¶¡ÏãÔ°AV

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To view the current Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar.html

| ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Calendar | Summer 2023

Economics

Master of Arts

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.

¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the university admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV 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

ECON 798 - Introduction to Mathematical Economics (4) *

Applications of static optimization techniques, matrix algebra, differential and difference equations in economic models. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

ECON 802 - Microeconomic Theory I (4)

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.

ECON 835 - Econometrics (4)

An introduction to econometric theory. Applications of econometric methods to both time series and cross-section data. Offered once a year. Prerequisite: ECON 435 and ECON 798.

ECON 836 - Applied Econometrics (4)

A 'hands-on' course in implementing econometric techniques for empirical investigation of economic issues. Prerequisite: ECON 835 or equivalent.

and one of

ECON 807 - Macroeconomic Theory and Policy (4)

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.

ECON 808 - Macroeconomic Theory (4)

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

ECON 899 - MA Research Paper (4)

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
Chris Bidner
May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Wed, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby

Project Option

and three graduate elective ECON courses**

and a project

ECON 999 - MA Project (10)

Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

Thesis Option

and two graduate elective ECON courses**

and a thesis

ECON 991 - MA Thesis (18)

Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
TBD

*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.