The Master of Arts degree in Economics can be pursued along one of three tracks. Option I is a 30-credit hour degree program that requires a thesis. Option II is a 36-credit hour terminal degree program (not intended to lead into the Ph.D. program) with flexible requirements. Option III is a 36-credit hour program intended to prepare students for the Ph.D. program. The degree can ordinarily be earned in four semesters of full-time course work.
A set of core courses including microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics is required of all masters students. Students specialize in a major field of their choice. The final requirement is that of passing a comprehensive examination in that field.
The fields of concentration in the program are:
- Comparative and Regional Development
- Econometrics
- Economic Education
- Economic History
- Feminist Economics
- Industrial Organization and Regulation
- Institutional Economics
- International Trade and Finance
- Labor Economics
- Monetary Economics
- Public Economics
Admission
The department does not employ a rigid formula for admission. Instead, the admissions committee makes decisions after reviewing the applicant's undergraduate record, GRE scores preferred, GMAT scores acceptable substitute, TOEFL scores if applicable, letters of recommendation, background, grades in economics courses, preparation in mathematics and statistics, and the applicant's statement outlining goals and objectives for studying economics at the graduate level.
MA students are expected to have intermediate level training in economics (both macroeconomics and microeconomics) in their backgrounds. In addition, MA students are expected to have adequate mathematical backgrounds including at least one rigorous course in calculus and statistics. Any course deficiencies identified at the time of admission must be removed in the first semester of enrollment.
Areas of Concentration
- Econometrics
- Economic Education
- Economic History
- Feminist Economics
- Institutional Economics
- International Trade and Finance
- Labor Economics
- Monetary Economics
- Public Economics
- Regional and International Development
