What degree do I need to become an economist?

A Bachelor of Business , Bachelor of Social Sciences , or Bachelor of Climate Change majoring in Economics can all lead to this career at Waikato, depending on which faculty suits your wider interests.

Does a mathematical background help?

It helps. Economics involves working with data and models, so a Mathematics background gives you a head start, though it's not always a strict entry requirement.

How long does it take to become an economist?

A Bachelor's degree takes three years of full-time study. Many economists go on to postgraduate study to specialise further.

Does Waikato have research strengths in health economics?

Yes. Waikato's Health Economics Research Centre applies economic analysis to health systems, including real projects on the cost of breast cancer treatment and hip and knee replacement surgery. This is active research rather than a separate taught specialisation, but it reflects the kind of applied economic work an Economics degree can lead towards.

Are there dedicated postgraduate routes in economics?

Yes. The Master of Business with a specialisation in Economics is Waikato's dedicated postgraduate route, and a Master of Social Sciences is also available for those coming from a more policy-focused background.

Economist career

Q: Which qualification is the best starting point for economics?

It comes down to preference. A Bachelor of Business suits those wanting a commercial angle, while a Bachelor of Social Sciences , or Bachelor of Climate Change suits a more policy, or environmental economics path, all built around the same Economics major.

Kaimātai ōhanga

Economists research and analyse financial, labour and trade markets, and comment on economic events.

$55,000 – $263,000 per year

Economic forecaster, social scientist, financial expert, economic analyst, financial analyst, research economist, economic market analyst

Where our data comes from

What would you do as an Economist?

Economists

usually work regular business hours
usually work in offices
need to be accurate, methodical and identify and solve problems

Tasks

research financial, labour, and trade markets
make predictions about money, politics and society trends
share information
advise people and businesses about policies and operations
explain rules and regulations
prepare scientific and technical reports and presentations
supervise trainees
teach social sciences students
research social issues

How can you become an Economist?

You need a qualification to become an economist and experience may be useful.

You need

a bachelor's degree in economics and econometrics

You may need

a Master of Economics
experience in similar work

If you're in school

You need University Entrance to do the study or training for this job.

Study Economics in our Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Social Sciences or Bachelor of Climate Change, depending on whether you want a commercial, policy or environmental focus. You don't need a strong maths background to get started. Like all our undergraduate degrees, these include work-integrated learning.

Many economist roles expect postgraduate study. Our Master of Business or Master of Social Sciences builds the advanced analytical and modelling skills these roles need.

Economist FAQs

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available to help with the cost of studying at Waikato. Options are available across a wide range of subjects and study levels, including scholarships for new students, current students and specific areas of study.

Find a scholarship

Waikato Management School Accreditations

Waikato Management School holds Triple Crown accreditation, the highest recognition available in business education. We are accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. Only around 1% of business schools worldwide have met the rigorous standards of all three bodies.

AACSB accredited

Recognises Waikato Business School’s faculty expertise, research quality, and commitment to high academic standards.

Learn more

AMBA accredited

Recognises the quality of Waikato Management School’s MBA and Master’s programmes, including cohort experience, curriculum, and career outcomes.

Learn more

EQUIS accredited

Recognises Waikato Management School’s international reach, industry engagement, and commitment to diversity.

Learn more

QS ranking

QS World University Rankings 2027

Waikato is ranked equal 293rd globally, placing us in the top 1.5% of universities worldwide, and 2nd in New Zealand by citations per faculty.

Student Centre

0800 WAIKATO

07 838 4176

info@waikato.ac.nz

Enquire now

International Enquiries

Monday – Friday NZT 1pm – 2am

+64 7788 0688

info@international.waikato.ac.nz

Enquire now

Economist career