Programs
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MA Economics

Future You will Unlock Possibilities.

Lang's MA in Economics will extend your knowledge and prepare you for various roles within the public and private sectors. 

The program offers a finance specialization for students who wish to focus their studies on finance-based economics. Course-based option: Gain a strong foundation of knowledge through core coursework and explore different topics through electives. Complete your degree in as little as eight months. Major research project option: Gain a strong foundation of knowledge through core coursework while exploring your research interests through an MRP. Complete your degree in one year. View past MA Economics research projects to see what other students have done.

Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics
2
Specializations
Top 6%
of the world's business schools - AACSB Accredited
Every September
Program start date
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MA Economics program at a glance:

  • Program length:  8 months (12 months with MRP option)
  • Program start date: Every September
  • Program delivery: On-campus 
  • Application deadline: occurs in January

Economics specialization

Advancing your knowledge in core economic theory and quantitative methods will prepare you to work in public policy and conduct economic research that will help solve any economic and business problem. Our MA program offers a strong introduction into advanced theoretical coursework and the flexibility to investigate your interests through elective courses.

Financial Economics specialization

Developing extensive financial knowledge and excellent quantitative research skills will enable you to become an expert analyst, understand market trends and risk, and manage financial portfolios. Our MA program features courses in asset pricing, portfolio management and financial econometrics.

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for admission:

The university requires that students have the equivalent of an honours degree at the baccalaureate level. Admission to the MA program requires that students have a solid background in economic theory and econometrics from a recognized undergraduate program. Normally, the Department requires a 'B+' average as a minimum.

Students whose background is not in economics but who are otherwise outstanding should consult the Department of Economics and Finance at the Lang School. Applicants whose background in economics is difficult to evaluate may be granted admission as a provisional graduate student for one semester. If, at the end of the semester, the Department is satisfied with the student's progress, it will recommend to the Assistant Vice-President (Graduate Studies) that the student be transferred to regular graduate student status.

Application deadlines for Fall 2025 admission:

  • January 15 -- submission of the online application form
  • February 1 -- submission of all required supporting documents

Graduates of the MA in Economics program can be found in a range of organizations across Canada and around the world

  • International Monetary Fund, World Bank
  • Statistics Canada
  • Federal Privy Council Office
  • Scotiabank, Bank of Montreal
  • Ontario Ministry of Finance
  • Hydro Québec
  • Ontario Securities Commission
  • Informetrica​

Are you an international student considering applying to the MA Economics program? The digital international student viewbook provides you with an overview of our programs, admission requirements, and supports available for international students at the University of Guelph and Lang.

View Lang's International Student Viewbook

Economics Specialization

Course based

You will take a minimum of four credits that include economics core courses and electives.

  • Three economics core courses (1.5 credits): Microeconomic Theory, Macroeconomic Theory and Econometrics.
  • Five additional courses (2.5 credits), with at least two having a substantial research component totaling 50% or more of the total course grade.

Major research project

You will take a minimum of four credits that include economics core courses, electives and the MRP.

  • Three courses (1.5 credits) making up the economics core component: Microeconomic Theory, Macroeconomic Theory and Econometrics.
  • Three elective courses (1.5 credits).
  • Major research project (1 credit).

Finance Economics Specialization

Course based

You will take a minimum of four credits that include economics core courses, finance core courses and electives.

  • Three courses (1.5 credits) making up the economics core component: Microeconomic Theory, Macroeconomic Theory and Econometrics.
  • Three courses (1.5 credits) making up the finance core component: Financial Economics, Empirical Finance and Financial Econometrics, Security Analysis and Portfolio Management.
  • Two additional courses (1 credit). You are encouraged to take International Finance and/or Money and Banking.

Major research project

You will take a minimum of four credits that include economics core courses, finance core courses and your MRP.

  • Three courses (1.5 credits) making up the economics core component: Microeconomic Theory, Macroeconomic Theory and Econometrics.
  • Three courses (1.5 credits) making up the finance core component: Financial Economics, Empirical Finance and Financial Econometrics, Security Analysis and Portfolio Management.
  • Major research project (1 credit).

Meet our students

MA student Kyel Governor and professor Thanasis Stengos discuss the MA Economics program.

Unlock the Future You

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