MA Economics and Finance
Future You will Unlock Possibilities.
The Master of Arts in Economics and Finance provides students with rigorous training in economic theory, finance, and econometrics. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers in economic analysis, banking, finance, policy analysis, and consulting in either the public or private sector. The program also provides a strong foundation for students wishing to pursue doctoral studies in economics or finance.
The program can be completed via coursework or a major research project. 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 and Finance research projects to see what other students have done.
- 8-12 months
- Program length
- Top 6%
- of the world's business schools - AACSB Accredited
- Every September
- Program start date
MA Economics and Finance 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
The program's core courses build a strong foundation in economics and finance. In addition, students can choose electives in finance and/or economics to customize the program according to their interests.
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. 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, corporate finance, and financial econometrics.
The core courses consist of macroeconomics, econometrics, asset pricing and one of corporate finance or microeconomics.
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for admission:
- A 4-year honours degree at the baccalaureate level from a recognized undergraduate program in economics, finance or a related field, normally with a 'B+' average as a minimum.
- Rigorous training in economics and econometrics as demonstrated by prior course work.
- Students must demonstrate familiarity with calculus, optimization, and simple regression analysis through prior course work.
For undergraduates at the University of Guelph, we typically expect ECON*3740 Introduction to Econometrics, ECON*3710 Advanced Microeconomics, and ECON*3810 Advanced Macroeconomics.
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 2026 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.
There are two options to the MA in Economics and Finance (i) by course work, and (ii) by course work and major research paper.
Course based option
You will take a minimum of four credits (eight courses) that include economics and finance core courses and electives. The program can be completed in 8 months (two semesters).
- Four core courses (2.0 credits): Macroeconomic Theory, Econometrics, Asset Pricing, and one of Corporate Finance or Microeconomic Theory.
- Four additional courses (2.0 credits): Students who take corporate finance in the core must take at least one elective course in the subject area of economics. Students who take microeconomic theory in the core must take at least one elective course in the subject area of finance.
Major research project option
You will take a minimum of four credits that include economics and finance core courses, electives and the MRP. The program can be completed in 12 months (three semesters).
- Four core courses (2.0 credits): Macroeconomic Theory, Econometrics, Asset Pricing, and one of Corporate Finance or Microeconomic Theory.
- Two additional courses (1.0 credit): Students who take corporate finance in the core must take at least one elective course in the subject area of economics. Students who take microeconomic theory in the core must take at least one elective course in the subject area of finance.
- Major research projects (1.0 credit): Written in the summer semester, under the supervision of a faculty member.
Meet our students
MA student Kyel Governor and professor Thanasis Stengos discuss the MA Economics and Finance program.