Economics Associate Degree

The Economics Associate Degree at Douglas College is a 60-credit, four-semester credential covering market-based economies, government policy, and decision-making in business and public affairs. Core courses include Principles of Microeconomics and Principles of Macroeconomics, complemented by second-year-transferable economics courses such as labour economics, environmental economics, international trade, money and banking, and public policy. Students complete a Specialization in Economics alongside general associate degree requirements in English, humanities, science, social science, and electives. Coursework emphasizes critical-thinking, research, writing, and presentation skills developed through discussions, presentations, and lectures. An optional Co-operative Education stream allows students to alternate semesters of study with paid, full-time work terms; participation requires planning two semesters in advance through the Co-op Office. Courses can be selected to satisfy the Flexible Pre-Major in Economics, comprising six courses including Calculus and Statistics, enabling transfer into the third year of a Bachelor of Arts in Economics program at British Columbia research universities such as SFU, UBC, and UVic, subject to the BC Transfer Guide. Admission follows Open Enrolment under the college's General College Admission Requirements.