Economics in Canada

Economics is the science describing the production and distribution of wealth. Business Economics provides you with a background in both economics and commerce, with special emphasis in economics, so as to prepare you for the world of business, finance, and public service.

Economics has two streams in the graduate program: Economics and Econometrics, which places greater emphasis on theory (micro and macro), mathematics and statistical methods, and Economics and Society, which places greater emphasis on how the distribution of wealth and power affects the socioeconomic and physical environment. The graduate program in the Economics and Econometrics stream requires students to take more core courses in theory, mathematics and statistics, while the Economics and Society stream is more individually tailored to the student’s research. Applicants to the graduate program in Economics apply to one stream, and are not considered for admission to the other stream. Applicants who wish to specialize in Agricultural Economics must apply to the Economics and Econometrics stream. All other applicants are advised to carefully check admission and program requirements to decide which stream provides the best fit. For more information on each stream please visit the Graduate Calendar.

Economics offers expertise in a variety of fields including industrial organization, labour, economic measurement, economic history, macroeconomics, public policy, and international trade and finance development, as well as resource, health, and transitional economics. You may select a Minor, Major, or Honours program in Economics, as well as Combined Major programs in Economics and Political Science, Economics and Philosophy, Economics and Statistics, or Economics and Mathematics.

Economics examines the behaviour and interactions of consumers, labour, business, government and organizations.

Gain highly sought skills and in-depth knowledge about the economy that are applicable to various careers in a wide range of sectors including finance, governmental organizations and international agencies.

The Department of Economics offers a course-based Master of Arts program, a course-based Master of Arts program with a specialization in Economics and Finance and a thesis-based PhD program.

Areas of study in Economics include but are not limited to Applied Econometrics, Economic Development, Environmental and Resource Economics, Financial Economics, Industrial Organization, International Economics, Labor Economics, Macroeconomics, Monetary Economics, and Public Economics. The Department does not guarantee that each of these fields will be offered in any given year.

As an economist, you will delve deeply into the world of numbers to provide analysis that will help propel your organization forward, whether you're working for Bombardier or the World Bank. Harnessing the power of statistics and mathematics to tackle economic problems such as interest and tax rates, budget deficits, and sustainable growth, you will be in a position to grapple with challenges that stand to have real-world stakes and impact.

As you acquire the expertise to use the tools of econometrics and economic theory, you may choose to focus on any aspect of economics or acquire a broad background in the discipline. You will also have the option of completing a series of paid internships through the Co-op program, putting you in a position to be job-market ready upon graduation.  

Designed with input from renowned Canadian economists and business leaders, this program features extensive opportunities for one-on-one interaction with professors, program co-ordinators and fellow students. Combining rigorous analytical training with an empirical orientation, the MA program produces graduates who excel as researchers and managers at national and international organizations. PhD graduates become highly qualified economists with the analytical and empirical expertise required to succeed in the global economy.

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.