The application portal opens on November 15th and closes on January 31st.
Learn more about the graduate studies application process and how to apply.
The minimum academic requirements for admission into the MA program is Honours BA in Economics. The university requires entering Master’s students to have maintained a B+ average in courses (relevant to the Master’s program they are entering) during the final two years of their undergraduate programs.
- Advanced microeconomics and macroeconomics courses (that is, at least one course in each beyond the full-year intermediate courses). The equivalent courses at McMaster are ECON 4T03 and ECON 4TT3.
- One upper-level (3rd year or above) university statistics or econometrics course, with econometrics preferred. The equivalent course at McMaster is ECON (3EE3).
- Please note: If you only have a 3 year undergraduate degree, it will not be equivalent to an Honours BA. You are advised to take a year of 4th year courses or a one year MA and then consider applying again. If you do to choose to apply with just the 3 year there is no guarantee of admission.
However, a minor in Economics may also be acceptable, as the program is open to students who do not have an economics major but who have sufficient training in economics, mathematics and statistics (e.g., students with a minor in economics).
In order for your online application to be considered complete, please ensure the following items have been uploaded prior to submission:
- Letters of reference
- Scanned copies of official transcripts – official transcripts are required only when offer has been made and accepted.*
- Statement of interest
- CV (curriculum vitae)
- Fee payment
- English proficiency requirements (if applicable). Originals sent directly to the Department of Economics.*
A student whose native language is not English, and who has not completed an English-language degree in a predominantly English-speaking country, must submit a TOEFL or IELTS (Academic) score. The minimum acceptable TOEFL score for the Dept of Economics is 580 (237 on the computerized exam; 92 iBT); the minimum acceptable IELTS score is 6.5 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each category.
*If your transcript states the medium of instruction was English or you submit a letter with your application from the University stating your medium of instruction was English then that will waive your ELP requirement and a test result will not be required.
Please note if you submit a score lower than 6.5, your application will not be reviewed. It is imperative that you meet the testing requirements noted above.
Two Letters of Reference
Applicants are required to provide the names and contact information of two academic references. These references are to come from instructors most familiar with your academic work. Referees will be contacted via our electronic referencing system, references uploaded by the applicant will not be accepted. If a referee is unable to use the electronic referencing system they may email to econgrd@mcmaster.ca.
Academic Transcripts
Applicants must provide one official transcript of academic work completed to date once offer has been accepted sent directly from the issuing institution.
Statement of Interest
All applicants must provide a one-page statement (12pt font, single-space, one inch margins) explaining why you would like to pursue the MA in Economics at McMaster University.