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McGill.CA / Department of Economics / Graduate Studies

Graduate Programs

On this page: MA (with Research Paper) | MA (with Thesis) | MA (Social Statistics) | MA (Development Studies) | PhD

The Department of Economics offers the following graduate programs:

  • M.A. (Non-Thesis)
  • M.A. (Thesis)
  • M.A. (Social Statistics Option – Non-Thesis)
  • M.A. (Development Studies Option – Non-Thesis)
  • Ph.D

In general, courses and examinations in the M.A. and Ph.D. programs are given in Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Econometrics, and the following fields: Advanced Theory (Mathematical Economics), Economic Development, Economic History, Industrial Organization, International Economics, Health Economics, Labour Economics, Monetary Economics, and Public Finance. In some years, however, some field courses may not be offered. A list of the graduate courses offered in the current academic year is available from the Department's website at Courses.

Refresher Course in Mathematical Methods

Every August, the Department offers a refresher course in mathematical methods covering the basic techniques of calculus and linear algebra. This is not a substitute for courses in calculus and linear algebra. Because instructors will assume the material covered is known to all incoming graduate students, the course is strongly recommended to M.A. and Ph.D. students. Tuition is not assessed and registration for this course is not required. Qualifying Year students may attend.

The Qualifying Year

Graduate applicants who do not have an adequate background in either economics or mathematics may be admitted to the Qualifying Year (QY). QY students take three full-year (September-April) Honours undergraduate level courses:

ECON 250D1/D1 Intro to Econ Theory: Honours; and 
ECON 257D1/D2 Economic Statistics: Honours; and
ECON 352D1/D2 Macroeconomics: Honours;and
either a fourth year-long course or two semester-long courses for a total of 24 credits.

Substitutions for the core economics courses are possible in special cases. Students considered by the admissions committee to have an inadequate mathematics background must take one or two semester-long mathematics courses, most commonly MATH 223 Linear Algebra and multivariable calculus MATH 222 Calculus 3. Students whose ultimate objective is a PhD should take MATH 261 course description not available if they have not already done so.

To enter the MA from the Qualifying year program, a student must earn a GPA of at least a 3.2 in the program approved by the QY academic advisor, and a minimum grade of B in all courses. Where mathematics courses are included in a Qualifying Year student's program, the requirement of a minimum grade of B applies to those courses as well. A student may be in the Qualifying Year program for only one year. Neither the University nor most granting agencies provide financial support for QY students. In all cases, after the completion of a Qualifying Year, an applicant interested in commencing a degree program must apply for admission by the Dates for Guaranteed Consideration.

M.A. Non-Thesis (Research Paper)

Most M.A. students register in the non-thesis option. To work as a professional economist, or to enter a Ph.D. program in Economics, it is essential to understand a range of quite technical material. Completing 8 courses at the M.A. level also permits students to explore several different areas of the discipline. The research paper, as well as essays and projects carried out to complete course requirements, give students the opportunity to develop research skills.

This program requires:

  1. Successful completion of the following courses with a grade in each of at least a B- (65%)
    Six required credits
    • ECON 610 Microeconomic Theory 1
    • ECON 620 Macroeconomic Theory 1
    Eighteen complementary credits which must include either
    • ECON 662D1 Econometrics / ECON 662D2 Econometrics, or
    • ECON 665 Quantitative Methods
    • Econometrics ECON 662D1/ECON 662D2 is strongly recommended
    A minimum of 6 elective credits must be taken in the same field (for example, international economics, or labour economics, or industrial organization). The M.A. advisor must approve the courses that will be considered to satisfy this requirement.
  2. A research paper of about 50 pages in length. The research paper demonstrates the candidate's ability to do independent work at the graduate level in a particular field of economics. Length varies with the subject but papers usually do not exceed 50 pages. Each student must find his/her own supervisor, and typically should first consult with the M.A. advisor. Students should begin to plan the M.A. research paper early in the academic year. In many cases a paper written for a course lays the groundwork for the research paper. A research paper topic is often developed from the course material covered in the student's 6-credit field concentration.
  3. The Non-Thesis program requirement is 45 credits (24 credits course work and 21 credits research paper). An average grade of B (70%) in approved courses is needed for graduation.
  4. Residency requirement for the M.A. degree: Three full-time terms of residency (at least 12 credits) one of which can be the Summer Term. Most students are able to complete the M.A. Research Paper requirements in one calendar year.
  5. A student who fails (receives a grade less than B- or 65%) one graduate course may be asked to withdraw from the M.A. program. The Department may allow the student to write a supplemental examination, re-take the course, or, if the course is not a required course, substitute the failed course with another course. A student who fails two or more courses in the graduate program must withdraw from the M.A. program.

Before submitting the M.A. research paper to the Department for grading, the student should obtain the approval of the supervisor, and must submit the research paper in the format required by the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. The primary and secondary reader will then evaluate the paper, and may require corrections before they assign a final grade. The department requires the paper at least 5 (five) weeks prior to GPS's posted deadline. Please consult the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website for details regarding formatting.

M.A. (Thesis)

This option is designed for students who have a particular interest in one area. Students who are interested in this option should consult both the M.A. advisor and a potential thesis advisor before selecting this option. This is a rarely chosen option that is not recommended by the Department.

The program requires:

  1. Successful completion of the following courses with a grade in each of at least a B- (65%)
    Six required credits
    • ECON 610 Microeconomic Theory 1
    • ECON 620 Macroeconomic Theory 1
    Twelve complementary credits with must include either
    • ECON 662D1 Econometrics / ECON 662D2 Econometrics, or
    • ECON 665 Quantitative Methods
    • Econometrics ECON 662D1/ECON 662D2 is strongly recommended.
    A minimum of 6 elective credits must be taken in the same field (for example, international economics, or labour economics, or industrial organization). The M.A. advisor must approve the courses that will be considered to satisfy this requirement.
  2. Completion of a Master's thesis, the subject of which must be approved by a thesis committee, no more than 12 months after the student enters the M.A. program. Students should begin to plan the M.A. thesis early in the academic year. The M.A. Thesis is rarely an original contribution to knowledge, in the same sense that a doctoral dissertation is expected to be. Its purpose is to demonstrate that the student can design and complete a significant piece of research. The thesis should deal with a well-defined problem, with significant review of previous work. The M.A. thesis manuscript does not normally exceed 100 pages of typescript. Unlike the research report completed under the non-thesis option, an M.A. thesis is examined by an external examiner choosen by the candidate's supervisor and by an internal examiner from the Economics Department. The supervisor no longer grades the thesis -a member from the department is choosen.
  3. The Thesis program requirement is 48 credits (18 credits course work and 30 credits thesis). An average grade of B (70%) in approved courses is needed for graduation.
  4. Residency requirement for the M.A. degree: Three full-time terms of residency, one of which can be the Summer Term. The thesis option can be completed in 12 months, although most students take until December of the second year to finish. Additional session fees are applicable.
  5. A student who fails (receives a grade less than 65%) one graduate course may be asked to withdraw from the M.A. program. The Department may allow the student to write a supplemental examination, re-take the course or, if the course is not a required course, substitute the failed course with another course. A student who fails two or more approved courses in the graduate program must withdraw from the M.A. program.

Please consult Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Office. website for details regarding formatting.

M.A. (Social Statistics Option – Non-Thesis)

This program complements disciplinary training in Economics with research experience in applying statistical methods across the social sciences. Students will normally complete the M.A. Economics program course requirements, with an emphasis on statistical courses, as advised by the Option Advisor and subject to approval by the Economics department. Students will complete a statistics-based M.A. research paper in conjunction with an interdisciplinary capstone seminar ECON 688 Seminar on Social Statistics. For more information on the Social Statistics Program, consult their website.

The program requirements are:

  1. Successful completion of the following courses with a grade in each of at least a B- (65%)
    Required courses in Economic Theory (6 credits)
    • ECON 610 Microeconomic Theory 1
    • ECON 620 Macroeconomic Theory 1
    Required courses in Statistics and Econometrics (12 credits)
    • ECON 662D1 Econometrics / ECON 662D2 Econometrics
    • ECON 688 Seminar on Social Statistics
    6 additional credits of approved courses.
  2. The Research Paper must be on an approved topic related to social statistics.
  3. The Non-Thesis program requirement is 45 credits (24 credits course work and 21 credits research paper). An average grade of B (70%) in approved courses is needed for graduation.
  4. Residency requirement for the M.A. degree: Three full-time terms of residency (at least 12 credits) one of which can be the Summer Term. Most students are able to complete the M.A. Non-Thesis requirements in one calendar year.
  5. A student who fails (receives a grade less than 65%) one graduate course may be asked to withdraw from the M.A. program. The Department may allow the student to write a supplemental examination, re-take the course or, if the course is not a required course, substitute the failed course. A student who fails two or more approved courses in the graduate program must withdraw from the M.A. program.

MA Development Studies Option – Non-Thesis (Research Paper)

The Development Studies Option (DSO) is a cross-disciplinary MA program offered as an option with existing MA programs in the departments of Geography, History, Political Science, Anthropology, Economics and Sociology. Students will take an interdisciplinary seminar and a variety of graduate level courses on international development issues. The research paper must be on a topic relating to development studies, approved by the DSO coordinating committee.

The program requirements are:

  1. Successful completion of the following courses with a grade in each of at least a B- (65%).
    Fifteen required credits
    • ECON 610 Microeconomic Theory 1
    • ECON 620 Macroeconomic Theory 1
    • ECON 634 Economic Development 3
    • ECON 734 Economic Development 4
    • INTD 657 Development Studies Seminar
    Twelve complementary credits which must include either
    • ECON 662D1 Econometrics / ECON 662D2 Econometrics, or
    • ECON 665 Quantitative Methods
  2. The Development Studies Option Non-Thesis program requirement is 45 credits (27 credits course work and 18 credits research paper ECON 650 Research 1, ECON 651 Research 2 + ECON 680 M.A. Report 1, ECON 681 M.A. Report 2, ECON 682 M.A. Report 3, ECON 683 M.A. Report 4. 500 level courses or higher must be related to international development studies to be chosen in consultation with an advisor.
  3. Residency requirement for the MA degree (Development Studies Option): Three full-time (at least 12 credits) terms of residency, one of which can be the summer term. Most students are able to complete the MA Non-thesis DSO requirements in one calendar year.
  4. A student who fails (receives a grade less than a B- or 65%) one graduate level course may be asked to withdraw from the MA program. The Department may allow a student to write a supplemental examination, re-take the course, or, if the course is not a required course, substitute the failed course with another course.
  5. A student who fails two or more courses (including the supplemental examination) must withdraw from the MA program.

Ph.D

The Ph.D program is normally open only to holders of an M.A. in Economics. Successful completion of the McGill M.A. does not automatically qualify students for admission to the PhD. McGill M.A. students must make formal application to the Graduate Admissions Committee. McGill M.A. students hoping to enter the McGill Ph.D program should take

ECON 610 Microeconomic Theory 1,
ECON 611 Microeconomic Theory 2,
ECON 620 Macroeconomic Theory 1,
ECON 621 Macroeconomic Theory 2, and
ECON 662D1/D2 Econometrics.

Candidates admitted to the "Ph.D 2" year must satisfy four requirements: 1) coursework; 2) the Ph.D Written Comprehensive examination; 3) the "third field"; and 4) the dissertation and oral defense. Students with an outstanding academic record, but without an M.A. in Economics, may be admitted to the "Ph.D 1" year. They must complete the course work for the M.A. Non-Thesis option before proceeding to Ph.D 2.

Coursework: Students entering the Ph.D 2 year will be required to take up to 12 graduate level courses over two years of study. The immediate aims of coursework at the Ph.D level are to prepare students to be able to pass their comprehensive exams, to help them find a thesis topic and to give them the necessary skills to undertake research on their thesis.

Ph.D Comprehensive Examinations: Written examinations in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and two fields. Students must sit at least two examinations during the same examination period. All Ph.D 2 students take their Macroeconomic and Microeconomic Theory Comprehensive examinations at the end of the year in late May/early June. If they fail either of the two (or both), they would re-do them in August of the same year. In such circumstances the grade of HH (to be continued) will be used. In the event of a second failure, a grade of F will be reported to the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and the student will be asked to withdraw from the University. The comprehensive exams are denoted by ECON 799D1 Ph.D.Comprehensive Examination / ECON 799D2 Ph.D.Comprehensive Examination. Students register only once for the comprehensives.

Third field: In addition to the two fields examined in the comprehensives, a third field is required. As noted above, however, it is satisfied by course requirements. Use of econometrics as the third field requires two courses at the 700 level over and above ECON 662D1 Econometrics / ECON 662D2 Econometrics.

Failure policy: A student will be required to withdraw from the University if he/she has two course failures or two comprehensive failures. A course failure is a failure to achieve the graduate passing grade of B- in (i) any course; (ii) any supplemental exam associated with a course; (iii) a re-taking of a course. Each instance is deemed to be a new failure, even if the second instance is in a supplemental associated with the same course as the initial failure. A comprehensive exam failure is a failure to achieve the passing grade in (i) the macro/micro comprehensive exam or (ii) either of the two field comprehensive exams. Each instance is deemed to be a new failure, even if a second instance is in the same exam as the initial failure. Notice that as long as the Macro/Micro comprehensive exams are taken during the same comprehensive exam period, i.e., either in May/June or August, they are considered a single exam and therefore failing one or both of them will be considered as a single failure. See this webpage for course failure and comps failure webpage

Dissertation and oral defense: As soon as possible, and no later than six months after passing their comprehensive exams, doctoral students must provide the Graduate Director with a dissertation proposal signed by two members of the Department willing to serve as members of the thesis committee. Committee members work closely with the student during the writing of the thesis. Ph.D students who have completed their comprehensive exams are normally expected to participate in ECON 770 PhD Research Seminar 1 and ECON 771 PhD Research Seminar 2 courses for Ph.D students.

About 2-4 weeks before the thesis is ready for initial submission, the supervisor should consult with his/her student and identify one or more potential examiners who are qualified to examine the thesis. Initial contact can be made by phone or email, as deemed most efficient. Please consult the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website for details regarding thesis formatting.

Open only to PhD students PhD students who have completed their first year of studies may take select courses at other Montreal universities. More information on joint offerings is available here.

Research Progress Tracking

The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies is instituting a policy of research progress tracking for students in thesis programs. Students and their supervisors are required to complete annual progress reports. For more information, refer to this link.

Students who do not complete the required forms, by department eadlines, are deemed by the Economics Department to not be in good standing. They can expect financial aid to be suspended, and may be subject to other sanctions imposed by the Economics Department or by the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Director of Graduate Studies:
Professor Francisco Alvarez-Cuadrado

Ph.D. Advisor: Professor Licun Xue

M.A. Advisor: Professor Christopher Ragan

M.A. Social Statistics Advisor: TBA

Q.Y. Advisor: Professor Matthieu Chemin

Updated on Mon, 2013-02-25 13:15
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