Economics

The Bachelor of Arts in Economics at the University of Calgary offers students a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental principles that govern individual and collective economic decision-making. This program is designed to equip students with a solid understanding of microeconomic and macroeconomic theories, economic analysis, and quantitative methods essential for understanding and addressing real-world issues. Through rigorous coursework, students develop critical thinking skills, analytical abilities, and a broad perspective on economic theories and their applications in various sectors including government, business, and non-profit organizations. The program emphasizes empirical research, data analysis, and policy evaluation, preparing graduates for careers in economic research, policy analysis, finance, and consulting, or for further studies in graduate or professional schools. Students have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as international economics, public economics, or development economics, allowing for tailored academic experiences aligned with their career interests. The curriculum integrates theoretical models with practical applications, incorporating current economic challenges and trends such as globalization, technological change, income inequality, and environmental sustainability. The university’s strategic location in Calgary, a major economic hub, provides students with valuable internship and employment opportunities within the energy sector, financial services, and government agencies. The program also encourages students to participate in research projects, seminars, and conferences, fostering a vibrant academic community. Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Economics are well-prepared to contribute analytical insights and strategic solutions in diverse professional environments, or to pursue advanced degrees in economics, business, public policy, or related disciplines. The program’s flexible structure accommodates students’ individual interests and career goals, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a robust and versatile education in economics at the University of Calgary.

Students can expect to complete the Economics PhD program in between four and six years depending on their academic background. The first two years of the PhD program focus on formal coursework and associated milestones. Completion of no less than twelve semester long graduate level courses, including core courses in Microeconomics (Econ 707, 757), Macroeconomics (Econ 709, 759) and Econometrics (Econ 615, 715) is required.

Upon completion of the required coursework students are expected to undertake an oral candidacy examination following which the remainder of the program is devoted to original research and the associated production of a formal dissertation.

The typical program and associated milestones are itemized below:

• Prior to the Fall Semester (first year): Students are encouraged to attend a week long “Block Week” course in mathematical economics. This course is intended to be a combination refresher and primer for formal mathematical techniques used at the graduate level in both core micro and macroeconomics courses. This is a non-credit course and no formal grades are assigned.
• Fall Semester (first year): Students are required to register in core Microeconomic Theory (Econ 707) and Macroeconomic Theory (Econ 709) courses. Typically, students will also register in a single field course in the fall term.
• Note: The department suggests that students register for only 3 courses in the first year fall term due to the workload associated with the required core Micro and Macroeconomics theory courses.
• Winter Semester (first year): Students are required to register in Advanced Microeconomic theory (Econ 757), Advanced Macroeconomics (Econ 759) and Advanced Econometrics (Econ 715).
• Spring and Summer Semesters (first year): The first year spring term is devoted to preparation for and completion of the required Field of Study Examinations in Micro and Macro Theory. These exams are generally set for in May. Students who fail to pass a comprehensive exam on the first sitting are allowed to re-take one or both comprehensive exams in August.
• Fall semester (second year): Students are required to register in field courses of their choice. At this stage, students should begin to work on a paper to satisfy the department’s second-year research paper requirement. This involves writing a research paper in their field(s) of specialization.
• Winter semester (second year): Students typically register in three field courses of their choice, satisfying the remainder of their coursework requirements. (Completion of the required twelve semester long courses must occur before the student can sit for the thesis proposal oral examination described below).
• Spring and Summer semester (second year):  The spring and summer of the second year are devoted to the research paper requirement. A research proposal for the paper together with a declaration of a supervisor needs to be submitted by May 15th of the second year.
• Third Year The final version of the second year research paper must be submitted by end of October of the third year.  Following completion of the paper requirement, students must sit for an oral candidacy exam by January of the third year (after 28 months in the program). Students entering the program without prior credit for Econ 657,659 and 615 can apply for an extension, in which case the deadline is 36 months.
• Post Candidacy Outside an expectation that students will regularly participate in department seminars and workshops, students are left to pursue dissertation related research under supervision. Following completion of the dissertation, students are required to sit for a formal oral defence of the dissertation.

Requirements

• A Master of Arts degree in Economics or its equivalent, with a high level of proficiency in Microeconomic Theory, Macroeconomic Theory and Econometrics.
• The minimum GPA requirement for the PhD program is 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 in the student's completed MA program.
• Once students have been admitted to a graduate program at the University of Calgary, they must maintain a B average to remain in the program.  Students receiving less than a B-on any course, or more than one mark below a B- may be asked to leave the program. 
• Three letters of reference.
• Two original copies of all post-secondary transcripts.
• Two original copies of your Certificate of Graduation (if your university transcripts do not identify that your degree has been awarded).
• An application fee of CDN $125 for national students and CDN $145 for international students. 
• The minimum total score on the new Internet based TOEFL is 80.  The minimum paper based score is 550 and computer based score is 213.  The IELTS will be accepted in lieu of TOEFL. The minimum IELTS requirement is 7.0.

Scholarships

• Queen Elizabeth II Scholarships
• Graduate Research Scholarships (GRS)

Economics at the University of Calgary offers undergraduate and graduate programs designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of economic principles, analytical tools, and real-world application skills. The undergraduate Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Commerce degrees in Economics focus on developing students' abilities to analyze economic issues, interpret data, and understand the functioning of markets and economies both globally and locally. These programs combine coursework in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and various electives that allow students to specialize or broaden their knowledge in areas such as financial economics, development economics, or resource and environmental economics.

The university emphasizes hands-on learning through research projects, internships, and collaboration with industry and government agencies. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including computer labs equipped with econometric software, and opportunities for participating in seminars, workshops, and conferences that enhance their educational experience. The faculty members are distinguished researchers and practitioners dedicated to high-quality teaching and mentoring. Graduate programs, including Master's and Ph.D. degrees, prepare students for careers in academia, policy analysis, consulting, and the public sector. These advanced programs focus on developing rigorous quantitative and theoretical skills, with research opportunities that contribute new insights to economic theory and policy.

The Department of Economics at the University of Calgary is also committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within its academic community, offering support services, including academic advising, peer mentoring, and career counseling. Internationally recognized research centers affiliated with the university provide students and faculty with platforms for collaborative research on contemporary economic issues such as energy markets, environmental sustainability, and regional economic development. Graduates of the program often find employment in government agencies, financial institutions, consulting firms, or pursue further studies in top international universities.

Overall, the Economics program at the University of Calgary prepares students to understand complex economic systems, think critically about policy issues, and develop innovative solutions to economic challenges. The university's strong connections to Calgary’s diverse economy—one of Canada’s most dynamic—allow students to gain relevant experience and build professional networks that facilitate future career success.