Economics (MA)

Apply now!

Length of program

Full-time: up to 24 months

Mode of delivery

In person

Program consists of:

  • Thesis
  • Coursework
  • Co-op (optional)

Campus

Lethbridge

Intake

Fall

Program description

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. The program is limited to a small number of students to enhance scholastic achievement through close faculty interaction.

This graduate program is normally available only on a full-time basis and is designed to be completed in 24 months or less. Consideration can be given to part-time students under special circumstances.

The program comprises two components. The first component is scheduled for the first year and requires students to take a minimum of five courses. The second component is the thesis project which must be completed by the end of the second year. The details of the program components are:

A) Course Work
Fall semester: ECON 5010 (Microeconomic Theory); ECON 5012 (Macroeconomic Theory); ECON 5960 (Econometric Theory and Applications)
Spring semester: Minimum of two 5xxx level courses of which at least one must be an ECON course.
Course descriptions of courses offered at the University of Lethbridge are available in the course catalogue. You can also view the dynamic schedule on the Registrar's Office website to see what courses are being offered and when.

B) Thesis Project
Graduate students must choose a Supervisor by the end of the fall semester. The Supervisor and the student will then compose a Supervisory Committee. Each graduate student must submit an initial Thesis Proposal to be approved by the Supervisory Committee. The final Thesis Proposal must be submitted by the end of the third semester (summer) for approval by the Supervisory Committee. It is highly recommended that the thesis project be in one of the fields that the student has already done some applied research work during the first year. Regular faculty-student seminars at the department play an important role in the thesis preparation, by providing a forum for new ideas in various fields of economics, and offering opportunities to students to present various components of their thesis.

Frequently Asked Questions


In case of discrepancies between this page and the Graduate Studies Calendar and Course Catalogue, the Graduate Studies Calendar and Course Catalogue shall prevail.

Finding a supervisor

Applicants to the MA Economics program do not need to secure a supervisor before submitting an application. However, you may contact available faculty members to discuss your potential research project. Economics Faculty

Faculty research expertise spans the following areas:

  • international economics
  • development economics, economic growth
  • labour economics
  • economics of education
  • economics of professional sports
  • monetary economics
  • econometrics and applied econometrics
  • Austrian economics
  • economics of agricultural production
  • resource economics and water management
  • economics of innovation, biotechnology, biofuels and health foods
  • public policy

 

Career pathways

Our graduates have gone on the Ph.D. programs in economics as well as working for the Ontario government and for major Canadian banks as financial advisors and managers.

Master’s graduates have numerous career opportunities in industry, non-profit organizations, and the public sector; many pursue further studies at other universities.

Sample areas of employment include:

  • banks/credit unions/caise populaires
  • transportation companies
  • agricultural companies
  • management consulting firms
  • economic research institutions
  • trust companies
  • analysis/forecasting firms
  • insurance companies
  • newspapers
  • financial information firms
  • real estate agencies
  • college teaching
  • international institutions (IMF, World Bank, etc.)
  • stock exchanges
  • international trade companies
  • investment dealers
  • manufacturing firms
  • oil companies
  • computer/telecommunication companies
  • department stores
  • environmental protection agencies
  • labour unions
  • government departments (all levels)
  • utility companies
  • statistical research firms

Further academic study

A number of students who have completed the MA Economics program have furthered their education by pursuing Ph.D. studies at other universities. The University of Lethbridge does not currently offer a Ph.D. program in Economics; however, most of the Economics faculty have contacts with Canadian Ph.D. programs and can assist interested students in the application process.