Supervisors
Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.
Please note: additional supervisors may be available. Contact the program for more information.
Program overview
This Economics PhD program is fast becoming one of the most sought-after in the country. Key to this growing reputation is the quality and diversity of our faculty and our research. Our researchers publish in leading academic journals, showcasing expertise in climate change, international trade, energy policy and more. Our curriculum is on par with leading economics graduate programs in Canada, but our smaller program size (accepting six to 12 applicants a year) means our students get a greater level of guidance and support from faculty members, unprecedented access to guest lecturers and experts, and more opportunities to pursue their research interests. The placement record of our recent PhDs is undeniable evidence of how strong this program has become.
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. We are also home to a federal data centre, so students can apply directly for their own research agendas.
Completing this program
- Core Courses: Two courses each in econometrics, microeconomic theory and macroeconomic theory.
- Candidacy: Students must submit a second-year research paper, complete comprehensive exams and submit a thesis proposal.
- Additional Courses: May include international trade, energy, labour, regulatory, financial or public economics, research methods, other topics.
- Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.
Outcomes
Regulatory agencies, central banks, international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund, financial services industry, universities.
A PhD in economics is usually considered a final degree.
Thesis-based program
Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.
Courses
Six core courses and six electives
Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar
Classroom delivery
Time commitment
Five years full-time; six years maximum
Supervisor
A supervisor is required, but is not required prior to the start of the program
Fees and funding
See the Graduate Calendar for information on fees and fee regulations, and for information on awards and financial assistance.
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Accepting InquiriesIndustrial Organization -
Accepting InquiriesStructural Econometrics, Political Economy, Empirical Microeconomics -
Accepting InquiriesBehavioural and Experimental Economics, Political Economy -
Accepting Inquiries -
UnavailablePublic Economics
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Accepting InquiriesLabor Economics, Public Economics, Innovation and Productivity, Urban Economics
Admission requirements
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
An MA degree in Economics or equivalent, with a high level of proficiency in Microeconomic Theory, Macroeconomic Theory, and Econometrics. Students may be required to upgrade their knowledge in those fields if courses were taken more than five years ago.
Work samples
None
Documents
- The Department of Economics does not require GRE scores for admission purposes. However, the Department of Economics Admissions Committee would encourage students to submit the GRE. To clarify, an offer of admission can go through without a GRE test having been taken, or a score submitted, so long as all other required documents are submitted.
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) score of 86 with no section less than 20 (Internet-based).
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 with no section less than 6.0 (Academic version).
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 59, or higher (academic version).
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 with no section less than 60.
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of B+ in each course.
Deadlines
For admission on September 1:
- Canadians and permanent residents: Jan. 5 application deadline
- International students: Jan. 5 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
Department of Economics
Social Sciences Building, Room 454
618 Campus Place NW
Calgary, ABT2N 1N4
Faculty of Arts
University of Calgary
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4
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