MA in Economics
Master of Arts (MA)
Program overview
This program serves as a gateway to both career advancement and further academic pursuits. Designed to provide graduates with a solid academic foundation, it caters to the aspirations of those seeking entry into the job market or aspiring to pursue doctoral studies. The program welcomes students from Canada and around the globe, fostering a diverse and enriching academic environment.
One distinctive feature of our MA program is the possibility to join the MA Co-operative Program, where students can complement their academic learning with valuable work experience. Through placements at diverse institutions such as financial firms, multinational corporations, and government agencies, students gain practical insights and establish professional connections that propel their career trajectories.
Ultimately, the MA program in Economics equips students with the analytical skills and knowledge to make meaningful contributions to the field of economics and beyond.
Program details
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.
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.
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.
- Applicants who do not meet the MA’s minimum requirements may need to complete additional courses through a qualifying term or the Graduate Diploma in Economics program. Eligibility for both is assessed automatically, with no separate application required.
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.
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 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.
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
Joining a thesis-based program in Economics offers a unique opportunity to delve deeply into a topic of personal interest, conducting original research under the guidance of an experienced faculty member. This immersive experience not only enhances your analytical and critical thinking skills but also allows you to make a meaningful contribution to the field. Through the thesis process, you will develop expertise, gain invaluable research experience, and distinguish yourself as a capable researcher, opening doors to exciting career opportunities in academia, policy analysis, and beyond.
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
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.
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