M.A. Economics

About the Program

Master's students in economics undertake a thorough review of economic theory, together with an analysis of the Canadian economy, its institutions and history, and the working of public policy. Stress is placed on the understanding and application of quantitative methods to all aspects of economics. Although the program is generally oriented towards policy problems, there is considerable opportunity for the development of specialized interests.

Academic Regulations

  • See the General Regulations section of this Calendar.
  • A grade of B- or higher must normally be received in each credit counted towards the master's degree. With respect to the required core credits in the program, ECON 5000, ECON 5002, ECON 5005 and ECON 5006, there will be no exceptions. A candidate may, with the recommendation of the Department and the approval of the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, be allowed a grade of C+ in up to 1.0 credit.
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Admission Requirements

  • The normal requirement for admission to the master's program is a B.A. (Honours) (or the equivalent) in Economics, with an average grade of B+ or higher.
  • Applicants are expected to have had adequate preparation in microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, econometrics, and mathematics. This could be satisfied, for example, by having completed undergraduate courses in the following areas: advanced microeconomic theory, advanced macroeconomic theory, econometrics, mathematical analysis in economics, and statistical analysis in economics. Students with deficiencies in their preparation may have their program requirements extended accordingly.
  • The Department may require certain applicants to write the Graduate Record Examination Aptitude Test and the Advanced Test in Economics offered by the Educational Testing Service.
  • Qualifying Year: Applicants who lack the required undergraduate preparation may be admitted to a qualifying-year program designed to raise their standing to honours status. If successful, they may be permitted to proceed to the master's program the following year.

    Refer to the General Regulations section of this Calendar for details of the regulations governing the qualifying year.

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Program Requirements

All master's students in economics must fulfil the following requirements:

  • ECON 5000, ECON 5002, ECON 5005

In addition, each candidate must select and complete one of the following:

  • ECON 5006 and approved courses for 2.0 credits, 1.0 of which may be selected from among those offered in a related discipline, with approval of the Department, through the M.A. Supervisor; or
  • A thesis equivalent to 1.5 credits and approved courses for 1.0 credit.
  • Concentration in Financial Economics: Master’s students in economics may pursue a concentration in financial economics, in which case they must fulfil the following requirements:
    • ECON 5000, ECON 5002, ECON 5005, ECON 5051, ECON 5052
    • In addition, each concentration candidate must select and complete one of the following:
      • ECON 5006 and approved courses for 1.0 credit, including at least one of ECON 5055, ECON 5058, ECON 5602, ECON 5608;
        or
      • A thesis equivalent to 1.5 credits.

All approved courses will normally be taken at the 5000 level.

Guidelines for Completion of Master's Degree: Full-time master's students are expected to complete their requirements within two terms. Part-time students will take a minimum of five terms but must complete within an elapsed period of six calendar years, as set out in Section 13 of the General Regulations of this Calendar.

Internship Placement

An Internship option is available to full-time students in the M.A. program who are eligible to work in Canada. Registration in the Internship option requires departmental permission and is limited by availability of placements. Application for an internship placement will be considered after the student completes ECON 5000, ECON 5002, ECON 5005, and ECON 5006, or after completion of 3.0 credits.

Internship placements will locate students for at least one term in the public service, the private sector, or non-governmental organizations. Students will integrate theoretical and applied economic analysis in their work experience. During their work term, students are required to register in ECON 5902 (Internship Placement), which is additional to the program requirements described above. While taking ECON 5902, students are considered to be part-time, and may register for at most 1.0 credit in total.

 

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