MA program
Why MA in Economics at UVic?
- One-on-one supervision in your area of research interest
- Explore any subfield of economics including: environmental, resource and climate change; labour economics, economics of indigenous people, development economics, finance and applied econometrics
- Co-op option offers paid employment experience in government and industry
- Flexible MA program can be completed in a minimum of 12 months (without co-op)
- Financial assistance assessed automatically for each applicant
- Exceptional career placement record
- Join a strong and connected network of alumni in government and industry
For information on admission, check out our FAQs.
General program requirements
Extended essay-based option
Thesis-based option
Completed MA essays and theses
For a listing of completed MA essays and theses, please see the links below.
Co-operative education
Our co-operative (co-op) education is optional and provides you with the opportunity to take term-long paid employment with public and private sector employers. This provides an excellent opportunity to integrate professional experience with your degree program and obtain additional financial support.
Co-op placement is competitive and requires submission of applications and participation in interviews. Flexibility regarding job location and work setting may increase your chance of placement.
Degree completion and graduation
Degrees are granted during the November and June Convocations. To obtain your degree and graduate you must meet the following requirements:
- Apply to Graduate
- Completed all course requirements
- Passed oral defense
- Submitted final copy of the thesis or extended essay
- Zero outstanding fees owed to the university
WANT MORE?
Faculty of Graduate Studies graduate requirements and deadlines
Ready for final submission to UVicSpace? (thesis-based option only)
What you need to know about Convocation
MA student FAQs
What are the differences between the essay and thesis options?
In general, the main differences between the essay and thesis options are the number of required electives to complete, the amount of research required, and future career direction.
The extended essay option is an independent research project, generally shorter in length in comparison to the thesis, and requires completion of five elective courses. This option is suitable for those aiming for careers in the public and private sectors.
The thesis option is for those interested in completing research at a more advanced level, generally longer in length in comparison to the essay and requires completion of four elective courses. This option is suitable for those aiming for careers in academia.
Can I take courses outside my MA program?
As an MA student you are able to take a maximum of two courses outside your program with permission from your supervisor and graduate advisor. Courses may be selected from graduate level courses outside the department or 400-level economics courses. Completion of a Graduate Registration form is required. Please submit the form to the graduate program assistant.
I intend to defend, how far in advance do I need to notify the graduate program assistant?
For MA extended essays, at least 10 working days prior to your tentative defense date.
For MA theses, at least 25 working days prior to your tentative defense date. The defense date must allow at least 20 working days for the graduate program assistant to submit the Request for Oral Examination form to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
What are my options for taking a leave of absence from the program?
There are three types of Leave of Absence with Permission:
- Medical: a student is suffering from illness or injury
- Compassionate: a student is suffering personal or family affliction
- Parental: a student is expecting a child, and/or has primary responsibility for the care of a child immediately prior to or following birth or an adoption
Leave of absences with permission require completion of the Graduate Academic Concession form. Please submit the form and supporting documentation to the graduate program assistant. Time taken on a Leave of Absence with Permission is not included in the time limit for completion of the degree and will be adjusted accordingly.
Personal leave of absence is also available and is normally arranged through the UVic MyPage portal before the course add deadline. If after the add deadline a Graduate Academic Concession form will need to be submitted to the graduate program assistant. Personal leave of absences will be counted towards your time limit for completion.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the above information, prospective students are urged to consult the latest University of Victoria Calendar, or contact the Graduate Program Assistant in the Department of Economics.