All applicants must have completed coursework in calculus and linear algebra, as well as advanced coursework in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics.
For the MA program, the Department’s minimum admission requirements are an undergraduate degree in Economics with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework. In addition, applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.2 on all third and fourth year Economics and Mathematics coursework.
For the MA with a specialization in Economics and Finance, the Department’s minimum admission requirements are an undergraduate degree in Economics with an admission GPA of at least 3.5 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.
For the PhD program, the Department’s minimum admission requirements are a Master’s Degree in Economics or equivalent with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework. In addition, applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.2 on all Masters level Economics coursework.
Where applicable, applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency (refer to
). Any one of the following is acceptable:
A TOEFL (Internet-based) score of:
For tests written before January 21, 2026:
92 with a minimum of 21 in each band, or equivalent;
For tests written on or after January 21, 2026:
5 with a minimum of 4.5 in each band, or equilvalent;
A minimum overall band score of 7.0 on IELTS, with at least 6.5 in each band; or
a Cambridge minimum score of 176, with at least 169 on each subscore.
The Department of Economics offers a course-based Master of Arts program, a course-based Master of Arts program with a specialization in Economics and Finance and a thesis-based PhD program. Areas of study in Economics include but are not limited to Applied Econometrics, Economic Development, Environmental and Resource Economics, Financial Economics, Industrial Organization, International Economics, Labor Economics, Macroeconomics, Monetary Economics, and Public Economics. The Department does not guarantee that each of these fields will be offered in any given year. Graduate program guidelines for each offered program are available from the Department.