12.8 Economics

On this page

The Degree of Master of Arts is offered in Economics. The focus of the program is applied economics. The non-thesis option is designed so that suitably qualified full-time students can complete it in one year. The thesis option normally takes more than one year.

12.8.1 Qualifications for Admission

To be considered for admission, an applicant must normally have completed an undergraduate Degree in Economics with at least second-class Honours standing, or its equivalent. Satisfaction of this criterion does not guarantee admission and, if admitted, students may be required to complete specified undergraduate courses as deemed necessary by the Department.

12.8.2 Programs of Study

Non-Thesis Option
1. The program of study requires, in addition to any specified undergraduate courses, completion of 26 credit hours in graduate Economics courses, including a master's essay course. The maximum time normally permitted for students to satisfy these requirements is three years.
2. The 26 credit hours in graduate courses consist of the following:
  1. 11 credit hours in core courses, which shall normally be completed in the first term of the program: Economics 6000, 6001, 6002, and 6009;
  2. 12 credit hours in other courses selected from those offered by the Department;
  3. Masters Essay course: Economics 6999. Normally, all other required graduate courses must be completed before the essay.
3. The master's essay, Economics 6999, must be in the area relating to the courses taken by the student. Students will be assigned a Supervisor, who will approve the topic; the essay will be graded by the Supervisor and one other member of the Department. The essay must be completed during the semester in which the student is registered in Economics 6999. During that time, students may be required to give a Departmental seminar on their essays.
Thesis Option
1. The thesis option consists of 20 credit hours and a thesis. The thesis will consist of a comprehensive study in the area of the student's field courses. The thesis must embody systematic research and demonstrate a mastery of economic principles and their application. Thesis work will be completed under a Supervisor from the Department.
2. The thesis must normally be completed within the two years following completion of 20 required credit hours, which must include Economics 6000, 6001, 6002, and 6009.
3. The thesis will normally be evaluated internally and in accordance with the requirements of the School of Graduate Studies.