Economics (MA)

This program prepares students for positions in both the private and public sectors and for further academic training. The program is typically completed in 24 months or less and contains rigorous training in microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, and econometrics, as well as elective courses in a range of applied fields. The program is limited to a small number of students to enhance scholastic achievement through close faculty interaction.

This graduate program is normally available only on a full-time basis and is designed to be completed in 24 months or less. Consideration can be given to part-time students under special circumstances.

The program comprises two components. The first component is scheduled for the first year and requires students to take a minimum of five courses. The second component is the thesis project which must be completed by the end of the second year. 

The details of the program components are:

• A) Course Work
• Fall semester: ECON 5010 (Microeconomic Theory); ECON 5012 (Macroeconomic Theory); ECON 5960 (Econometric Theory and Applications)
• Spring semester: Minimum of two 5xxx level courses of which at least one must be an ECON course.
• B) Thesis Project
• Graduate students must choose a Supervisor by the end of the fall semester. The Supervisor and the student will then compose a Supervisory Committee. Each graduate student must submit an initial Thesis Proposal to be approved by the Supervisory Committee. 
• The final Thesis Proposal must be submitted by the end of the third semester (summer) for approval by the Supervisory Committee. It is highly recommended that the thesis project be in one of the fields that the student has already done some applied research work during the first year. 
• Regular faculty-student seminars at the department play an important role in the thesis preparation, by providing a forum for new ideas in various fields of economics, and offering opportunities to students to present various components of their thesis.

Finding A Supervisor:

• Applicants to the MA Economics program do not need to secure a supervisor before submitting an application. However, you may contact available faculty members to discuss your potential research project. Economics Faculty?
• Faculty research expertise spans the following areas:
• international economics
• development economics, economic growth
• labour economics
• economics of education
• economics of professional sports
• monetary economics
• econometrics and applied econometrics
• Austrian economics
• economics of agricultural production
• resource economics and water management
• economics of innovation, biotechnology, biofuels and health foods
• public policy