Economic Policy

The Graduate Diploma (GDip) in Economic Policy is designed to expose anyone with an undergraduate degree and at least some formal training in undergraduate economics to a wide range of issues related to the formulation of economic policy. A variety of topics such as new and emerging policy insights, frameworks, and evidence informing economic policy design will be covered. It targets non-economists working on economic policy in government, central banks and other organizations, as well as people who already have an undergraduate degree in economics wishing to take courses that are at the forefront of current economic policy debates.

The Type 2 GDip will allow students enrolled in another graduate program (PhD or Master’s) to earn a GDip in Economic Policy along with their own degree. The Type 3 (direct entry) GDip will lead to a stand-alone credential in economic policy for professional or academic purposes.

Experiential learning is a key part of this program through the implementation of applied research projects in the core course (Economic Analysis of Public Policy).

This is intended to be a part-time program, delivered online with the expectation that most students will enroll in winter and complete the Grad Diploma by the end of summer, although students can enter in any term.

Admissions Criteria

The minimum requirement for admission is an undergraduate degree with a GPA of 9.0 (out of 12) or higher, successfully completed university-level introductory (micro- and macro-) economics, calculus, and linear algebra with a grade of C+ or higher in each, and permission of the Department of Economics. 

Students who maintain an average of B+ or higher during the course of their Type 3 GDip would be given strong consideration for admission to the Carleton’s Master’s program in Economics.

Career Paths

Our graduates will have improved career prospects within public-sector agencies, in general, and finance ministries and central banks, in particular, given the strong applied economic content of the courses and Carleton’s geographic location in the nation’s capital. Those who complete master’s degrees in other areas or stop their studies after the Graduate Diploma in Economic Policy without further graduate work are likely to work in the public or private sectors applying the analytical skills and knowledge developed in this program. Some may return later to do graduate work in economics.