MA in Economics

Master of Arts (MA)

Program overview

The MA in Economics allows you to develop advanced mathematical and theoretical foundations in economic theory and econometrics. The program provides rigorous technical training in quantitative methods and their applications, giving you the skills to carry out detailed economic analyses of a topic of your choice. You will plan, manage and execute in-depth research projects that examine a wide array of subjects - from highly abstract topics to empirical problems that use real-world data. Offering a solid academic foundation for students looking at entering the job market after graduation or pursue doctoral studies, our program is open to both Canadian and international students. Students can apply to the MA Co-operative Program after their first semester of studies to gain valuable work experience. Examples of past placement sites include financial institutions, multinational companies, government agencies and pharmaceutical corporations.

Program details

Admission requirements

Admission Requirements

Honours degree in economics from a recognized university, or the equivalent, with a cumulative GPA of 3.00.
Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the English language proficiency page for further information on requirements and exemptions.

Degree requirements

Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits.

Please see the Economics Courses page for course descriptions.

12 credits of required courses:

ECON 612 Microeconomics I (3.00)
ECON 615 Macroeconomics I (3.00)
ECON 680 Econometric Theory I (3.00)
ECON 696 Research Methodology in Economics (3.00)

15 credits chosen in consultation with the Graduate Program Director:

Each MA student is required to complete one field of specialization by successfully completing two courses from the sequences offered in any of the following areas: Econometrics; Economic Growth and Development; Financial Economics; Industrial Economics; International Economics; Labour Economics; Macroeconomics; Microeconomics; Public Economics.

18 credits:

ECON 705 Master's Thesis (18.00)

Cognate Courses:
In addition, graduate students in economics may be permitted to register for a limited number of courses listed in the Finance, Management, Marketing, and Administration MSc (MSCA) Courses section of the Calendar. In all such cases, prior permission of the Department of Economics and the John Molson School of Business is required.

Application process

Your completed application will include:

Application form and fee (Please note that it is not possible for us to waive the application fee)
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Three Letters of Reference and assessment form
Statement of purpose should outline (1 to 2 pages):
- your goals for enrolling in the program
- what makes you a good candidate for the program
- your expectations from your studies in the program and
- what you plan to achieve in the program.
Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)
Applicants whose primary language is not English, are required to submit official language test scores, unless exempted.

Please apply online. Read the how-to guide for application procedures.

IMPORTANT NOTE: applicants are not asked to find a supervisor prior to admission in the program. GRE results are optional: students are welcome to include their test results in their application, but it is not mandatory to do so.

Application deadlines

DEGREE

FALL
(September)

WINTER
(January)

SUMMER
(May/June)

Economics

Feb. 1

June 1

n/a

The department may consider completed applications until April 1st for September admission and until August 1st for January admission.

Courses

Courses typically offered include:

Microeconomics
Macroeconomics
Game Theory
Econometric Theory
Applied Econometrics
Monetary Economics
Growth and Development
Financial Economics
Environmental Economics
Labour Economics
Risk Management
Political Economics
Economic Design
Experimental Economics

Consult the graduate calendar for a complete list of current courses.

Funding

Funding may be offered on an exceptional basis to in-course MA students; the department generally does not offer funding to newly admitted MA applicants. Please consult the Department of Economics’ graduate funding page and Financial Aid & Awards Office’s page for more information.

Co-op program

Students who wish to have work experience before going into the job market can apply to the MA Co-operative Program. In order to qualify, students must complete one semester, be in good academic standing and get the approval of the Graduate Program Director. Once accepted into the program, students take one work term in addition to their academic semesters.

The Co-operative program is open to international students, but Canadian citizenship is required for many government positions. Past employers include:

Agriculture and Agri-Food
Bank of Canada
Bank of Montreal
Black and Decker
Bombardier
Canadian Pacific Railways
Canadian Space Agency
Environment Canada
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Hydro-Quebec
Industry Canada
Laurentian Bank
Pfizer Pharamceutical
Pratt and Whitney
Revenue Canada
Royal Bank of Canada
Scotia McLeod
Statistics Canada
TD Bank
Transport Canada
William Mercer

Faculty research

Members of our research-active faculty are affiliated with the Centre Interuniversitaire de Recherche en Économie Quantitative (CIREQ) and the Center for Interuniversity Research and Analysis of Organizations (CIRANO). They have received high honours from the Canada Research Chairs Program, and been awarded the Mongolian Government’s Science Leader Award and the prestigious Marie Curie Fellowship in Research.

Faculty research interests include:

economic development
economic dynamics
econometrics
international trade and finance
financial and monetary economics
computational economics
environmental and natural resources
game theory
industrial organization
information economics
market design
labour economics
experimental economics
public economics

Student Initiatives

The Economics Graduate Students’ Association (EGSA) aims to promote a stimulating academic and social atmosphere by organizing social events, facilitating seminars and other activities.

Seminars organized by the EGSA invite faculty members and graduate students to present their research in economics. Advanced MA students are also invited to present their own research poster at the annual Economics Graduate Poster Day, which allows students to network with fellow students, faculty and alumni.

Your professional future

Our alumni are highly sought after by banks, airlines, intergovernmental organizations, asset management firms and trade associations. Recent graduates are working as insurance advisors, financial analysis managers, corporate compliance analysts and project managers.

Examples of employers where our alumni currently work include:

Air Canada
BFL Canada
CIBC Asset Management
International Air Transport Association
National Bank of Canada
Publipage
Saputo Inc.
Toronto-Dominion Bank
United Nations

See what our graduates are doing now.

Department of Economics