Graduate Programs

Graduate Economic Degree
Master of Arts in Economics

The Master of Arts program in economics is designed to provide academic competence in the areas of both theoretical and applied economics, enhancing the professional objectives of students. The core courses establish the foundation necessary for the application of the theoretical and empirical tools of economic analysis to the areas of specialization.

These areas of specialization are: (1) labor economics, (2) public economics, (3) international economics, (4) industrial organization and the regulation of business, and (5) financial economics. The minimum number of semester hours of graduate credits to be earned by degree candidates is thirty.

A. Undergraduate Requirements: A minimum of twenty-four hours of undergraduate credits in social sciences, of which eighteen hours must be in economics, including two courses in intermediate economic theory (Econ 241 and 242 or equivalent); two courses in statistics (Econ 323 and 324 or equivalent) and one course in Mathematical Economics Econ 461 or the equivalent). In addition, the minimum mathematics requirements is the equivalent of two semesters of calculus.

B. Course Work
       1. Required core courses (fifteen credits):Econ 661, Advanced Mathematical Economics (3); Econ 662, Graduate Statistics (3); Econ 711, Advanced Microeconomic Theory I (3); Econ 712, Advanced Macroeconomic Theory I (3); Econ 763, Econometrics I (3); either Econ 721, Advanced Microeconomic Theory II (3) or Econ 722, Advanced Macroeconomic Theory II (3). (The choice of Econ 721 or 722 is based on the student's area of specialization. Students specializing in International Economics are advised to take 722; other areas of specialization require 721.)
       2. Required courses in major area (only one area permitted) (nine credits):Three graduate courses in the area of specialization, including a graduate seminar in that area. A research paper is a requirement of the seminar.
       3. Electives (three credits):One elective course in Economics for which the student qualifies.

C. Certification of Proficiency in Computer Science: This certification should be completed during the first year of course work. It is obtained by the successful completion of a computer science course or an equivalent course which has been approved by the department (Mgt 568, Microcomputer Applications in Business, is highly recommended) or by the equivalent practical work with computers which is so evaluated by the department. The course in computer science or the equivalent course is not part of the thirty-six minimum credit hours necessary for the M.A. in Economics.

D. Comprehensive Examination: Students are required to pass a three-hour comprehensive examination after completion of the required core courses. Normally, this examination is taken in the fall of the second year of study.