Requirements for the MA Degree
The department's M.A. program offers a cohesive set of courses that integrate quantitative analysis throughout the curriculum while simultaneously exposing the student to the application of this analysis in a variety of contexts. The requirements for the degree (30 credit hours) are as follows:
Core Requirements (21 credit hours)
Students must receive a grade of 2.7 (B-) or better in all of the core courses. Cumulative GPA must be 3.0 or higher to graduate. The core courses are:
- Mathematical Economics (ECON 5803)
- Microeconomics Theory (ECON 5073)
- Macroeconomics Theory (ECON 5083)
- Econometrics I (ECON 5813)
- Econometrics II (ECON 5823)
- Seminar in Applied Economics (ECON 6053/6054)1
- Research Seminar (ECON 6073)2
1The "Seminar in Applied Economics" (ECON 6053, 6054) are 8-week 1.5 credit modules, two of which are offered each semester. These courses expose students to economic literature employing quantitative analysis within the fields being covered in the modules. Modules will include, for example, labor economics, public finance, monetary economics, and economic development. The students will be required to take two of these 8-week modules as part of the core; up to two additional modules can be taken for elective credit.
2The "Research Seminar" (ECON 6073) allows the student to undertake independent empirical research project under the guidance of department professors, who serve as mentors. This seminar replaces the traditional Masters thesis option and is intended to guide students through the process of conducting independent research and preparing a Masters paper.
Electives (9 credit hours)
Students may take and course numbered 5000 or higher with an ECON prefix as an elective. Electives include:
- Labor Economics
- Public Finance
- Economic Growth and Development
- Health Economics
- International Trade
- History of Economic Thought
- Economic Forecasting
- Data Analysis with SAS