Economics - Master of Arts (MA) at University of Waterloo

Programme overview

Hone your analytical and problem-solving skills through coursework, research, and practice with the Master of Arts in Economics program. Completed full time-over over 12 months, you’ll take courses from faculty members who are renowned scholars and experts in their fields, and you’ll conduct original research culminating in a master’s research paper. The program will foster your capacity for economic analysis through rigorous instruction in economics theory and econometrics, preparing you for further study at the PhD level or to pursue a successful career in the private sector as an economist, data analyst, policy advisor, economic consultant and many others.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Department: Economics | Duration: 12 months (full-time) | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall (September - December); application deadlines: February 1 (for admission in September); Note: If you are interested in multiple Economics MA programs, please submit one application for the program you are most interested in. You will be considered for other Economics master’s programs if you are not successful in your desired specialization. | Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

What you will study

Study option(s): Master's Research Paper.

Career pathways

The program will foster your capacity for economic analysis through rigorous instruction in economics theory and econometrics, preparing you for further study at the PhD level or to pursue a successful career in the private sector as an economist, data analyst, policy advisor, economic consultant and many others.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

An honours bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with a 75% average. Students must have strong preparation in economics and in the mathematical tools needed to be successful in the program, including the following university-level courses: advanced microeconomics, advanced macroeconomics, advanced econometrics, mathematical economics; as an equivalent two terms of calculus and one term of linear algebra. A GRE score is not required but is recommended for all international students applying to the program.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the courses you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Terms run fall (September to December), winter (January to April) and spring (May to August). Programmes are currently accepting applications for fall 2027; intake terms vary by programme.

Graduate applications are made online through the Graduate Studies Application and the non-refundable application fee is $150 CAD per program, paid in the applicant portal. Deadlines are set by each programme (for example MDSAI part-time: fall January 15, winter July 1). Apply two to four weeks ahead of the programme deadline.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.apply.uwaterloo.ca/apply/

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