Master of Arts (MA)
This intensive, 12-month course of study prepares students for PhD-level study in economics, or to pursue a career as an economic analyst in the public or private sector. MA students complete courses in micro- and macroeconomic theory and econometrics, as well as three economic field courses.
Areas of specialization for the MA are open, subject to the fields of economics represented in the graduate course offerings in any given year and the ability of students to arrange a supervisor. Students interested in an area other than those represented by the graduate course offerings in a given year must secure a supervisor (in the department) to be able to pursue their interests.
Information on how to apply can be found on the Applying for Graduate Studies webpage.
After completing the online application, please complete the course requirement form. [PDF 220KB]
For answers to frequently asked questions, please visit Application Procedures / FAQ.
Length of Program
Eight months of coursework plus completion of thesis (if thesis option is chosen)
Course Choices (availability may vary by year)
- Economic theory
- Econometrics I
- Econometrics II
- Development economics
- Health economics
- International trade
- Theories of Economic Development
- Labour economics I
- Monetary theory
- Resource Economics
- Research Seminar
- From Disaster Relief to Development
- Environmental economics
- Economic Application of Game theory
- Social Policy: Economic issues and Perspectives
- Research Methods: A Graduate course in Applied Econometrics
- Financial Economics
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements can be found in the Graduate Calendar. Entrance requires an Honours BA (or BSc) in Economics (not Business) with an average of at least 75 percent (B+ or 3.3 on a scale where 4.3 is the maximum GPA) at Dalhousie standards in classes in economics and related fields. An Honours degree in Economics is expected to consist of a four-year (i.e., 20 credit) bachelor's degree that includes:
- Introductory micro and macro economics
- Intermediate micro and macro economics
- Advanced micro and macro economics
- Senior economics field courses
- Statistics
- Econometrics
- Linear algebra
- Calculus
- In those cases where a candidate has a three-year degree and a four-year degree honours program was not available, first-class candidates may be considered for admission to a Qualifying Year.
- The Faculty of Graduate Studies sets the minimum admission standards that are required for entry into graduate programs.
- Application forms can be found under Dalhousie admissions for graduate studies.