (Economics) Degree program will gain multi-disciplinary knowledge in the areas of theoretical and applied economics, as well as competitive behavior, economic policy, and the global economy. Students will acquire the tools to be able to analyze the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

The Associate of Arts (Economics) Degree is a foundational degree consisting of 60 credits in total, typically completed over a two-year period. The credits must include a minimum of 36 credits in arts, including at least 18 credits in first- and second-year economics. Upon completion of the Associate of Arts (Economics) Degree program, students may choose to enter the workforce or continue their undergraduate studies.

Transferrability

An Associate of Arts (Economics) Degree may be transferrable to the third year of a four-year bachelor’s degree program at a university. Some BC universities accept Associate Degree graduates at a reduced GPA requirement. For more information on the option of transferring to a university upon completion of an Associate of Arts (Economics) Degree, please consult the BC Transfer Guide or see an Academic Advisor.

Post Grad Work Permit

International students completing the Associate of Arts (Economics) Degree program at Alexander College are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

The Associate of Arts (Economics) degree program develops broad-based academic skills in the following areas:

• Reading comprehension
• Written and oral communication
• Mathematical and scientific reasoning
• Computer and technological literacy
• Research and evaluative skills
• Analysis, synthesis, and integration of knowledge
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Application of theoretical understanding to practice
• Collaborative and team-based experience

Specifically, the Associate of Arts (Economics) degree program provides experience and aptitudes in the following areas:

• Ability to use analytical tools to interpret business data
• Knowledge of economic theory and its applications
• Knowledge of micro and macroeconomic policy issues
• Understanding of government policy pertaining to markets
• Familiarity with managerial decision making strategies