No, as a minimum, a standard Canadian entrant into our PhD program will have a Master degree in economics from a recognized university and will have maintained B+ average in their master’s study.

There is no separate application process for transfer applicants. Students who are currently in other doctoral programs should apply to the PhD program normally. Once accepted, the Department may then deem it appropriate to give them credits for courses or comprehensive exams already taken.

Typically teaching assistant positions are awarded to students at the time of admission. Research assistant positions are generally awarded to upper year students by individual faculty members.

Yes, undergraduate grades as well as Master’s grades factor into admission into the PhD program.

There are no specific requirements for a writing sample. However, applicants are encouraged to submit a piece that best showcases their skills and abilities.

While the Department of Economics offers courses in many related interdisciplinary fields that you can take while pursuing your PhD, we do not offer specialized degrees. With such a large variety of course options available, you will likely find courses that suit your interests. If you are interested in taking a PhD in Health Policy, please consider the Health Policy PhD program offered by the Department of Health Sciences.

No, a GRE exam is not required for any of the graduate programs in the Department.

Offers of admission are normally sent out mid-March to mid-May.

No, part-time study is not available for new/incoming students. After the first two years of study, when all comprehensive exams are complete, it may be possible to switch to part time studies.

Yes, you can, however if you are accepted into the program, you will be asked to provide an up-to-date, official transcript and proof of graduation.

Once you are accepted into the program, you will be asked to provide an official transcript, sent directly from the issuing institution in a signed and sealed envelope or via email to econgrd@mcmaster.ca.

We will review your application only when your documents are complete. We strongly recommend you check your application portal periodically to make sure there are no pending recommendation letters needed. We will send email reminders to both you and your referees to submit the letters as soon as possible.

Applications will not be reviewed until they are complete, and all official documentation has been received by the Department.

The Department of Economics does not postpone or carry forward applications.

While reference letters can be used to supplement referee information, all referees will also be asked to complete a form online and may include questions specific to individual graduate programs.

All applicants must provide a one-page statement (12pt font, single-space, 1-inch margins) explaining why you would like to pursue the PhD degree.

Official documentation must be sent by the Institution via a signed/sealed envelope to the address below. Alternately, Universities can send the official transcript via PDF to our email address econgrd@mcmaster.ca

Graduate Program,
Department of Economics (KTH-426),
McMaster University
1280 Main St. W.
Hamilton, ON L8S 4M4

The Department of Economics does not pre-screen potential applicants.