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Economics
The Department of Economics offers a master of arts (MA) that provides training in a wide range of theoretical, empirical, and policy-related fields. The program is designed to prepare students for a career in the public or private sector, or to pursue further studies in a PhD program.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the university admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the SFU Calendar.
Program Requirements
This program has three options and consists of course work and either a thesis, research project, or research paper, for a minimum of 30 units.
Students complete all of
Applications of static optimization techniques, matrix algebra, differential and difference equations in economic models. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
An examination of the economic theory of market prices with reference to behavior of individual households, firms, and markets. Special emphasis will be placed on the implications of individual behavior for the allocation of resources. Prerequisite: ECON 331. Offered once a year.
A 'hands-on' course in implementing econometric techniques for empirical investigation of economic issues. Prerequisite: ECON 835 or equivalent.
and one of
An examination of basic macroeconomic theory, empirical macroeconomic data and models, macroeconomic analysis, and application to economic developments and policy issues. Prerequisite: ECON 798 or equivalent. Offered once a year.
An analysis of current theories of aggregate economic behavior. Topics covered in this course may include long-run growth, dynamic general equilibrium models, and business cycle analysis. Students with credit ECON 805 may not take this course for further credit.
Course Option
and four graduate elective ECON courses**
and a research paper
The student will write an original research paper in their field of interest. The paper can be empirical or theoretical, in any field of economics, but it should make an original contribution to knowledge. Prerequisite: ECON 802, 807 (or 808), 835, and 836 (or 837).
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 |
Chris Bidner |
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Project Option
and three graduate elective ECON courses**
and a project
Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
Thesis Option
and two graduate elective ECON courses**
and a thesis
*ECON 798 is not required if a grade acceptable to the graduate program committee has been obtained in equivalent courses. An undergraduate course can be used with the approval of the graduate program committee.
**The elective courses are graduate courses from Economics or, with permission of the graduate program chair, graduate courses in other subjects.
Program Length
Students are expected to complete the program requirements in three terms for the course option, four terms for the project option, and five terms for the thesis option.
Other Information
Research and Oral Examination
The thesis and project must meet the standards set out in the Graduate General Regulations (see 1.9). An oral examination is required covering the students' written research in particular, and program in general, as outlined in the Graduate General Regulations.
Co-operative Education
This optional program provides work experience that complements MA studies. MA students in good standing with a minimum 3.0 CGPA may apply to co-op. The program consists of one or two separate work terms. Arrangements are made through the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences co-op co-ordinator during the first term of study (see Co-operative Education). To participate, prior approval from the graduate chair in the department of economics is required.
Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations
All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.