Program Overview

University Program Information

The Queen's University Economics Department offers various programs for undergraduate and graduate students.

Undergraduate Programs

• Major in Applied Economics (APEC): This program focuses on the application of economic principles to real-world problems.
• Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPEC): This interdisciplinary program combines the study of politics, philosophy, and economics to provide a comprehensive understanding of social and economic issues.
• Minors & Medials: Students can also pursue minors or medials in economics, which provide a foundation in economic theory and principles.
• Economics Degree Pathways: The department offers various degree pathways, including a four-year honors degree, a three-year general degree, and a minor in economics.

Graduate Programs

• MA: The Master of Arts in Economics program provides advanced training in economic theory, econometrics, and research methods.
• PhD: The Doctor of Philosophy in Economics program is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in research and academia.
• Executive Programs: The department also offers executive programs for working professionals who wish to advance their knowledge and skills in economics.

Courses

The department offers a wide range of courses in economics, including:

• ECON 110 - Principles of Economics: An introductory course that covers the basic principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics.
• ECON 111 - Introductory Microeconomics: A course that focuses on the principles of microeconomics, including consumer behavior, production, and market structures.
• ECON 112 - Introductory Macroeconomics: A course that covers the principles of macroeconomics, including national income accounting, inflation, and unemployment.
• ECON 212 - Microeconomic Theory I: A course that provides an in-depth analysis of microeconomic theory, including consumer behavior, production, and market structures.
• ECON 222 - Macroeconomic Theory I: A course that provides an in-depth analysis of macroeconomic theory, including national income accounting, inflation, and unemployment.
• ECON 223 - Macroeconomic Policy: A course that focuses on the application of macroeconomic theory to policy issues, including fiscal and monetary policy.
• ECON 225 - The Economics of the European Union: A course that examines the economic institutions and policies of the European Union.
• ECON 231 - Emergence of the Modern Industrial Economy: A course that explores the historical development of the modern industrial economy.
• ECON 232 - The Diffusion of Modern Economic Growth: A course that examines the spread of economic growth and development across different regions and countries.
• ECON 239 - Economic Development: A course that focuses on the economic development of less-developed countries, including the role of institutions, education, and technology.
• ECON 240 - Canadian Tax Policy: A course that examines the tax system in Canada, including the principles of taxation and tax policy.
• ECON 241 - Economic Aspects of Selected Social Issues: A course that applies economic principles to social issues, including poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.
• ECON 243 - The Economics of Health Care: A course that examines the economic aspects of health care, including the demand for health care, the supply of health care, and health care policy.
• ECON 244 - Economics of Indigenous Communities: A course that focuses on the economic development of Indigenous communities, including the role of institutions, education, and technology.
• ECON 250 - Introductory Statistics: A course that introduces students to statistical methods and techniques, including data analysis and interpretation.
• ECON 251 - Econometrics I: A course that provides an introduction to econometric methods and techniques, including regression analysis and hypothesis testing.
• ECON 254 - Introduction to Financial Economics: A course that introduces students to financial economics, including the time value of money, risk and return, and portfolio theory.
• ECON 255 - Introduction to Mathematical Economics: A course that applies mathematical techniques to economic problems, including optimization and equilibrium analysis.
• ECON 256 - Math for Economics and Business: A course that provides an introduction to mathematical methods and techniques, including algebra, calculus, and linear algebra.
• ECON 261 - Canadian Labour Relations: A course that examines the labor market in Canada, including labor unions, collective bargaining, and labor policy.
• ECON 262 - Labour Markets and Gender Differences: A course that focuses on the labor market experiences of men and women, including the gender wage gap and occupational segregation.
• ECON 280 - Population and Economic Change: A course that examines the relationship between population growth and economic development, including the impact of population growth on economic growth and development.
• ECON 290 - Environmental Economics and Assessment: A course that applies economic principles to environmental issues, including the valuation of environmental goods and services and environmental policy.
• ECON 310 - Microeconomic Theory II: A course that provides an in-depth analysis of microeconomic theory, including general equilibrium theory and welfare economics.
• ECON 320 - Macroeconomic Theory II: A course that provides an in-depth analysis of macroeconomic theory, including macroeconomic modeling and policy analysis.
• ECON 322 - Financial Markets and Risk Management: A course that examines financial markets and instruments, including stocks, bonds, and derivatives.
• ECON 325 - International Trade Policy: A course that focuses on the economic analysis of international trade policy, including tariffs, quotas, and trade agreements.
• ECON 331 - Economic History of North America to 1865: A course that explores the economic history of North America from the colonial period to the Civil War.
• ECON 332 - Economic History of North America since 1865: A course that examines the economic history of North America from the Civil War to the present.
• ECON 348 - Law and Economics: A course that applies economic principles to legal issues, including property rights, contracts, and torts.
• ECON 351 - Introductory Econometrics: A course that provides an introduction to econometric methods and techniques, including regression analysis and hypothesis testing.
• ECON 354 - Computational Methods in Economics and Finance: A course that introduces students to computational methods and techniques, including programming and data analysis.
• ECON 360 - Labour Economics: A course that examines the labor market, including labor supply and demand, wages, and employment.
• ECON 361 - Income Distribution and Problems of Inequality: A course that focuses on the distribution of income and wealth, including the causes and consequences of inequality.
• ECON 370 - Urban and Regional Economics: A course that examines the economic development of urban and regional areas, including the role of transportation, housing, and public policy.
• ECON 371 - Economics of Regulation: A course that applies economic principles to regulatory issues, including the regulation of industries and the impact of regulation on economic efficiency.
• ECON 390 - Natural Resource Economics: A course that examines the economic aspects of natural resource management, including the exploitation of renewable and non-renewable resources.
• ECON 391 - Topics in Environmental Economics: A course that focuses on advanced topics in environmental economics, including climate change, sustainability, and environmental policy.
• ECON 411 - Topics in Microeconomics: A course that examines advanced topics in microeconomic theory, including game theory, mechanism design, and behavioral economics.
• ECON 421 - Topics in Macroeconomic Theory: A course that focuses on advanced topics in macroeconomic theory, including macroeconomic modeling, policy analysis, and international finance.
• ECON 422 - Monetary Economics: A course that examines the economic aspects of money and banking, including the monetary transmission mechanism and monetary policy.
• ECON 423 - Topics in Financial Economics: A course that focuses on advanced topics in financial economics, including corporate finance, asset pricing, and risk management.
• ECON 425 - International Trade Theory and Policy: A course that examines the economic analysis of international trade theory and policy, including tariffs, quotas, and trade agreements.
• ECON 426 - International Macroeconomics: A course that focuses on the economic analysis of international macroeconomic issues, including exchange rates, balance of payments, and international finance.
• ECON 430 - Issues in Economic History: A course that examines advanced topics in economic history, including the history of economic thought, economic growth and development, and international trade.
• ECON 435 - Development Economics: A course that focuses on the economic development of less-developed countries, including the role of institutions, education, and technology.
• ECON 437 - Cost-Benefit Analysis: A course that applies economic principles to project evaluation, including cost-benefit analysis and decision-making under uncertainty.
• ECON 440 - Public Economics: A course that examines the economic aspects of public policy, including taxation, public expenditure, and regulation.
• ECON 442 - Topics in Public Economics: A course that focuses on advanced topics in public economics, including public choice, political economy, and institutional economics.
• ECON 443 - Issues in Microeconomic Policy: A course that applies economic principles to microeconomic policy issues, including competition policy, regulatory policy, and environmental policy.
• ECON 445 - Industrial Organization and Public Policy: A course that examines the economic aspects of industrial organization, including market structure, competition, and public policy.
• ECON 450 - Advanced Econometrics: A course that provides an advanced treatment of econometric methods and techniques, including time series analysis, panel data analysis, and econometric modeling.
• ECON 452 - Applied Econometrics: A course that applies econometric methods and techniques to real-world problems, including data analysis and policy evaluation.
• ECON 455 - Mathematical Economics: A course that applies mathematical techniques to economic problems, including optimization, equilibrium analysis, and dynamic systems.
• ECON 480 - Seminar in Microeconomics: A course that focuses on advanced topics in microeconomic theory, including game theory, mechanism design, and behavioral economics.
• ECON 481 - Seminar in Microeconomics: A course that examines advanced topics in microeconomic theory, including general equilibrium theory, welfare economics, and public economics.
• ECON 482 - Seminar in Microeconomics: A course that focuses on advanced topics in microeconomic theory, including industrial organization, regulatory policy, and environmental economics.
• ECON 483 - Seminar in Microeconomics: A course that examines advanced topics in microeconomic theory, including labor economics, human capital, and economic growth.
• ECON 484 - Seminar in Microeconomics: A course that focuses on advanced topics in microeconomic theory, including international trade, international finance, and economic development.
• ECON 485 - Seminar in Microeconomics: A course that examines advanced topics in microeconomic theory, including monetary economics, fiscal policy, and public finance.
• ECON 490 - Seminar in Macroeconomics: A course that focuses on advanced topics in macroeconomic theory, including macroeconomic modeling, policy analysis, and international finance.
• ECON 491 - Seminar in Macroeconomics: A course that examines advanced topics in macroeconomic theory, including economic growth, business cycles, and monetary policy.
• ECON 492 - Seminar in Macroeconomics: A course that focuses on advanced topics in macroeconomic theory, including international trade, international finance, and economic development.
• ECON 493 - Seminar in Macroeconomics: A course that examines advanced topics in macroeconomic theory, including fiscal policy, public finance, and economic policy.
• ECON 494 - Seminar in Macroeconomics: A course that focuses on advanced topics in macroeconomic theory, including monetary economics, banking, and financial markets.
• ECON 590 - Thesis: A course that allows students to conduct original research and write a thesis under the supervision of a faculty member.
• ECON 810 - Microeconomic Theory: A course that provides an advanced treatment of microeconomic theory, including general equilibrium theory, welfare economics, and public economics.
• ECON 811 - Advanced Microeconomic Theory I: A course that examines advanced topics in microeconomic theory, including game theory, mechanism design, and behavioral economics.
• ECON 813 - Advanced Microeconomic Theory II: A course that focuses on advanced topics in microeconomic theory, including industrial organization, regulatory policy, and environmental economics.
• ECON 815 - Macroeconomic Theory: A course that provides an advanced treatment of macroeconomic theory, including macroeconomic modeling, policy analysis, and international finance.
• ECON 816 - Advanced Macroeconomic Theory I: A course that examines advanced topics in macroeconomic theory, including economic growth, business cycles, and monetary policy.
• ECON 817 - Advanced Macroeconomic Theory II: A course that focuses on advanced topics in macroeconomic theory, including international trade, international finance, and economic development.
• ECON 820 - Money in the Macroeconomy: A course that examines the economic aspects of money and banking, including the monetary transmission mechanism and monetary policy.
• ECON 821 - Money and Financial Markets: A course that focuses on the economic aspects of financial markets, including stocks, bonds, and derivatives.
• ECON 825 - International Trade: A course that examines the economic analysis of international trade, including tariffs, quotas, and trade agreements.
• ECON 826 - International Finance: A course that focuses on the economic analysis of international finance, including exchange rates, balance of payments, and international financial institutions.
• ECON 830 - Economic Development in North America: A course that examines the economic development of North America, including the role of institutions, education, and technology.
• ECON 831 - Issues in North American Economic History: A course that focuses on advanced topics in North American economic history, including the history of economic thought, economic growth and development, and international trade.
• ECON 835 - Development Economics: A course that examines the economic development of less-developed countries, including the role of institutions, education, and technology.
• ECON 837 - Cost-Benefit Analysis: A course that applies economic principles to project evaluation, including cost-benefit analysis and decision-making under uncertainty.
• ECON 840 - Public Economics I: A course that examines the economic aspects of public policy, including taxation, public expenditure, and regulation.
• ECON 841 - Public Economics II: A course that focuses on advanced topics in public economics, including public choice, political economy, and institutional economics.
• ECON 845 - Industrial Organization I: A course that examines the economic aspects of industrial organization, including market structure, competition, and public policy.
• ECON 846 - Industrial Organization II: A course that focuses on advanced topics in industrial organization, including regulatory policy, environmental economics, and international trade.
• ECON 848 - Economic Analysis Of Law: A course that applies economic principles to legal issues, including property rights, contracts, and torts.
• ECON 850 - Econometrics I: A course that provides an introduction to econometric methods and techniques, including regression analysis and hypothesis testing.
• ECON 851 - Econometrics II: A course that examines advanced topics in econometrics, including time series analysis, panel data analysis, and econometric modeling.
• ECON 852 - Quantitative Methods: A course that introduces students to quantitative methods and techniques, including data analysis and statistical modeling.
• ECON 853 - Applied Econometrics: A course that applies econometric methods and techniques to real-world problems, including data analysis and policy evaluation.
• ECON 855 - Mathematical Economics: A course that applies mathematical techniques to economic problems, including optimization, equilibrium analysis, and dynamic systems.
• ECON 856 - Static Optimization and General Equilibrium Theory: A course that examines the economic aspects of static optimization and general equilibrium theory, including the theory of consumer behavior and the theory of the firm.
• ECON 857 - Dynamic Economic Theory: A course that focuses on the economic aspects of dynamic economic theory, including economic growth, business cycles, and monetary policy.
• ECON 858 - Experiments and Game Theory: A course that examines the economic aspects of experiments and game theory, including the design of experiments and the analysis of game theoretic models.
• ECON 860 - Empirical Micro-Economics I: A course that applies econometric methods and techniques to microeconomic problems, including the analysis of consumer behavior and the analysis of firm behavior.
• ECON 861 - Empirical Micro-Economics II: A course that examines advanced topics in empirical microeconomics, including the analysis of labor markets, the analysis of financial markets, and the analysis of international trade.
• ECON 870 - Finance Theory: A course that examines the economic aspects of finance theory, including the theory of portfolio selection, the theory of asset pricing, and the theory of risk management.
• ECON 871 - Financial Systems: Theory and Applications: A course that focuses on the economic aspects of financial systems, including the analysis of financial markets, the analysis of financial institutions, and the analysis of financial regulation.
• ECON 872 - Topics in Quantitative Finance: A course that examines advanced topics in quantitative finance, including the analysis of derivatives, the analysis of risk management, and the analysis of portfolio optimization.
• ECON 873 - Financial Derivatives: A course that focuses on the economic aspects of financial derivatives, including the analysis of options, the analysis of futures, and the analysis of swaps.
• ECON 880 - History of Economic Thought: A course that examines the history of economic thought, including the contributions of major economists and the development of economic theories.
• ECON 881 - Economic Policy Formation: A course that focuses on the economic aspects of policy formation, including the analysis of policy objectives, the analysis of policy instruments, and the analysis of policy outcomes.
• ECON 882 - Research Problems and Methodology: A course that examines the economic aspects of research problems and methodology, including the design of research projects, the analysis of data, and the interpretation of results.
• ECON 890 - Natural Resource Economics: A course that examines the economic aspects of natural resource management, including the analysis of resource depletion, the analysis of resource conservation, and the analysis of resource policy.
• ECON 891 - Environmental Economics: A course that focuses on the economic aspects of environmental economics, including the analysis of environmental degradation, the analysis of environmental policy, and the analysis of sustainable development.
• ECON 910 - Advanced Topics in Microeconomics: A course that examines advanced topics in microeconomic theory, including game theory, mechanism design, and behavioral economics.
• ECON 911 - Advanced Topics in Microeconomics: A course that focuses on advanced topics in microeconomic theory, including industrial organization, regulatory policy, and environmental economics.
• ECON 912 - Advanced Topics in Microeconomics: A course that examines advanced topics in microeconomic theory, including labor economics, human capital, and economic growth.
• ECON 913 - Advanced Topics in Microeconomics: A course that focuses on advanced topics in microeconomic theory, including international trade, international finance, and economic development.
• ECON 915 - Advanced Topics in Macroeconomics: A course that examines advanced topics in macroeconomic theory, including macroeconomic modeling, policy analysis, and international finance.
• ECON 916 - Advanced Topics in Macroeconomics: A course that focuses on advanced topics in macroeconomic theory, including economic growth, business cycles, and monetary policy.
• ECON 917 - Advanced Topics in Macroeconomics: A course that examines advanced topics in macroeconomic theory, including international trade, international finance, and economic development.
• ECON 918 - Advanced Topics in Macroeconomics: A course that focuses on advanced topics in macroeconomic theory, including fiscal policy, public finance, and economic policy.
• ECON 950 - Advanced Topics in Empirical Methods: A course that examines advanced topics in empirical methods, including data analysis, statistical modeling, and econometric analysis.
• ECON 951 - Advanced Topics in Empirical Methods: A course that focuses on advanced topics in empirical methods, including the analysis of microeconomic data, the analysis of macroeconomic data, and the analysis of financial data.
• ECON 952 - Advanced Topics in Empirical Methods: A course that examines advanced topics in empirical methods, including the analysis of labor market data, the analysis of financial market data, and the analysis of international trade data.
• ECON 953 - Advanced Topics in Empirical Methods: A course that focuses on advanced topics in empirical methods, including the analysis of microeconomic data, the analysis of macroeconomic data, and the analysis of financial data.
• ECON 954 - Advanced Topics in Empirical Methods: A course that examines advanced topics in empirical methods, including the analysis of labor market data, the analysis of financial market data, and the analysis of international trade data.
• ECON 955 - Advanced Topics in Empirical Methods: A course that focuses on advanced topics in empirical methods, including the analysis of microeconomic data, the analysis of macroeconomic data, and the analysis of financial data.
• ECON 999 - Ph.D. Thesis Seminar: A course that allows students to conduct original research and write a thesis under the supervision of a faculty member.

Research Areas

The department has a strong research focus, with faculty members working in a variety of areas, including:

• Econometrics and Quantitative Methods: The application of statistical and mathematical techniques to economic problems.
• Economic History, Law and Economics: The study of the historical development of economic systems and the application of economic principles to legal issues.
• Financial Economics: The study of the economic aspects of financial markets and institutions.
• Industrial Organization: The study of the economic aspects of firms and industries, including market structure, competition, and public policy.
• International Economics: The study of the economic aspects of international trade and finance.
• Labour, Health, Education and Welfare: The study of the economic aspects of labor markets, health, education, and welfare programs.
• Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics: The study of the economic aspects of macroeconomic phenomena, including economic growth, business cycles, and monetary policy.
• Microeconomics: The study of the economic aspects of individual economic units, including consumers, firms, and markets.
• Public and Development Economics: The study of the economic aspects of public policy and economic development, including the analysis of government programs and policies.
• Urban, Environmental and Natural Resource Economics: The study of the economic aspects of urban and environmental issues, including the analysis of natural resource management and environmental policy.

Conferences and Workshops

The department hosts a variety of conferences and workshops throughout the year, including:

• QED Frontiers of Macroeconomics: A conference that brings together leading researchers in macroeconomics to present their latest research.
• Financial Intermediation and Regulation Conference: A conference that focuses on the economic aspects of financial intermediation and regulation.
• Canadian Macroeconomic Study Group (CMSG) Meeting: A meeting that brings together researchers and policymakers to discuss issues in macroeconomic policy.
• QED Frontiers of Macroeconomics Workshop: A workshop that provides a forum for researchers to present their latest research in macroeconomics.
• Annual Financial Intermediation and Regulation Conference: A conference that focuses on the economic aspects of financial intermediation and regulation.
• Celebrating James MacKinnon Conference: A conference that celebrates the contributions of James MacKinnon to the field of economics.
• The Canadian Public Economics Group (CPEG) Annual Conference: A conference that brings together researchers and policymakers to discuss issues in public economics.
• WECAN Conference: A conference that focuses on the economic aspects of women's economic empowerment.
• WECAN Women Economists in Canada 2025: A conference that celebrates the contributions of women economists in Canada.
• Financial Intermediation and Regulation Conference Series: A series of conferences that focus on the economic aspects of financial intermediation and regulation.
• QED Frontiers of Macroeconomics Conference: A conference that brings together leading researchers in macroeconomics to present their latest research.
• QED Frontiers of Macroeconomics Historical Conferences: A series of conferences that bring together leading researchers in macroeconomics to present their latest research.
• Education and Human capital Investment over the Life Cycle Conference: A conference that focuses on the economic aspects of education and human capital investment.
• Platforms and Data: Shaping the Future of Payments?: A conference that explores the economic aspects of platforms and data in the payments industry.

Public Lectures

The department hosts a variety of public lectures throughout the year, including:

• 2023: Dora Costa: A lecture by Dora Costa on the economic aspects of health and wellness.
• 2023: Krishna Pendakur: A lecture by Krishna Pendakur on the economic aspects of labor markets and inequality.
• 2024: David Card: A lecture by David Card on the economic aspects of labor markets and immigration.
• 2026: Gillian Hadfield: A lecture by Gillian Hadfield on the economic aspects of law and economics.
• Chancellor David Dodge Lecturership in Public Finance: A lecture series that brings together leading researchers and policymakers to discuss issues in public finance.
• Dirk Krueger - W.A. Edmund Clark Lecture: A lecture by Dirk Krueger on the economic aspects of macroeconomics and monetary policy.
• W. Edmund Clark Distinguished Lecture Series on Public Policy: A lecture series that brings together leading researchers and policymakers to discuss issues in public policy.
• W.A. Mackintosh Visiting Lecture in Economics: A lecture series that brings together leading researchers to discuss issues in economics.
• Historical Lectures: A series of lectures that explore the history of economic thought and the development of economic theories.

Prizes and Distinctions

The department offers a variety of prizes and distinctions to recognize outstanding academic achievement, including:

• Douglas D. Purvis Memorial Prize: A prize that recognizes outstanding academic achievement in economics.
• The Dan Usher Prize for Excellence in Economic Research: A prize that recognizes excellence in economic research.
• 2019 Usher Prize: A prize that recognizes outstanding academic achievement in economics.

Alumni

The department has a strong alumni network, with many graduates going on to successful careers in economics and related fields. Alumni can stay connected with the department through:

• Newsletter: A newsletter that provides updates on departmental news and events.
• Giving: Alumni can give back to the department through donations and other forms of support.
• Frank Lewis Fund: A fund that supports student scholarships and other departmental initiatives.
• Keep in Touch: Alumni can stay in touch with the department through social media and other forms of communication.
• Events: The department hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including alumni receptions and other social gatherings.

About

The department is located in Dunning Hall, Room 209, 94 University Avenue, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6. The department is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.