Program overview
This course-based program provides students with a strong foundation of theoretical and empirical knowledge. Our faculty members regularly publish work in leading academic journals, showcasing expertise in climate change, international trade, energy policy and more. Our students come from diverse backgrounds; in a typical year, we accept 25 students into our two MA programs (thesis- and course-based), drawing from applicants across Canada and around the world.
Our department is committed to the sharing of fresh ideas, sponsoring conferences and workshops, a weekly seminar series, and the newly established Dr. Frank Anton Distinguished Lecture Series in Economics.
Completing this program
- Core Courses:
- Econometrics, Microeconomic Theory and Macroeconomic Theory.
- Research Paper: Students complete a research paper as a capstone project.
- Research Paper: Students complete a paper on a research project, literature review or a critical analysis of a theoretical or policy problem.
- Additional Courses: May include international trade, energy, labour, regulatory, financial or public economics, research methods, other topics.
- Research Defence: Students defend their research in an open conference and if unsuccessful, students complete a comprehensive written exam.
Outcomes
Government agencies and ministries, energy industry, financial services industry.
A course-based master’s degree in economics is usually considered a final degree, but can also give you the pre-requisite for a PhD.
GPA
A minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.
Minimum education
A four-year degree from a recognized institution, with specific courses: 4 full-course equivalents of economics courses that include equivalents to: Economics 395/495/497 (Econometrics) Economics 387/389 (Math for economists) Economics 557 (Senior Microeconomics) Economics 559 (Senior Macroeconomics) Must have a B average in senior economics courses.
Work samples
None
Documents
None
Reference letters
Three
Test scores
None
English language proficiency (ELP)
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT including TOEFL iBT Home Edition) minimum score of 86 (Internet-based, with no section less than 20).
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 (with no section less than 6.0).
- Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency minimum score of 180.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 59 or higher
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) overall score of 70 (no section less than 60).
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) minimum of B+ in each course.
- Duolingo English Test obtaining a minimum score of 125 (with no sub-score below 105). (temporary until Fall 2024 intake)
Deadlines
For admission on September 1:
- Canadians and permanent residents: Jan. 15 application deadline
- International students: Jan. 15 application deadline
If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements
Learn more about this program
Learn more about UCalgary by taking a virtual tour
Related programs
If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.
Curious about the University of Calgary?
Located in the nation's most enterprising city, we are a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude.