Applied Economics and Policy Analysis

Graduate Program Coordinator: Harminder Guliani, PhD

Faculty Listing

Program Description

There is an identified shortage of individuals that can bring the skills developed in economics programs to policy formulation and analysis. The Master of Arts in Applied Economics and Policy Analysis (MAEPA) represents an important step in meeting that short fall.

The objective of the program is to give students the skills and experience required to serve two roles in the development and implementation of public policy. The first role is that of the so called “Honest Broker.” Individuals in this role offer a range of policy options, and analysis of each option, to the policy debate. The second role is to serve as a “Science Arbiter.” In this role graduates serve to inform the policy makers and stakeholders of developments in economic theory and findings of empirical study as they relate to policy.

To this end, the program will develop students with graduate level skills in two key areas. First, students will develop rigorous analytical skills via the use and building of economic models. The second key area is empirical analysis, specifically the application of econometric and other specialized techniques to data. The proposed program is built around delivering these skills to students and having students practice the application of these skills to a variety of policy issues. This program is significantly different from any program currently offered at the University of Regina.

Admission Requirements

Students will be able to fulfill the requirements for admission to the MAEPA in two ways.

First will be through a standard undergraduate degree that includes a minimum of intermediate theory classes (ECON 301, and 302 or their equivalents), an introductory econometrics course (ECON 321 or the equivalent), and a university level calculus course. Second, students who have completed the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School (JSGS) Master’s Certificate in Economic Analysis for Public Policy (or an equivalent program) will be deemed to have met the minimum requirements for entry into the program. Students who do not meet these requirements or are unsuccessful in their attempt to gain admission due to competition will be invited to take a qualifying year at the University of Regina.

Applicants must meet the entrance requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, with the following additions (where applicable):

• An Undergraduate Degree
• Intermediate Level Microeconomic Theory (ECON 301 or an equivalent)
• Intermediate Level Macroeconomic Theory (ECON 302 or an equivalent)
• Introductory Level Econometrics (ECON 321 or an equivalent data analysis course)

Applicants to the MAPEA program must submit a writing sample as part of their application package.  All work must be original and have a clear policy application. Submissions must be single-sided, double-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font, and may not exceed five pages. Topics should be selected from the following list: Writing Sample Topics (17 KB)

Program Requirements

The program will consist of three distinct parts, a core of five courses, a series of elective courses (of which students will be required to take two) and a research project. All courses will be three credit hours, while the research project will be nine credit hours. Each portion of the required program is discussed in turn below. In addition, a number of opportunities for students are presented.

Research Project (9 credit hours)

Students will be required to complete a policy project to fulfill the requirements of ECON 900 (Research Project in Economic Policy). Topics would normally be applied (involving statistical analysis) and the paper would be expected to be forty to seventy-five pages in length.

Courses

Course catalogue and current course offerings.