Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Arts in Economics

The Department of Economics offers a course-based Master of Arts program, a course-based Master of Arts program with a specialization in Economics and Finance, and a thesis-based PhD program. The areas of study in Economics include:

• Applied Econometrics
• Economic Development
• Environmental and Resource Economics
• Financial Economics
• Industrial Organization
• International Economics
• Labor Economics
• Macroeconomics
• Monetary Economics
• Public Economics

Entrance Requirements

All applicants must have completed coursework in:

• Calculus
• Linear algebra
• Advanced coursework in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics

For the MA program, the Department's minimum admission requirements are:

• An undergraduate degree in Economics with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale
• An equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution
• A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.2 on all third and fourth year Economics and Mathematics coursework

For the MA with a specialization in Economics and Finance, the Department's minimum admission requirements are:

• An undergraduate degree in Economics with an admission GPA of at least 3.5 on the 4-point scale
• An equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution

For the PhD program, the Department's minimum admission requirements are:

• A Master's Degree in Economics or equivalent with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale
• An equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution
• A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.2 on all Master's level Economics coursework

English Language Proficiency

Applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency, which can be demonstrated by:

• A TOEFL score of 92 (Internet-based) with a minimum of 21 in each band
• A minimum overall band score of 7.0 on IELTS, with at least 6.5 in each band

Additional Requirements

Applicants whose most recent degree is from a non-Canadian university are required to write the Graduate Record Examinations (verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections). The examinations should be written early enough for scores to be available at the same time as the applicant's other supporting documents.

Applicants are also required to submit:

• A Curriculum Vitae
• Three reference letters (minimum 2 academic)
• A statement of research interest (for PhD applicants)

Program Requirements

The course-based MA in Economics requires:

• Required courses (12 units):
  • ECON 503 - MA Microeconomic Theory
  • ECON 581 - MA Macroeconomic Theory
  • ECON 598 - Econometric Theory and Applications
  • ECON 599 - Applied Econometrics
• Elective courses (12 units): four 3-unit graduate-level elective Economics courses
• Research Project (3 units): ECON 999 - Directed Research Project

Residence Requirement and Length of Program

The course-based MA in Economics has no minimum residence period and can be completed on a purely part-time basis. The time required to complete the MA program will vary according to the previous training of the applicant. Under normal circumstances, the MA in Economics can be completed on a full-time basis in 10 months. The maximum time to complete the course-based MA program is six years.

Funding and Financial Support

The department automatically considers all applicants for Teaching Assistantships at the time applications are reviewed. Funding offers are made to top-ranked applicants and are made separately from offers of admission. Financial need is not a factor in selecting who will be offered funding. Funding is contingent upon students maintaining a first-class standing (3.5 GPA) and satisfactorily performing their required duties.

The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers over $29 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.