How to Study Economics Without Math | Superprof (2024)

If you are reading this guide, chances are you would like to study economics at the university. At the same time, you hate math and seek ways to study fewer math courses or eliminate it from your degree program.

Many students want to study economics at the university, but some are not so good with math. Since economics study involves many calculations, you might be wondering if you would fare well by choosing economics as your major and going ahead for its study at the university.

The educational system in Canada and many other western countries are structured to make you feel at ease with critical subjects such as economics. While in high school, many students learn economics, and it's not so ingrained in math. Feeling they can give it a shot, many go ahead to choose the subject as their major, only to be shocked that in the university, majority of the economics courses are all about math.

So this brings us to the question you are probably pondering over right now:

Can I study economics if I hate math classes? Yes, you can! It is not entirely impossible, but you might have lesser options and fewer career paths when you eventually graduate from the university.

How is this so? Read on to explore possible answers to this puzzle and know your future career prospects if you eventually embrace an economics degree without math.

How You Can Study Economics without Math

One fact you should know right now is that economics does not revolve around calculations alone. There is the theory aspect of it as well. But the reality is that studying economics without math is like cooking without spices.

Economics is best understood when you apply mathematical knowledge to the study and real-life situations too. Courses such as Algebra and Calculus are an integral aspect of economics study. Gaining acceptance into a university without a strong foundation in math may create problems as many schools in Canada would want to evaluate your math skills before offering a chance to study economics in the school. These universities place a high value on math knowledge.

As a result, many students feel frustrated as they could not meet up with the school's admission requirements. But that is not the end to it all. You don't have to let your love for economics hit the rocks because you aren't good at math class. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Find out below.

• Course combinations

Here is one brilliant way a student can study economics without going so deep with math classes. By course combinations, we mean studying economics with a related social science subject such as management.

In Canada, economic degrees mostly come in two forms – BA and BSc. The latter involves a higher application of mathematical formulas and statistics. On the other hand, BA in economics is slightly less stringent with math courses as it combines economics with social sciences courses like physiology and social works.

Discover the best places to study economics in Canada.

However, in most universities, economies degree is offered as a combined honors degree and fully paired with subjects such as law, engineering, and sociology.

• Applying to Study Economics at Universities That Do Not Require Math

Generally, many universities require you to have an "A" in math class before accepting your application for an economics study. But still, some of them are less enthusiastic about math. This means that if you are not so good with math, you can still study your major at the university, and perhaps, fall in love with math classes eventually.

For instance, McGill University does not require students to have an A grade in math to enable them to study economics at the university. The school's website specifically revealed that candidates must have a B grade in subjects like math.

Moreover, the school also has combined degree programs such as Economics and Earth's Environment, Economics (BA), Environmental Economics, and Agricultural Economics.

The University of Toronto is another university in Canada that is not so stringent in its admission requirements. This means that you don't have to have high scores in math class to secure an admission in its campus at Mississauga. The school is also known for its collaborative programs for economics majors.

This means that if you don't want to go so deeply with math, you can take advantage of some of its interdisciplinary courses in the faculty of law and Rotman School of Management.

Even though math is not a core subject for studying economics in most institutions, it plays a crucial role in understanding economics. You will also find math skills useful when it's time to niche down in your discipline.

What Are The Career Prospects of an Economic Degree Without Math?

Economics is a vast discipline. Therefore, if you want to study it without math, you might find yourself in a fix when it's time to explore the career options after acquiring your degree.

Suppose you studied any degree programs that combine economic studies with other disciplines; you would still have plenty of career options like those who studied economics at the university. Research has shown that you could perfectly fit into positions in many organisations in Canada, such as:

• Finance managers

Many universities in Canada offer courses in Economics and Finance. The curriculum is designed in such a manner that harnesses skills in business management and financial intellect. If you feel finance is your thing, then you might want to explore possible careers in this field. You can go ahead to pursue a career in banking with an MBA in Finance.

• Law

Many universities offer a combined honors degree in Economics and Law. Many law firms are seeking professionals with skills in economics, some knowledge about law and its applications. If you have a bachelor's degree in this field, you could explore the career prospects that many economics graduates seek in law firms.

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• Consulting

Many consulting firms hire graduates of economics or those with combined degrees in economics to work as advisors for their companies. You may even go-ahead to explore career options in consultancy. This includes taxation, policy formulation, and strategic management.

More so, you can find work in governmental agencies and help them formulate plans that address the various economic problems ravaging the populace.

• Agricultural economist

Agriculture is an essential aspect of any economy. It concerns itself with the study of food, supply chains, and its management using a statistical approach. People rely on agricultural products for survival. Therefore, agricultural economists apply economic theories and principles to enable them to evaluate agricultural markets.

Generally, graduates with a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics, business economics, and economics usually befit this role. They may find work in private establishments and work closely with farm managers, contractors, and food vendors. While in the public sector, they may find job roles in ministries and food quality agencies.

You Can Improve Your Math Skills with Superprof

What if you could learn to fall in love with math? Have you ever considered its possibility? The reality is that you cannot wipe out math courses entirely from your undergraduate program, even if you opt for combined degrees. You will still be required to understand basic mathematics, such as algebra and statistics.

Many students hated math courses at a time and decided to pursue combined courses in economics that are not so ingrained in math. But at a time, in their studies, they realise the significance of having basic math skills and understanding how to implement its principles in analyzing real-life situations.

Math is a complex yet highly applicable subject across many disciplines. Therefore, it would be best if you could learn at least, the basics before going to university. This is where we come in to help you out. There is no other better way to learn math than to have someone beside you who is willing to take your math lessons at your convenience.

Superprof is the world's largest tutoring platform for a variety of subjects or skills. What challenges are you having with your math classes? Hire a teacher from the Superprof platform to teach you all you need to know about this fantastic subject.

Our tutors take their time to understand your needs and use the best approach that suits you to teach you math. That is not all; you can choose how you want to take these math lessons and even have the tutor come to your home for private lessons. Isn't that awesome? Yes, it is!

We know how students detest math classes because they don't understand it. We are here to fill the void. Suppose you are already in the university studying economics or any other social science course where math skills are required. In that case, you may hire a tutor to see you through from your first year to your final days at the university.

At Superprof, we believe that learning can be fun and exciting for everyone, even if it's economics.