The M.A. in economics is suitable either for students intending to pursue a Ph.D. in economics or for those seeking a practical program of study to prepare them for technical or administrative positions in business or government. For those seeking a career dealing with financial markets, the department offers a concentration in Financial Economics as part of its M.A. program.
The M.A. program in economics requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate credit. The core courses have the prerequisites of ECON 590 - Economic Statistics and Econometrics (3) and ECON 591 - Mathematical Methods for Economics (3). Students are highly encouraged to take those courses as part of their graduate studies regardless of their background.
Check departmental information for any additional requirements.
OR a substantial research paper written in a 500- or 600-level economics course and approved by the professor teaching the course.
Electives
Students must choose at least 17 elective semester hours from courses numbered 500 or greater and only 6 of those 17 semester hours may be from outside the department with the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies.
Credits from ECON 590, ECON 591, and ECON 798 cannot be counted toward the 17 semester hours of electives.
Students with an interest in the Concentration in Financial Economics
Students may earn a Concentration in Financial Economics by taking the following courses as part of their 17 hours of electives.
Students having a grade below B in ECON 660 will be required to pass a comprehensive examination in microeconomic theory. Those having a grade below B in ECON 661 will be required to pass a comprehensive examination in macroeconomic theory. Comprehensive examinations in microeconomic and macroeconomic analysis will normally be taken by each student in the master’s degree program the first time that these examinations are offered following the completion of ECON 660 and ECON 661. A student who fails either of these examinations twice will generally not be permitted to continue in the M.A. program. However, in extenuating circumstances a student may submit a written appeal to the department to take an examination a third and final time.
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