Master of Applied Economics (MAE)

Department Website

This 12-month program provides students with a working knowledge of how to apply the tools of economic analysis to issues involving public policy and business decision-making. Students will develop skills relevant to becoming professional economists ready to take managerial and/or research positions in the public or private sector as well as in international organizations. They will show originality in the application of economic theory and will develop appropriate writing skills required for policy documents and business reports that have an economics focus. They will develop research skills and will also obtain appropriate training to pursue a Ph.D. degree with a focus in applied economics, which has become a growing field both in Canada and internationally.

Admission Requirements

The Master of Applied Economics follows the general admission requirements and procedures of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research as outlined in the Graduate Programs Academic Calendar. Applicants will normally be expected to have taken:

  • at least one undergraduate course in statistics at an intermediate level (and preferably econometrics),
  • intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics, and
  • economic theory at an advanced (fourth-year) level.

Students who lack this background may be given an option to acquire equivalent preparation prior to starting the program.

Students may be admitted to a qualifying year in those situations where they meet all the requirements for admission but are lacking sufficient background in theory and econometrics to study at the Master’s level. In these instances, a program of study will be worked out with the Graduate Program Director and students will be admitted to the Master’s program upon successful completion at an appropriate grade level of this qualifying year program.

To be considered for funding, completed applications must be received by February 1. Self-funded applicants must submit their application by April 1.

Applications should be made as early as possible, since admission is competitive. The application deadlines are as follows:

  • To start Program in September:
    • Domestic Application Deadline – 30 June
    • International Applicants – 1 April

Additional program information may be obtained by contacting:

The Program Director, MAE Program
Saint Mary’s University, Department of Economics
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
Tel (902) 420-5621
Fax (902) 420-5129
mae@smu.ca or
https://www.smu.ca/academics/sobey/masters-in-applied-economics.html

An online application form is available at http://www.smu.ca/academics/graduate-application-forms-and-requirements.html.

All candidates who apply but are not successful in gaining admission to the MAE program are invited to apply for admission to the Post Baccalaureate Program in Applied Economics (pending MPHEC approval).

All applicants to the Master of Applied Economics (MAE) program are automatically considered for admission in the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Applied Economics (PBCAE) program if it is determined that they do not fully meet the admission requirements of MAE program.  Students who are interested in pursuing MAE degree at SMU, but are not sure for which program they are best qualified, are advised to apply for the Master’s program. 

Financial Support

Full-time students admitted to the program may be eligible for funding administered by Saint Mary’s University. Funding recommendations are made by the program All successful applicants are automatically considered for graduate funding. Students are encouraged to apply for external scholarship funding such as the Canadian Graduate Scholarships Program.