MA in Economics

Master of Arts (MA)

Why pursue a Master's in Economics?

Deepen your understanding of different aspects of economics through a combination of theoretical and practical applications. Plan, manage and execute an in-depth research project that allows you to examine a wide array of subjects, from highly abstract topics to empirical problems that use real-world data.

The MA in Economics offers a stimulating academic environment where you will have the opportunity to develop advanced mathematical and theoretical foundations in economic theory and econometrics. Course work and acclaimed faculty members provide rigorous technical training in quantitative methods and their applications, giving you the skills to carry out a detailed economic analysis of a topic of your choice.

Our distinguished faculty members have published in a number of prestigious international journals, including Econometrica, the American Economic Review, the Journal of Political Economy, the Review of Economic Studies, the Journal of Econometrics, the Journal of Economic Theory, and the Journal of Monetary Economics.

Apply to the MA Co-operative Program after your first semester of studies to gain valuable work experience. Designed primarily for individuals who want to enter the workforce after graduation, our program is open to both Canadian and international students. Examples of past placement sites include financial institutions, multinational companies, government agencies and pharmaceutical corporations.

Program details

Admission requirements

An honours degree in economics, from a recognized university, or the equivalent, with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required. An applicant may be required to take up to 12 prerequisite undergraduate credits in addition to, but as part of, the regular graduate program. Some applicants may be required to pass a qualifying program, as a condition for entry into the regular MA program.

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 Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.

Degree requirements

Credits. A fully-qualified candidate is required to complete a minimum of 45 credits.
Courses. A fully-qualified candidate is required to take three 3-credit courses ECON 612 - Microeconomics I, ECON 615 - Macroeconomics I and ECON 680 - Econometric Theory I and five additional 3-credit courses selected in consultation with the Graduate Program Director.
Research Paper. Each student must write a research paper (ECON 703, 21 credits) demonstrating an application of knowledge in a particular area of economics. The topic of the research paper must be approved by the Graduate Program Director and a full-time member of the Department who is prepared to act as supervisor. The research paper is prepared under the guidance of the supervisor who must approve and recommend the final version for examination by an independent member of the Department appointed by the Graduate Program Director.
Fields of Specialization. Each MA student is required to complete one field of specialization by successfully completing 2 courses from the sequences offered in any of the following areas: Econometrics, Economic Development; Financial Economics; Industrial Economics; International Economics; Labour Economics; Macroeconomics; Microeconomics; Public Economics.

Application process

Your completed application will include:

Application form and 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.

Application deadlines

DEGREE

FALL
(September)

WINTER
(January)

SUMMER
(May/June)

Economics

Jan. 15

June 1

n/a

Fall: Late applications will be considered until April 1.
Winter: Late applications will be considered until August 1.

Applicants who wish to be considered beyond the published deadline may not be eligible for funding.

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

Teaching assistantships, valued at approximately $1,000 per term, are available and awarded on a competitive basis.

Graduate students may also receive a number of departmental scholarships, including the Professor Jaleel Ahmad Scholarship and the Balvir and Ranjna Singh Memorial Graduate Award. Scholarship amounts range from $1,500 to $3,500.

The Faculty of Arts and Science supports graduate students by offering fellowships and out-of- province fee remission awards. Other funding opportunities available through the faculty include Concordia Merit Scholarship and Conference Travel Awards.

Consideration for Entrance Awards is automatically part of the admissions process for all new students.

Please also consult the department’s graduate funding page and Financial Aid and Awards.

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 two work terms 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 Spring 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.

Concordia University

Department of Economics