Master of Arts (MA) in Economics - Water

The program information below was valid for the spring 2022 term (May 1, 2022 - August 31, 2022). This is the archived version; the most up-to-date program information is available through the current Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

The Graduate Studies Academic Calendar is updated 3 times per year, at the start of each academic term (January 1, May 1, September 1). Graduate Studies Academic Calendars from previous terms can be found in the archives.

Students are responsible for reviewing the general information and regulations section of the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

Program information

  • Admit term(s) 
    • Fall
  • Delivery mode 
    • On-campus
  • Length of program 
    • This research paper program can be completed in three to four terms.
  • Program type 
    • Collaborative
    • Master's
    • Research
  • Registration option(s) 
    • Full-time
  • Study option(s) 

Admission requirements

  • Minimum 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.
  • Application materials 
    • Supplementary information form
    • Transcript(s)
  • References 
    • Number of references:  2
    • Type of references: 

      academic
  • English language proficiency (ELP) (if applicable)

Degree requirements

    Master's Research Paper option:

  • Graduate Academic Integrity Module (Graduate AIM)
  • Courses 
    • Students must complete 8 courses (6 required and 2 elective) in the following sequence:
    • Fall term (year 1)
      • ECON 600 Mathematics for Economists
      • ECON 601 Microeconomic Theory I
      • ECON 606 Research Methodology
      • ECON 621 Econometrics I
      • 1 elective course
    • Winter term (year 1)
      • ECON 602 Macroeconomic Theory I
      • ECON 622 Applied Microeconometrics I or ECON 623 Applied Macroeconometrics I
      • 1 elective course
    • Water core courses:
      • WATER 601 Integrated Water Management
      • WATER 602 Integrated Water Management Project
    • Normally, students must complete all of their required courses in the first two terms. Fall term: ECON 600, ECON 601, ECON 606 and ECON 621. Winter term: ECON 602, and ECON 622 or ECON 623.
    • Either WATER 601 or WATER 602 can be used to replace 1 of the required ECON elective courses.
    • Students will be required to maintain a cumulative average of 70% at the end of each term. Students who do not meet this average will be required to withdraw.
    • Students are allowed to take 1 elective outside of the Department of Economics, with the approval of the Graduate Advisor.
    • All electives (ECON or otherwise) must be 600, 700, 800 or 900 level graduate courses.
    • This degree is offered through the Collaborative Water Program. This program, jointly offered by a range of departments across several academic faculties, promotes the development of interdisciplinary perspectives on water. Collaborative Water Program students complete their specialist training in their respective home departments, while working with colleagues from a variety of other departments in core interdisciplinary courses (WATER 601 and WATER 602).
  • Link(s) to courses
  • Collaborative Research Seminar I
    • Students are required to present a seminar on their thesis or major paper research proposal and, if appropriate, early stage results to current and past Water students and Water Institute faculty members. Seminars will normally occur following the completion of WATER 601 and WATER 602. Seminars will provide the opportunity for students to discuss how learnings from Water courses were applied in, or influenced, research proposals or research work in the student’s home department. Seminars will normally be poster presentations at Water Institute organized events. The seminar is not an oral examination of the thesis or paper; rather, its purpose is to develop the student's ability to communicate their research in an organized and informative manner.
  • Master’s Research Paper
    • A 2 course equivalent requiring an in-depth study of a topic approved by the Department (to be completed in the spring term of year 1).
Department of Economics website
Master of Arts (MA) in Economics - Water future students program page