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MA Financial Economics

  1. U of G Homepage
  2. Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics

Degree

  • MA (Master of Arts)

Program Type

  • Coursework

Delivery

  • On-campus

Entry Terms & Deadlines

  • Fall (September): January 15

Duration

  • Full Time: 8-12 months
  • Part Time: 16-24 months

Admission Average

B+ (77% - 79%)**Additional Requirements
Program Structure

Get Ready to Unlock Possibilities.

The Master of Arts in Financial Economics at the University of Guelph is a rigorous graduate program that provides advanced training in economics, finance, and quantitative analysis. Led by internationally recognized, research-intensive faculty, the program combines analytical depth, quantitative rigor, and close faculty mentorship in a collaborative academic environment. Students gain expertise in economic and financial theory, empirical research methods, and data-driven analysis, equipping them to evaluate complex questions in economic policy and financial markets. Graduates possess the analytical, quantitative, and research skills sought by employers across the financial sector, consulting, government, and data analytics, while also receiving outstanding preparation for doctoral studies at leading universities.

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 Financial Economics research projects to see what other students have done.

Program Highlights

  • Rigorous training in economics, finance, and quantitative analysis
  • Research-intensive faculty publishing in leading journals
  • Small cohorts and close faculty mentorship
  • Coursework and major research project options
  • Graduate in as little as eight months
  • Exceptional value through competitive tuition and graduate funding
  • Strong preparation for professional careers and PhD studies

Building on a Tradition of Graduate Excellence

The MA in Financial Economics combines the strengths of the University of Guelph's established graduate training in economics with specialized expertise in finance and quantitative analysis. Students graduate with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in competitive careers across finance, consulting, government, and research, or to pursue doctoral studies at leading universities.

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Program Brochure
8-12 months
Program length
Top 6%
of the world's business schools - AACSB Accredited
Every September
Program start date

MA Financial 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

The program's core courses build a strong foundation in financial economics. 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 four-year honours Bachelor's degree with at least a B+ average (77-79%) in the field from a recognized post-secondary institution within the last 2 years of the degree. economics, finance or a related field,
    • International applicants should use this guide to compare their academic credentials and determine the grade equivalency needed.
  • An academic background in economics, finance or a related field.
    • Students must demonstrate familiarity with calculus, optimization, and simple regression analysis through prior course work.
    • Rigorous training in economics and econometrics as demonstrated by prior course work is also preferred
    • For undergraduates at the University of Guelph, we typically expect successfully completion of ECON*3740 Introduction to Econometrics, ECON*3710 Advanced Microeconomics, and ECON*3810 Advanced Macroeconomics.
  • Two academic references, with an option for a third.
  • Proof of English proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English. Please note that test scores must be valid for the start of the program
    • Applicants who completed a post-secondary degree from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand may request that this requirement be waived. This request will be reviewed by the graduate selection committee, who may ask for an interview and/or supplementary documentation in their consideration.

A GRE/GMAT is not required.

Fall 2027 admission:

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

An application fee of $125 CAD is payable to the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) directly when submitting your application. This application fee cannot be waived.

Applicants are strongly advised to apply by the above deadline but consideration of qualified applicants may continue past this date.

Graduates of the MA in Financial 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​

Click here for information regarding tuition of the MA Financial Economics program.

Click here for more information about graduate student scholarships.

Are you an international student considering applying to the MA Financial 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

There are two options to the MA in Financial Economics (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 financial economics 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.