The MA program in Economics is designed to provide students with a rigorous training in econometrics and quantitative economics, as well as in economic theory and policy. The Economics MA, is well suited for students who wish to pursue high-level professional careers in industry and government, or further study for a Ph.D. degree in economics. The Economics MA, is classified as a STEM degree, which allows for a 24 month extension of the F1 Optional Practical Training (OPT).
The Program offers two focused areas of study: Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, and Economic Policy.
Admissions
In addition to the minimum Graduate School admission requirements, to be considered for regular admission an application must include:
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A resume
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GPA: 3.50 minimum
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GRE minimum score of 310 (verbal + quantitative; GMAT not accepted) required with a quantitative score of at least 160 and a verbal score of at least 150.
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A TOEFL score of at least 100 or an IELTS score of at least 7.0, a PTE score of at least 59 for non-native English speakers who are required to submit an English Language Test score (see below admissions criteria link).
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Please note that this program does not accept a Duolingo Test score.
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See the Admission Criteria section of this catalog for more information.
Students who do not meet these requirements, but who excel in other areas, maybe considered for "Admission with Permission to Continue."
Accelerated Master's Program (AMP) students must meet the minimum admission requirements as listed in the AMP section of this catalog.
Curricular Requirements
The Quantitative Economics MA program is extremely quantitative. Entering graduate students are expected to have completed undergraduate coursework in economics, statistics, and mathematics. Students must have completed the following undergraduate courses or their equivalents. Any deficiencies should be made up by taking courses during the summer before entering the master's program.
| Undergraduate Required Courses | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| EC 308 | Intermediate Microeconomics | 3 |
| EC 309 | Intermediate Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ST 260 | Statistical Data Analysis | 3 |
| MATH 121 or | Calculus & Applications | 3 |
| MATH 125 | Calculus I | |
Master's Course List with Focused Area of Study (FAS)
The Quantitative Economics MA requires 30 hours of coursework: 18 hours of required courses and 12 hours in a chosen focused area of study. Students must choose one of the Focused Areas of Study to complete the MA degree in Economics: Applied Economic Analysis or Public Policy Economics
| Economics Required Core Courses: | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| EC 508 | Microeconomic Theory | 3 |
| EC 509 | Macroeconomic Theory/Policy | 3 |
| EC 513 | Economic Forecastg Analysis | 3 |
| EC 570 | Mathematical Economics | 3 |
| EC 571 | Econometrics | 3 |
| EC 596 | Capstone Project | 3 |
Econometrics and Quantitative FAS
| Required Courses | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ST 540 | Stat Prog & Comp with R | 3 |
| EC 572 or | Financial Econometrics | 3 |
| ST 560 | Statistical Methods | |
| Electives: | ||
| Choose one 500-level Statistics elective course with faculty advisor approval. | 3 | |
| Choose one 500-level EC/ST/CE elective course with faculty advisor approval. | 3 | |
| Required Core Courses | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Economic Public Policy FAS
| Required Courses | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Electives: choose any 4 courses from the list below. | ||
| Law and Economics | ||
| Indust Org Public Policy | ||
| Monetary Theory & Policy | ||
| International Trade | ||
| International Finance | ||
| Financial Econometrics | ||
| Games and Decisions | ||
| Special Topics In Economics | ||
| Electives | 12 | |
| Required Core Courses | 18 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Transfer Credit
Graduate School information on Transfer Credit.
Accelerated Master's Program
Graduate School information on Accelerated Master's Program.
Comprehensive Exam/Capstone
Students are required to take EC 596 Capstone Project. The purpose of this course is to provide students an opportunity to complete a final project using economic analysis and methods. EC 596 Capstone Project will generally be offered in the spring, to allow students to complete their program within one calendar year.
Time Limits for Degree Completion Requirements
Graduate School information on Time Limits.
Academic Misconduct Information
Graduate School information on Academic Misconduct.
Withdrawals and Leave of Absence Information
Graduate School information on Withdrawals and Leave of Absence.
Academic Grievances Information
Graduate School information on Academic Grievances.
Grades and Academic Standing
Graduate School information on Grades and Academic Standing.
Graduate School Deadlines Information
Information on Graduate School Deadlines.
Application for Graduation Information
Information on the Application for Graduation.