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.
Thinking about your next move? Whether you want to grow in your current career or head in a new direction, we're here to help you figure out what comes next.
We offer virtual information sessions and one-on-one pre-application consultations to help you find the program that fits your goals. The sooner we connect, the closer you'll be to discovering how what's inside sets us apart and sets you up for success.
If you're applying from within Canada, you can book a one-on-one session with us anytime. International applicants need to attend a virtual information session before scheduling a one-on-one. All applicants will get helpful updates, resources and support to guide them along the way.
Request a Pre-Application Consultation
Have a quick question? Contact us at lazaridisgradprogams@wlu.ca.
11
Sep
Lazaridis MA in Business Economics - Information Session
Zoom
6
Oct
Lazaridis MA in Business Economics - Information Session
Zoom
22
Oct
‘Ask us Anything’ Drop-in Session: Lazaridis Graduate Programs
Zoom
6
Nov
Lazaridis MA in Business Economics - Information Session
Zoom
20
Nov
‘Ask us Anything’ Drop-in Session: Lazaridis Graduate Programs
Zoom
The MABE program is full-time and completed in 12 months, or 16 to 20 months if you choose the co-op option. The program structure offers flexibility to help you align your studies with your goals.
You'll complete nine courses, including:
In your final term, you'll put your learning into action by completing a major research paper, often inspired by your courses or co-op experience.
The Master Research Paper (MRP) and Seminar is a part of the MABE program. Completed in your final term, it lets you explore a real-world economic question that aligns with your interests or career goals.
Why It Matters:
The MRP is a hands-on, applied learning experience that heps you build real-world research skills. It's your opportunity to think critically, analyze data, and carry a project from question to conclusion - skills that stand out in any career path.
Key Benefits:
Looking to buid real-world experience while earning your degree? The MABE program blends academic learning with hands-on work through a flexible co-op option. It's your chance to turn theory into practice - and gain a competitive edge in the job market.
Program Duration & Co-op Work Term Options
If you choose the co-op pathway, the program extends to 16 to 20 months, depending on the length of your work term. You can choose between:
Practical Experience
Apply your skills in roles related to:
Career Benefits
Co-op helps bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace. You'll:
The Co-op compenent is accredited by CEWIL Canada, ensuring your work-integrated learning experience meets the highest national standards.
Co-op Work Term: Four-month or eight-month work term. Co-op students return to campus for a final academic term.
Laurier’s Department of Economics is associated with several research centres, including the Laurier Centre for Economic Research and Policy Analysis, the Centre of International Governance Innovation and the Viessmann European Research Centre.
"The Lazaridis MABE program offers a valuable opportunity for those looking to deepen their expertise in economics, enhance their research skills, and develop the critical competencies needed to thrive in today's dynamic business landscape."
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.
Applications for September 2025 are now closed. The next application cycle opens in October.
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 lazaridisgradprograms@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.
|
2025/2026 Tuition Fees* |
Per Term |
Total |
|---|---|---|
|
MA in Business Economics (Domestic) |
$2,622.92 |
$7,868.76 |
|
MA in Business Economics (International) |
$7,487 |
$22,461 |
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).
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:
Where our graduates work:
MABE alumni have landed roles with top employers across sectors, including:
The program is endorsed by the Canadian Association for Business Economics (CABE) - a network of 1,000+ economists nationwide. CABE helped guide the development of the curriculum and continues to champion the growing need for MABE-trained professionals. As a student, you'll receive a free CABE membership, giving you access to industry insights, events, and a powerful professional network.
Learn about the interests of our faculty members. If you are looking for more information about this program, have questions, or want to set up a meeting, contact a member of our team.
Hideki Ariizumi
Associate Professor
Nicholas Bedard
Assistant Professor
Jeff Chan
Associate Professor
Wing Hong Chan
Professor
Director, Laurier Centre for Economic Research and Policy Analysis
Edda Claus
Associate Professor
Associate Chair, Department of Economics
Nikolai Cook
Assistant Professor
Jean Eid
Associate Professor
Azim Essaji
Associate Professor
Maria Gallego
Professor
Umaima Imran
Lecturer
Ken Jackson
Associate Professor
Director, Undergraduate Economics Programs
Ridwan Karim
Assistant Professor
Zara Liaqat
Assistant Professor
Brian McCaig
Professor
Logan McLeod
Associate Professor
Juan S. Morales
Associate Professor
William Morrison
Professor
Christine Neill
Associate Professor
Chair, Department of Economics
Muthoni Nganga
Assistant 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
Zijian Wang
Assistant Professor
Yan (Wendy) Wu
Associate Professor
Steffen Ziss
Associate Professor
Christos Shiamptanis, PhD
Associate Professor
Academic Director, Master of Arts in Business Economics
Lazaridis Graduate Program Recruiters
Brenda Burns and Victoria MacKenzie
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.
