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.
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Supervisors
Learn about the faculty available to supervise this degree in the faculty directory. For further details, please contact the program directly.
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
Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are not required for admission however the program strongly encourages PhD applicants to supply their GRE scores. Both admission and funding are highly competitive, and we do use these scores to help make difficult decisions. There is no substitute for the GRE. Applicants should score at least 155 in the Quantitative Section and at least 3.5 in the Analytical Writing Section.
Note: Students who have obtained a degree at a Canadian University are not expected to submit GRE results but are also encouraged to do so. The GRE School Code is 0813 and Department Code is 1801.
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).
*Please contact your program of interest if you have any questions about ELP requirements.
Deadlines
For admission on September 1:
- Applications open: October 1
- Canadians and permanent residents: January 5 application deadline
- International students: January 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
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