Co‑op
Completion of our Master of Arts in Business Economics (MABE) program will put you on track for a career as a professional economist in the private or public sector. Our strength is the combination of business economics with training in economic theory, quantitative methods and applied research.
The structure of our program ensures flexibility in your education, allowing you to cater your education to your career aspirations by taking economics courses, MBA electives or courses from Laurier’s Master in International Public Policy at the Balsillie School of International Affairs.
Small class sizes: average of 25 in the last ten years.
More than 80% of students received financial support in the last five years.
Endorsed by the Canadian Association for Business Economics.
We're here to help you explore your options and find the right program for your goals. Sign up to receive program information, resources and key dates to help you plan your next steps.
Domestic Applicants: Upon signing up for more information you will have access to request a pre-application consultation with our Lazaridis Graduate Recruiters.
International Applicants: Upon signing up for more information you will first be invited to attend a virtual information session before scheduling a pre-application consultation.
Complete the full-time MABE program in just 12 months. If you choose the co-op option, you'll complete the program in 16 to 20 months, depending onthe length of your work term.
The program consists of nine courses:
Core courses develop your knowledge of economic theory, applied analysis and quantitative methods.
EC620: Microeconomics IExplore the economic theory behind business decision-making and apply it to a range of problems, with an emphasis on strategic decisions.
EC640: Macroeconomics I
Study modern macroeconomics, including economics growth, demand for money and short-term macroeconomic policy.
EC655: Econometrics
Develop skills in applied econometrics through regression theory and its applications in microeconomics and macroeconomics.
Build advanced analytical skills and choose electives that reflect your interests and career goals.
EC665: Forecasting, Time Series Analysis, and Survey Design
Learn how businesses use time series analysis, economic forecasting and survey methods.
Two electives:
Select two electives from Economics, MSc in Mathematics, Master of Business Administration, Master of Finance, MSc in Management Analytics or Master of International Public Policy.
At least one of the three electives completed across Terms 2 and 3 must be from Economics.
Students who choose co-op complete a four- or eight-month work term before returning to campus for their final academic term.
Complete your Master of Research Paper and Seminar and take a final elective.
EC681: Master Research Paper and Seminar
The research project lets you dive deep into an economics topic you're passionate about, working one-on-one with a faculty expert to develop real-world research skills. It's your chance to explore meaningful economic questions, build your resume, and set yourself apart in the job market or future academic pursuits.
One elective:
Select one elective from Economics, MSc in Mathematics, Master of Business Administration, Master of Finance, MSc in Management Analytics or Master of International Public Policy.
Turn your interests into an independent research project. In your final term, you'll investigate an economic question connected to your coursework, career goals or co-op experience. With guidance from faculty, you'll analyze evidence, develop your findings and present your research.
Why It Matters:
The Master Research Paper and Seminar brings together the knowledge and skills you develop throughout the program. You'll take a project from an initial research question through data analysis to a clear, evidence-based conclusion.
What you'll gain:
Choose a paid four-month work term from May to August or an eight-month paid work term from May to December, then upon completion return to campus for your final academic term.
Students have completed co-op work terms across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors in Canada and internationally.
Build experience across industries and business functions. Recent MABE co-op roles have included:
Through co-op, you'll:
MABE co-op option is accredited by Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada), reflecting national standards for quality work-integrated learning.
Laurier’s Department of Economics is associated with several research centres, including the Laurier Centre for Economic Research and Policy Analysis, the Center of International Governance Innovation and the Viessmann European Research Centre.
The AACSB accreditation is based on a portfolio of performance metrics and that includes high quality teaching, high quality research and a high quality environment that we provide for our students.
"The Lazaridis MABE program equips students with advanced economics knowledge, research skills and tools to succeed in today's dynamic work environment."
Christos Shiamptanis, director, MABE Program
Ready to take the next step? Just follow our three-step admission process. We'll walk you through how to apply and get set for your first day as a grad student.
Applications received after the early application deadline are accepted and reviewed until capacity is reached or the final deadline passes.
After you have submitted your OUAC application, paid the non-refundable application fee, and Laurier has received your application, you'll receive an email from gradadmissions@wlu.ca advising you to upload the additional required documentation to Laurier’s Online Registration and Information System (LORIS).
An application for admission to our MA program in Business Economics must include:
Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential to graduate studies at Laurier. Applicants whose language of instruction during their previous postsecondary education was not in English must submit evidence of proficiency in English. If applicable, results from accepted testing services must be uploaded to LORIS.
Questions? Contact LazaridisRecruiters@wlu.ca.
"The hands-on approach to business economics gave me the ability to analyze complex datasets, draw meaningful conclusions, and present those findings to stakeholders – skills I rely on daily in my professional career."
Regardless of the type of graduate degree program you intend to pursue, financial planning is important. At Laurier, we want to provide you with as much information as possible about a variety of scholarship and funding opportunities and equip you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.
|
Student |
Per Term |
Total |
|---|---|---|
|
MA in Business Economics (Domestic) |
$2,622.92 |
$7,868.76 |
|
MA in Business Economics (International) |
$7,861.00 |
$23,583.00 |
Tuition Fees Incidental Fees Co-op Fees
*Tuition fees are reviewed each spring and are subject to change. Wilfrid Laurier University may revise tuition and program details without notice.
Domestic students receive guaranteed financial support ranging from $12,500 to $25,000, while international students are eligible for funding between $3,000 and $20,000. Support is made up of graduate teaching assistantships as well as internal and/or external scholarships. Some research assistantship support may also be available.
Looking for more ways to help fund your studies? Here’s how you can access funding and research scholarship opportunities at Laurier:
Please note: Students in the MA in Business Economics program are eligible for funding through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).
"MABE is an excellent choice if you are interested in economics and seeking a more in-depth understanding. Completing this program helped me think more strategically and make decisions to maximize the outcome. The 8-month coop term also enriched my career portfolio, allowing me to land a job immediately after graduation."
Yalian Xu (MABE '22),
Economist, RBC
Whether you're continuing your academic journey or transitioning from the workforce, Laurier Career Centre is here to help you thrive. We provide guidance to explore career paths both within academia and beyond. From crafting standout resumes, CVs, and cover letters to mastering effective job search strategies, we offer resources tailored to your needs.
As a graduate student, your schedule is full but investing in career development during your studies can set you up for long-term success. Let us help you build the skills and confidence you need to transition seamlessly into your professional career.
The MABE program gives you the tools, experience and connections to launch a career in today's data-driven economy. Along the way, you'll sharpen your research and analytical skills, preparing you to interpret complex data, assess policy, and generate real-world insights.
You'll graduate with the in-demand skills to succeed in roles such as economic policy analyst, economic forecaster, market and industry researcher, financial analyst in markets and institutions, strategic planner, and public policy advisor.
MA in Business Economics alumni have landed roles with top employers across sectors, including:
Laurier alumnus, Eric Benyo, graduated from the MA in Business Economics in 2020 and is currently working as a senior analyst at Morningstar Sustainalytics. Read about Eric's major research project, a capstone component of his graduate program, that was published in Economic Inquiry, and his professional journey since graduating from Laurier.
LED Alumni Spotlight: Eric Benyo, Master of Arts in Business Economics (2020)
Brenda Burns and Victoria MacKenzie
LazaridisRecruiters@wlu.ca
For applications in progress and enrolled students only:
LazaridisGradPrograms@wlu.ca
Thinking about applying? Domestic applicants can book an on-demand one-on-one pre-application consultation with us anytime.
International applicants need to attend a virtual information session before scheduling a one-on-one consultation.
All applicants will get helpful updates, resources and support to guide them through the process.
Learn about the interests of our faculty members. If you are looking for more information, have questions, or want to set up a meeting faculty, contact a member of our team.
Christos Shiamptanis, PhD
Associate Professor
Associate Professor
Director, Undergraduate Economics Program
Nicholas Bedard
Assistant Professor
Jeff Chan
Associate Professor
Director, Laurier Centre for Economic Research and Policy Analysis
Wing Hong Chan
Professor
Edda Claus
Professor
Nikolai Cook
Assistant Professor
Jean Eid
Associate Professor
Azim Essaji
Associate Professor
Maria Gallego
Professor
Ken Jackson
Associate Professor
Monica Jain
Assistant Professor
Ridwan Karim
Associate Professor
Zara Liaqat
Assistant Professor
Antonella Mancino
Assistant Professor
Brian McCaig
Professor
Logan McLeod
Associate Professor
Chair, Department of Economics
Juan S. Morales
Associate Professor
William Morrison
Professor
Christine Neill
Associate Professor
Ke Pang
Associate Professor
David Rosé
Assistant Professor
Tammy Schirle
Professor
Christos Shiamptanis
Associate Professor
Director, Master of Arts in Business Economics Program
Justin Smith
Associate Professor
Tracy Snoddon
Professor
Stephen Snudden
Assistant Professor
Noah Spencer
Assistant Professor
Zijian Wang
Assistant Professor
Wendy Wu
Associate Professor
Associate Chair, Department of Economics
Wilfried Youmbi Fotso
Assistant Professor
Qiyao Zhou
Assistant Professor
Igor Carreira
Assistant Professor
Moyo Sogaolu
Assistant Professor
Brett Williams
Assistant Professor
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