International Economics and Finance

O.S.S.D. with six Grade 12 U/M courses including Grade 12 U courses in: English and Mathematics (one of Grade 12 U Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U) or Mathematics of Data Management (MDM4U).

Notes:

1. ENG4U/EAE4U is the preferred English. 
2. Grade 12 U Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U) or Advanced Functions (MHF4U) are the preferred Mathematics courses.
3. The grade(s) required in the subject prerequisites (normally in the 65-70 percent range) will be determined subject to competition.
4. Subject to competition, candidates may be required to present averages/grades above the minimum.

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.

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.

Students must take two lower level liberal studies courses and four upper level liberal studies courses to graduate. Students must not choose courses that are restricted for their program or major.

Please refer to the liberal studies chapter of this calendar for more information on the Liberal Studies Policy. Further information on liberal studies can also be found at the Faculty of Arts' Liberal Studies website (opens in new window) .

Table A - Lower Level Restrictions

Table B - Upper Level Restrictions

Students may pursue any Minor offered by Ryerson (with some exceptions). Please refer to the Minors chapter of this calendar for further information on individual Minor requirements and exclusions.

Undergraduate students wishing to pursue a continuing education certificate program should be aware of possible program exclusions. Please refer to the Certificate Registration section of the Curriculum Advising website (opens in new window)  for complete details.

Revised curriculum begins 2017-2018 for students admitted Fall 2015 and after.

*The Internship course ECN 900 will normally extend into the subsequent Spring/Summer Term. Contact the Economics Department (opens in new window)  for further information.

†This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.

REQUIRED:

LIBERAL STUDIES:
Two courses from Table B - Upper Level Liberal Studies.

PROFESSIONAL: Three courses from Table II.

PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
Two courses required from Table III or Table IV.

PROFESSIONAL AND PROFESSIONALLY-RELATED:
Two courses from either Table II, Table III, or Table IV.

A Program Advisory Council (PAC) is a group of volunteers that provides expert advice to a school or department on program related matters such as curriculum, program review, technology and trends in the industry, discipline or profession. For more information, see  (PDF file) Senate Policy #158 (Program Advisory Councils).

Jonathan Bendiner
Economist
TD Bank

Brien Convery
Director of Campus Recruitment
RBC

Kim Ferreira
Director of Professional Search & Campus Recruitment
BMO

John Johnston
Chief Strategist
Davis Rea Ltd.

Cristian Mandachescu
Chief Risk Officer
Scotiabank US

Don Mikolich
Executive Director Corporate Solutions, Global Distribution
Capital Market Trading, CIBC

John Parker
Chief Economist
Impact Infrastructure, LLC Toronto

Surinder K. Suri
President
Global Economic Management and Associates

Jane Voll
Senior Regional Representative (Economics)
Bank of Canada

David Watt
Chief Economist
HSBC (Canada)