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GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Graduate degree programs include the Master of Arts, Master of Development  Economics (MDE), and PhD.

Economics is a social science that employs scientific methods to measure, analyse and interpret people's behaviour related to the production and consumption of goods and services. More broadly, economics is the study of the determinants of well-being, material and otherwise, with constant attention toward improving public policies that affect people's well-being. The economist is knowledgeable not only with the essential subject matter of the discipline but also with a set of analytical tools that sets economics apart from other fields of inquiry.

Graduate study in economics at Dalhousie emphasizes both of these domains — content and methods — in the course of study and research toward a graduate degree.

Master of Arts (MA)

This is an intensive, 12-month course of study that prepares the student for PhD-level study in economics, or to pursue a career as an economic analyst in the public or private sector. MA students complete courses in micro- and macroeconomic theory and econometrics, and two fields of specialization.

Areas of specialization for the MA are open, subject to the fields of economics represented in the graduate course offerings in any given year and the ability of students to arrange a supervisor. Students interested in an area other than those represented by the graduate course offerings in a given year must secure a supervisor (in the Department) to be able to pursue their interests.

Master of Development Economics (MDE)

This is a two-year professional course of study that combines graduate-level coursework in economics with a number of graduate courses in cognate disciplines (underlining the interdisciplinary nature of development) and the completion of a master's thesis. The MDE focuses on economic progress in poor countries and poor regions of wealthy countries such as Canada. The MDE prepares students for professional policy-analysis in the public or private sectors in Canada or abroad.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

This degree is intended particularly for those interested in an academic career. PhD students complete courses in micro- and macroeconomic theory, econometrics, and two fields of specialization.

Fields of specialization for the PhD are open, subject to the following requirements:

• Applicants to the PhD must clearly indicate on their application the primary field   in which they wish to specialize

• A faculty member in the Department must agree to be the research supervisor for  the students before the student is accepted to the program

• Changes to the student's intended field of specialization after starting the program will also be subject to the agreement of a faculty member in the Department to supervise the student's research in the proposed area of specialization.

PhD students must also complete a doctoral dissertation in the field of specialization that constitutes a major contribution to the state of knowledge in the field.

For further information on graduate programs, contact Melvin Cross, Graduate Coordinator.