Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Applied Economics (PBCAE)

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This one-year stand-alone Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Applied Economics aims to provide students a learning environment to develop a basic understanding of:

  • microeconomics
  • macroeconomics
  • quantitative methods

By learning these analytical tools, graduates will gain some knowledge of economic principles involved in public policy and business decisions. 

The certificate appeals to two groups of students:

  1. those seeking to upgrade their skills in statistical and economic analysis beyond the undergraduate level but without a more advanced training of a Masters degree program and;
  2. those who need extra preparation in economic theory and statistical analysis before starting a Masters degree program in a Canadian or US university.

It also gives an opportunity for non-economics major students to meet Master of Applied Economics admissions’ requirements at Saint Mary's University (B average in the Certificate).

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Applied Economics requires 18 credit hours of study.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements follow the general Admission requirements and procedures outlined in Section 2 of the Graduate Academic Calendar of Saint Mary’s University.  Applicants will be expected to have taken at least one undergraduate course in statistics at the introductory level, and in addition should have taken courses in introductory microeconomics and macroeconomics. Prior completion of introductory calculus is expected for students wishing to enter a masters program in Economics upon completion of PBCAE.  Students who lack this background may be given an option to acquire equivalent preparation within the program but in advance of Mathematical Economics (ECON 5502) or the equivalent.

Applications to the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Applied Economics (PBCAE) program should be made as early as possible. Additional program information may be obtained by contacting: The Program Coordinator, MAE/PBCAE Program.

All applicants to the Master of Applied Economics (MAE) program are automatically considered for admission in PBCAE 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.