The Ph.D. in Applied Economics combines advanced courses in applied economics with a major research dissertation. The core of the program focuses on microeconomic theory and quantitative methods but includes one advanced course in macroeconomics. The student and their advisory committee determine the remainder of the students’ courses.

For more information on this field of study, see the Applied Economics website.

Admission Requirements

  • Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English.
  • Master's degree, or equivalent, from a recognized university in a relevant academic discipline
  • a completed on-line application, the application fee, and all supporting application documents
  • a cumulative weighted average of at least a 70% (U of S grade system equivalent) in the last two years of full-time study (e.g. 60 credit units)
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): Submission of the GRE and/or the GMAT is recommended for all applicants. Applicants who have not earned a degree from Canada or the United States are required to submit an up-to-date GRE and/or a GMAT score.*

For more information on language proficiency requirements, see the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Academic Policies for more information.

*Both the GMAT Exam and GMAT Focus Edition will be accepted.

Degree Requirements

Normally, students will be required to take 36 credit units (or two years worth of courses), regardless of the courses they have taken earlier. Although it is possible for very well trained students to graduate with 27 credit units, this will normally occur only under exceptional circumstances. Students must maintain continuous registration in APEC 996.0.

  • GPS 960.0
  • GPS 961.0, if research involves human subjects
  • GPS 962.0, if research involves animal subjects
  • dissertation defense
  • doctoral candidacy assessment

A minimum of 27 credit units, including the following:

  • APEC 990.0
  • APEC 996.0
  • complete 12 credit units approved by the admissions and program committee


Complete 6 credit units in Microeconomics from:

  • ECON 800.3
  • ECON 873.3
  • AREC 842.3
  • ECON 850.3
  • another course approved by the graduate committee

Complete 6 credit units in Econometrics from:

  • ECON 808.3
  • ECON 809.3
  • or another course approved by the graduate committee

Complete 3 credit units in macroeconomics from:

  • ECON 801.3
  • ECON 874.3
  • or another course approved by the graduate committee