econstudent0999

Hello, ive decided recently that i intend on pursuing a masters degree in economics and have been discussing it with my professors. It was suggested recently to me to consider choosing a school in the US with a PHD program and after my masters transferring into the PHD program and just doing the course work to obtain a ABD. I was wanting to hear what people think of this? worth while? do ABDs really have a better time in the job market opposed to a masters only? Also would doing a PHD at a low ranked school in the US or Canada be of substantial benefit as opposed to just a masters? I never really considered doing a PHD until this was mentioned to me, always seemed like the added cost of being in school so much longer would out way the benefits so also if anybody would like to share their experience of doing doctoral studies who didn't stay in academia please share! Thanks

I am also in this situation, my university has a very small econ department also, 5-6 PHDs, none well known, a lot of classes taught by lecturers at the lower level. Overall i think the thing that most holds me back most is my university is only able to offer intro econometrics. Where most big econ schools offer 2-4 at an undergraduate level, i am hoping this doesnt hinder my grad school options. Although im not looking close to top 30 haha.

make sure you have the pre reqs, econ grad school is not like an MBA you need alot of courses to be considered. I would say for Canada and the US a minimum would look like this. One term -econometrics -math econ -Calculus 1 possibly 2 -linear algebra 1 possibly 2 -Canadian schools require advanced macro and micro usually taught for Hons students (you dont need an actual Hons degree for most) -The more upper level econs with good grades the better. -Some school dont require big econ backgrounds but the Candian schools listed above do.

Screw public policy study economics. Go big or go home.

I know econ MAs are not as common in the USA as in Canada and europe.. but i would recommend doing one before a PHD if you dont do a Hons in economics.

You will not get accepted into any programs, at least not half decent ones. You lack a lot of the requirements unless you didnt list them, most good schools look for a strong math background. Most schools minimum requirements are 1-2 terms econometrics, one term linear algebra (used in graduate econometrics courses) and calculus. A prof told me it is wise to have 2 terms of calc + lin alg. And advanced courses in macro/micro, usually only taken by hons students so i dont think you would have taken them in a business degree. As most good programs ask for a Hons in econ, they like students with a strong background in economics.

GPA is good, seems likes you meet the minimum course requirements, as in advanced macro micro and econometrics, some schools look close at the scores in those classes so hopefully you did well. Although it doesn't seem you have a lot of math/stats courses, i see you only have one calc, U Of T requires a full year of calculus so you shouldn't apply there unless you have it. Other than that you have a competitive application and should get into a good school.

After posting this thread I've had some talks with profs at my school. And after a lot more research I have a good idea what canadian schools look for. The top schools look for a strong Quant background. Lots of math and stats classes with good marks. Also the minimum for admission is one course econometrics, usually 1 or 2 terms calculus, linear algebra. Math econ would be a benefit but most important is advanced courses in macro and micro and by advanced I mean courses that use calculus and intense math in them unlike your basic undergrad intermediate macro and micro. Usually these courses are only required in a hons program

Thanks for the info!

Hello guys! i know this is a PHD forum but i wanted to post this here as well to try and get more responses! currently finishing my B.sc econ, minor and math at a university in Canada (not a top university) doing to co op program so looking into applying for fall 2017. I'm strongly considering doing a masters degree in econ before entering the workforce and need some help on realistic universities or ranking range (ie top 50/100). My overall average is not very competitive will mostly likely finish at a 75% due to screwing around in my first year in biology haha. But my scores in economics/math courses are well, 88 in intermediate Macro, 80 in intermediate micro, 79 in calculus and statistics. Currently in econometrics and mathematical econ which i know i should try to score well in. Planing on taking the GRE this summer and paying for the prep courses to try and score high. All this considered if anyone could provide insight on any schools i should consider (yes i understand i probably wont get into any tier one programs) in Canada or the US. Thanks.

Hello guys! currently finishing my B.sc econ, minor and math at a university in Canada (not a top university) doing to co op program so looking into applying for fall 2017. I'm strongly considering doing a masters degree in econ before entering the workforce and need some help on realistic universities or ranking range (ie top 50/100). My overall average is not very competitive will mostly likely finish at a 75% due to screwing around in my first year in biology haha. But my scores in economics/math courses are well, 88 in intermediate Macro, 80 in intermediate micro, 79 in calculus and statistics. Currently in econometrics and mathematical econ which i know i should try to score well in. Planing on taking the GRE this summer and paying for the prep courses to try and score high. All this considered if anyone could provide insight on any schools i should consider (yes i understand i probably wont get into any tier one programs) in Canada or the US. Thanks.