Master of Arts (MA) in Economics

The program information below was valid for the winter 2023 term (January 1, 2023 - April 30, 2023). This is the archived version; the most up-to-date program information is available through the current Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

The Graduate Studies Academic Calendar is updated 3 times per year, at the start of each academic term (January 1, May 1, September 1). Graduate Studies Academic Calendars from previous terms can be found in the archives.

Students are responsible for reviewing the general information and regulations section of the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

Program information

  • Admit term(s) 
    • Fall
  • Delivery mode 
    • On-campus
  • Length of program 
    • The coursework option can be completed in two terms while the major research paper option requires three terms to complete.
  • Program type 
    • Master's
    • Research
  • Registration option(s) 
    • Full-time
  • Study option(s) 

Admission requirements

  • Minimum requirements 
    • An Honours bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with a 75% average.
    • Students must have strong preparation in economics and in the mathematical tools needed to be successful in the program, including the following university-level courses:
      • Advanced microeconomics
      • Advanced macroeconomics
      • Advanced econometrics
      • Mathematical economics; as an equivalent two terms of calculus and one term of linear algebra
    • A GRE score is not required but is recommended for all international students applying to the program.
  • Application materials 
    • Transcript(s)
  • References 
    • Number of references:  2
    • Type of references: 

      academic

  • English language proficiency (ELP) (if applicable)

Degree requirements

    Master's Research Paper option:

  • Graduate Academic Integrity Module (Graduate AIM)
  • Courses 
    • Students must complete 8 courses (6 required and 2 elective) in the following sequence:
    • Fall term (year 1)
      • ECON 600 Mathematics for Economists
      • ECON 601 Microeconomic Theory I
      • ECON 606 Research Methodology
      • ECON 621 Econometrics I
      • 1 elective course
    • Winter term (year 1)
      • ECON 602 Macroeconomic Theory I
      • ECON 622 Applied Microeconometrics I or ECON 623 Applied Macroeconometrics I
      • 1 elective course
    • Normally, students must complete all of their required courses in the first two terms. Fall term: ECON 600, ECON 601, ECON 606 and ECON 621. Winter term: ECON 602, and ECON 622 or ECON 623.
    • Students will be required to maintain a cumulative average of 70% at the end of each term. Students who do not meet this average will be required to withdraw.
    • Students are allowed to take 1 elective outside of the Department of Economics, with the approval of the Graduate Advisor.
    • All electives (ECON or otherwise) must be 600, 700, 800 or 900 level graduate courses.
  • Link(s) to courses
  • Master’s Research Paper
    • A 2 course equivalent requiring an in-depth study of a topic approved by the Department (to be completed in the spring term of year 1).

    Coursework option:

  • Graduate Academic Integrity Module (Graduate AIM)
  • Courses 
    • Students must complete 9 courses (6 required and 3 elective) in the following sequence:
    • Fall term (year 1)
      • ECON 600 Mathematics for Economists
      • ECON 601 Microeconomic Theory I
      • ECON 606 Research Methodology
      • ECON 621 Econometrics I
      • 1 elective course
    • Winter term (year 1)
      • ECON 602 Macroeconomic Theory I
      • ECON 622 Applied Microeconometrics I or ECON 623 Applied Macroeconometrics I
      • 2 elective courses
    • Normally, students must complete all of their required courses in the first two terms. Fall term: ECON 600, ECON 601, ECON 606 and ECON 621. Winter term: ECON 602, and ECON 622 or ECON 623.
    • Students are expected to write a paper with a value of at least 30% in at least 1 of their courses.
    • Students will be required to maintain a cumulative average of 70% at the end of each term. Students who do not meet this average will be required to withdraw.
    • Students are allowed to take 1 elective outside of the Department of Economics, with the approval of the Graduate Advisor.
    • All electives (ECON or otherwise) must be 600, 700, 800 or 900 level graduate courses.
  • Link(s) to courses
Department of Economics website
Master of Arts (MA) in Economics future students program page