Few contemporary trends are as significant as the integration of the global economy. With the rapid expansion in international trade and cross-border investment flows, businesses throughout the world are being forced to meet foreign competition with improved products and streamlined production methods, in markets at home as well as abroad. These trends have produced rewarding new career opportunities for graduates who possess a solid understanding of the global economy and have the skills required to evaluate and manage risk in a global setting. These careers require not just a practical grasp of economic theory, but also a capacity to access relevant data sources and judge their reliability, model economic relationships, and provide forecasts of key economic variables.

To meet these emerging needs in the global marketplace, Ryerson has introduced a program in International Economics and Finance. The program combines the theoretical aspects of economics and quantitative methods with the practical skills and social awareness needed to apply this knowledge in an effective manner. It is the only economics degree of its kind in Canada - combining a formal internship with an international focus.

Upon graduation, students will be ready to take on challenging positions in global business, finance, or the public sector, in fields such as international market research, global mutual funds, or policy evaluation. Graduates of the program can also further their education through graduate studies such as an MA in Economics or an MBA. Whatever a student’s particular career path, their future success will be based in large part on the broadly based proficiency they have acquired with this degree.

The goals of the program are:

• To provide students with a highly structured and rigorous program of study combining both analytical depth and hands-on practical experience.

• To develop graduates with a range of skills and knowledge in high demand in today’s workplace:

• analytical proficiency in economic theory, statistical techniques (including forecasting), and finance (in areas such as foreign exchange and derivative securities)

• a knowledge of international agreements and organizations (e.g. NAFTA, WTO, the IMF), basic business practices (financial accounting and managerial finance), and a range of historical, political and cultural issues (through core courses in subjects such as economic history, international relations, and non-Western philosophy)

• well-developed communications skills with a series of oral reports, written essays, and computer-based assignments spread throughout the four years of study

• integrated learning, with three capstone courses (a special project, a seminar course on a geographic region or economic sector, and country risk analysis) in the final year of study, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills while exploring specialized topics in the same professional manner as expected during their future careers

During their years of study at Ryerson, students will benefit from the professional expertise of the Economics faculty. Department members specialize in areas as diverse as trade theory, financial theory, econometrics, economic development, industrial organization, economic history, and public finance. The Department also has a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching.

Students have a chance to interact with professional economists in private industry and government, who participate in the program as guest lecturers, advisers on special projects and sponsors of work placements. These professional economists include members of the program advisory committee.

Integral to the degree is an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical context. All students in the program are required to participate in a three-month internship between the programs third and fourth years*. The benefits of this work placement are considerable. Students gain a valuable employment record while forging vital professional contacts for their future careers. They also deepen their understanding of real world opportunities and challenges as they refine their career goals. Moreover, the internship’s position between the third and fourth years of the program means it will help enrich each student’s final year of study.

* Students may be offered the opportunity by some employers to extend their internship to 16 months.

Internship courses are graded on a pass/fail basis. Participation and successful completion of an internship course, however, appears on the student’s academic transcript.

Liberal Studies 

Students must take two lower-level liberal studies courses, and four upper-level liberal studies courses to graduate.