Faculty of Arts

Department of Economics

Economics studies the choices that individuals, governments and corporations make using limited resources and under uncertainty. Our students gain analytical skills and a historical perspective as we analyze complex topics including employment, health, environment, commodity prices, economic growth and more.

Our strength lies in our range, diversity and strong commitment to an open and inclusive intellectual environment. We offer a full range of modern programs from a variety of critical perspectives at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Our faculty and staff
Skyline of city from below.

Why economics?

Our department has a strong record of teaching excellence and a commitment to an environment that facilitates student learning. Students develop core skills and a competitive edge in careers where an understanding and analysis of the economy is desirable.

With multiple streams of study available, student research opportunities and a co-op program to gain on-the-job skills, students get a broad view of economics and an understanding of the choices and problems facing individuals and society.

Areas of study

When entering a four-year Advanced or Honours program in economics, students will select from one of two available streams:

Economics and econometrics, which emphasizes theory (micro and macro), mathematics and statistical methods.

Economics and society, which focuses on how the distribution of wealth and power affects the socioeconomic and physical environment.

Two additional honours programs are offered jointly with the Faculty of Science:

  • Economics-Mathematics
  • Economics-Statistics

Visit the Academic Calendar for program information and course lists.

Co-op option

The Department of Economics offers a co-op education program attached to the Single Advance Major or Single Honours degree options.

As a student in the co-op program, you will have the opportunity to meet employers, get career support and complete 12 months of paid work experience before graduation.

A career in Economics... it's much more than you think.

Economics is much more than the study of finance, banking, business and government. A degree in economics is useful to all individuals and can lead to many interesting career choices.

Watch this brief educational video, developed by The American Economic Association.

Students walking outdoors together at the University of Manitoba Fort Garry campus.
Two students walking together.
Open laptop showing a dashboard of graphs and data on the screen.
Two open laptops with two sets of hands overlooking papers in between.

Programs of study

Student resources and opportunities

Financial aid and awards

  • Undergraduate students in Economics may be eligible for awards including:

    • A.J. Averbach Memorial Prize
    • Louis Lercher Memorial Scholarship

    Undergraduate students in Economics can apply for awards such as the:

    • Ruben Bellan Bursary
    • Ruben Simkin Memorial Prize (essay competition)

    Visit the Awards database to find details on each award.

  • Graduate students in Economics may be eligible for awards such as:

    • Clarence Barber Memorial Award

    Check the Graduate Awards database to find details.

University of Manitoba Economics Society (UMES)

The UMES provides students with a common interest in economics the opportunity to engage and participate in the growth and development of the community through talks and student representation.

Follow UMES on Instagram

Undergraduate research awards (URA)

Undergraduate students have the opportunity to work with our leading faculty researchers and gain valuable experience.

Learn more and apply for a UM URA

You may also want

Events

Each year the Department of Economics hosts a variety of lectures and other events. These include seminars, panel discussions, invited lectures, brownbag lunch talks and honours and graduate student conferences. The Economics Seminar Series supports the interaction of ideas and intellectual discussion of economics from a variety of perspectives. It has been running for over 50 years and is the oldest in the Faculty of Arts.

  • Job Talk: Economics of Crime

    With Edgar Villa Perez, candidate for the position of Economics & Econometrics Instructor

    Monday, April 14, 2025
    10:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
    307 Tier building

    Dr. Edgar Villa Perez is an Instructor in the Department of Economics at the University of Manitoba. He specializes in Applied Economics, with a particular focus on the Economics of Crime and Development Economics. With a strong background in both research and teaching, Dr. Villa Perez has published in leading academic journals such as the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization and the Journal of Population Economics. He has presented his work at major international conferences, including the Latin American and Caribbean Economic Association (LACEA) and the Northeastern Universities Development Consortium (NEUDC). Additionally, he has served as a consultant for the World Bank on issues related to money laundering.

    Dr. Villa Perez holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Boston University. Through this talk, he aims to share his passion for the Economics of Crime and his vision for contributing to the University of Manitoba’s academic community as a full-time faculty member.

  • Headshot of Edgar Villa.

Economics resources

 

Contact us

Department of Economics
Room 501 Fletcher Argue Building
15 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V5 Canada

economics@umanitoba.ca
204-474-9207
General Office Hours: Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm