Economics Department 

Programs Offered

Graduate

Master of Arts in Economics

The Department of Economics presents a curriculum leading to the Master of Arts (MA) degree. Courses of study allow a concentration in one of the three tracks: economic analysis, financial economics, or international economics. All three seek to provide students with analytical skills useful in decision-making and a broader understanding of the overall economic environment. Options provide as much flexibility as is compatible with the student's background and career interests.

The economic analysis subspecialty is particularly suitable for students who wish to continue their studies in economics at the doctoral level. Financial economics include course work in financial management and areas related to money and capital markets, monetary policy, and financial and monetary institutions. It is particularly suited to those seeking employment in the financial sector. International economics is geared to those with an interest in the international economy, both from a business and policy perspective.

Admission Criteria

Academic four-year undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution.  Admission based primarily on grade point average (GPA) and background in economics. Admission to full standing requires a GPA of 2.750 for the last 60 hours of their course work and all courses in economics and required mathematics.  Must have completed principles of economics, intermediate-level microeconomics intermediate-level macroeconomics, plus one course in calculus and one in statistics, all with a grade of C+ (equal to 2.3 grade points) or better. Up to Six hours of any course deficiencies can be made-up during the first year with Department permission.  The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required.

Non-native speakers of English must have received 550 on the paper-based or 213 on the computer-based?or 79 on the internet based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); or have attended another U.S. university as a full-time student enrolled in academic courses for a minimum of one year; or have earned a bachelor's degree (or higher) from a U.S. university within two years of their proposed semester of admission.

Degree Requirements

All three tracks require either a thesis (30 credit hours) or an independent research project and an additional course in the student s are a of interest (33 credit hours). The MA degree in economics is typically completed in four semesters, although completion in three semesters is not unusual. The graduate coordinator of the department chairperson must approve the candidate s plan of study. A ll plans of study must include at least 18 hours of graduate level courses in economics or courses approved by the graduate coordinator. Courses identified as background fundamentals of the MBA program and other courses designated by the economics department may not be included in the hours required for the degree. Students pursuing graduate studies should contact Dr. Phil Hersch , our graduate coordinator.

Core courses--15 hours

In all tracks, at least 70 percent of credit hours must be at the 700-800 level.

Economic Analysis Track

In addition to the core, a student must take either: Five additional courses in economics or related areas and a 3-hour research project (18 credit hours) or four additional courses in economics or related areas and 3 hours of thesis (15 credit hours).

Financial Economics Track

Three additional courses in economics or finance and a 3-hour research project (12 credit hours) or two additional courses in economics or finance and 3 hours of thesis (9 credit hours).

International Economics Track

Two additional economics/international related courses (such as international management)and a 3-hour research project (9 credit hours) or one additional economics/ international course and 3 hours of thesis (6 credit hours).