Masters in Economic Policy

Program of Study 

Candidates for the Master of Arts in Economic Policy must complete eight courses. The following five courses are mandatory:

• one course in microeconomics theory for public policy (ECON 727)
• one course in macroeconomic theory for public policy (ECON 728) 
• one course in econometrics (ECON 761 or 6G03 to be determined based on your current training) 
• a sequence of two courses in economic policy analysis (ECON 773 and ECON 774) 

In addition to these compulsory courses, students take three electives. In the Fall term students will choose two electives from  Econ 703, 710, 733, 751, 788 or one from outside the department if they do not want any of these (see the Courses tab below for a list). Those interested in Labour should choose Econ 781 in the Winter term. In the Winter term there is room for only one elective. In the summer, many students look for work placement in a coop position (Econ 796). Please note the department does not offer elective courses in the summer term. Many of these elective courses provide students with an opportunity to undertake a substantial economic project of their own, most commonly but not exclusively, an original empirical economic analysis.  Such work is supported by research facilities affiliated with the department, such as the Secure Empirical Analysis Laboratory (SEAL), the Statistics Canada Research Data Centre (RDC), and the McMaster Experimental Economics Laboratory (McEEL). Students in the M.A. in Economic Policy program who have successfully completed ECON 761 or Econ 6G03 may apply for the WIL stream associated with this degree program.   

Admissions & Applications:

https://gs.mcmaster.ca/how-to-apply/

Portal Opening November 15, 2021

https://gs.mcmaster.ca/apply-now/

Successful applicants will normally have an Honours Bachelor degree in Economics or its equivalent. The university requires entering Master’s students to have maintained a B+ average in courses (relevant to the Master’s program they are entering) during the final two years of their undergraduate programs.

• Please note : If you only have a 3 year undergraduate degree, it will not be equivalent to an Honours BA. You are advised to take a year of 4th year courses or a one year MA and then consider applying again.  If you do to choose to apply with just the 3 year there is no guarantee of admission.

In addition to the regular requirements of the Graduate School, applicants must have, at minimum:

• Two courses in microeconomics theory beyond introductory economics
• Two courses in macroeconomic theory beyond introductory economics
• A university calculus course
• One upper-level (3rd year or above) university statistics or econometrics course, with econometrics preferred

However, a minor in Economics may also be acceptable, as the program is open to students who do not have an economics major but who have sufficient training in economics, mathematics and statistics (e.g., students with a minor in economics).

In order for your online application to be considered complete, please ensure the following items have been uploaded prior to submission:

• Letters of reference
• Scanned Copies of Official Transcripts - **Official transcripts are required only when offer has been made and accepted
• Policy Statement
• Statement of Interest
• C.V. (Curriculum Vitae)
• Fee Payment
• **English proficiency requirements (if applicable)  Originals sent directly to the Department of Economics

A student whose native language is not English, and who has not completed an English-language degree in a predominantly English-speaking country, must submit a TOEFL or IELTS (Academic) score. The minimum acceptable TOEFL score for the Dept of Economics is 580 (237 on the computerized exam; 92 iBT); the minimum acceptable IELTS score is 7.5.  Please note, the minimum requirement for the Dept of Economics is higher than the School of Graduate Studies minimum of 6.5.

**If your transcript states the medium of instruction was English or you submit a letter with your application from the University stating your medium of instruction was English then that will waive your ELP requirement and a test result will not be required.**

Please note if you submit a score lower than 7.5, your application will not be reviewed. It is imperative that you meet the testing requirements noted above.

Two Letters of Reference

A complete application includes two confidential letters of recommendation from instructors most familiar with your academic work. McMaster University uses the Electronic Referencing System. You must enter the email addresses of your referees as part of the on-line application form. The system will automatically send an e-Reference request on your behalf to the referees.

As reference links are sent after your application is submitted, it is highly recommended that you apply at least one week before the January 15^th deadline, as this will allow for references and other documents be received in time.

Academic Transcripts

Applicants must provide one official transcript of academic work completed to date once offer has been accepted sent directly from the issuing institution. 

Policy Statement

Applicants must submit a policy statement that is a maximum of 2 pages single-spaced (1” margins, 12pt font) and that includes the following three components:

• A concise statement of the policy issue
• A description of how economic analysis might contribute to addressing the policy issue
• A statement of how you anticipate that the skills and knowledge gained through the Masters program will enable you to conduct an economic analysis of the policy issue

The statement should include your full name so that we can match it to the rest of your application.

Statement of Interest

All applicants must provide a one-page statement (12pt font, single-space, 1-inch margins) explaining why you would like to pursue the M.A. in Economics at McMaster University.

For more information on this program please visit our FAQ's section for the MA in Economic Policy.

Tuition

Information on Graduate Program fees can be found on the Student Accounts and Cashier's website. To visit this page, click here.

Financial Aid

Internal

Students to whom we offer admission are automatically considered for financial assistance – no special forms need be filled out. Funding is awarded on academic excellence and the availability of funds. Funding is open to all domestic and international students.

External

Information on external scholarship support can be found at the following sites:

• Student Financial Aid and Scholarships
• Canada Graduate Scholarships - Master's Program
• School of Graduate Studies Scholarship Information
• Commonwealth Scholarships