This program leads to both the B.S. and M.A. in Economics degrees. Students who wish to participate in this program should identify themselves to the Department of Economics as majors who will complete the requirements for the B.S. degree having taken the calculus option (MATH 229, MATH 230, and STAT 350). Ideally students will express their interest during their junior year and have completed or be in the process of completing ECON 360, ECON 361, and ECON 390.
Students who are interested in this program and have completed or are in the process of completing ECON 360, ECON 361, ECON 390, MATH 230, and STAT 350 should apply to the Economics M.A. program under the special provisions of this program and in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies in Economics by the end of their junior year. Students must meet all the degree and application requirements and deadlines given by the Graduate School. Students who have completed the courses MATH 229, MATH 230, STAT 350, and ECON 390 with a grade of B or better may request that the GRE requirement for admission to the M.A. program be waived by the Department of Economics.
Students wishing to take part in this program should be aware of all the regulations and restrictions of accelerated baccalaureate/master’s degree programs as outlined in the NIU Graduate School Catalog under the heading of Early Admission of NIU Undergraduates; and Admission to Accelerate Baccalaureate/Master’s Degree Programs.
Curriculum
Students must complete all general education requirements and MATH 229, MATH 230, STAT 350, ECON 360, ECON 361, and ECON 390 by the end of their junior year. During their senior year, students will take ECON 590 in the fall semester and 9 semester hours from 500-level elective courses spread across the two semesters of their senior year. If additional electives are taken before completion of the B.S. requirements, only 18 credit hours of these courses may be counted toward the elective requirements for the B.S. degree in Economics. Students are encouraged to enroll in ECON 592 to fulfill their capstone requirement and as a stepping stone toward their M.A. research paper, which is necessary to complete the M.A. degree. Upon receiving their undergraduate degree, students will then enroll in ECON 591, ECON 660, and ECON 661 in the fall semester, ECON 690 and ECON 692 in the spring semester, and be allowed to register for 600- and 700-level elective courses. Upon completion of the course and research paper requirements outlined in the Graduate Catalog for the M.A. in Economics Degree program, the students shall earn the M.A. in Economics.
Students who are part of this accelerated B.S./M.A. in Economics program are not bound by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences policy that prohibits students from earning more than 60 credit hours in their major.
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