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Dec 11, 2024
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Graduate Catalog | 2019-2020 Previous Edition
Economics, M.S.
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 Return to: Academic Programs (by college)
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Economics degree program features a curriculum that is flexible yet thorough in its approach to theoretical training and applied coursework. The program offers four concentrations in: (1) Quantitative Methods in Economics, (2) Quantitative Financial Economics, (3) Financial Management, and (4) Applied Economic Analysis. Students completing this program are prepared for analytical and management positions that require the integration of economic analysis and advanced quantitative methods. Employment opportunities for economists with a master’s degree exist in both the public and private sectors. In addition, students with a master’s degree may choose to pursue additional graduate education leading to a doctoral degree in Economics, Finance, or Public Policy.
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Admission Requirements
In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School, the following are required for graduate study in Economics:
- Undergraduate coursework that includes: Calculus, Econometrics (or equivalent), Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory, Intermediate Microeconomic Theory, and Mathematical Economics (preferred) (Students missing some of these courses can still be admitted with permission of Graduate Program Director)
- A satisfactory score on the aptitude portions of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (The Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) may be substituted for the GRE with permission of the Graduate Program Director)
GRE Waiver
The GMAT/GRE requirement may be waived for applicants who meet the following criteria:
- General Applicants - 3.0 or above undergraduate GPA, with grades of A or B in Economics, Math, and Statistics courses, or more than one year of relevant work experience
- Early Entry Applicants - 3.2 or above undergraduate GPA, with grades of A or B in Economics, Math, and Statistics courses
- Graduate Certificate in Applied Econometrics Students - completion of a minimum of two courses with grades of B or above, and a graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
The waiver must be requested from the M.S. in Economics Graduate Program Director when submitting the completed application. All GMAT/GRE waivers are at the discretion of the M.S. in Economics Graduate Program Director. If candidates are unable to secure the GMAT/GRE waiver, they will be required to submit official GMAT/GRE test scores in their M.S. Economics application.
Early Entry Program
Exceptional undergraduate students at UNC Charlotte may apply for the Early Entry Program and begin work toward the graduate degree before completion of the baccalaureate degree. See the Undergraduate Catalog for details and requirements. Also see the Degree Requirements and Academic Policies section of the Graduate Catalog for more information about Early Entry Programs.
Accelerated Master’s Program
Academically talented high school seniors and UNC Charlotte undergraduate freshmen are encouraged to apply for the Accelerated Master’s Program to begin work toward both undergraduate and graduate degrees in their Freshman year. See the Undergraduate Catalog for details and requirements. Also see the Degree Requirements and Academic Policies section of the Graduate Catalog for more information about Accelerated Master’s Programs.
Degree Requirements
The program leading to the Master of Science degree in Economics requires at least 30 hours of graduate credit, with a maximum of six hours of transfer credit accepted from an accredited institution. (Credit applied toward an awarded graduate degree will not be accepted as transfer credit.) Courses taken at other accredited institutions after enrollment may receive residence credit if approved by the department and the Dean of the Graduate School. No more than two grades of C are permitted in the program and at least 18 credit hours must be completed before admission to candidacy. A GPA of at least 3.0 is required to graduate. The program is organized into three curriculum components:
- Core Curriculum in economic theory and quantitative methods
- Thesis or Research Project
- Concentration selected from one of the four described below
Core Courses (12 credit hours)
Quantitative Methods in Economics Concentration
The Concentration in Quantitative Methods in Economics is designed for students who want to study quantitative methods in detail. It is an ideal option for those students interested in applying quantitative modeling and methods for economic analysis in their chosen field or pursuing an Economics Ph.D. after completion of the M.S. in Economics program. This concentration can be completed in one and a half years of study.
Students in this concentration must complete the core curriculum and the thesis or research project for the M.S. in Economics. In addition, they must complete:
And two of the following:
OR:
- A combination of the above courses and approved electives that total 6 credit hours
Quantitative Financial Economics Concentration
The Concentration in Quantitative Financial Economics is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in portfolio management or financial risk management. This concentration can also provide an excellent foundation for students who wish to pursue additional graduate study leading to a doctoral degree in Finance. The concentration can be completed in one and a half years of study.
Students in this concentration must complete the core curriculum and the thesis or research project for the M.S. in Economics. In addition, they must complete:
And one of the following:
Financial Management Concentration
The Concentration in Financial Management is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in corporate finance or financial planning. This concentration can be completed in one full year of study if the student chooses the thesis option.
Students in this concentration must complete the core curriculum and the thesis or research project for the M.S. in Economics. In addition, they must complete:
And one of the following:
Applied Economic Analysis Concentration
The Concentration in Applied Economic Analysis is designed for students who wish to pursue a specialized course of study. This concentration can be completed in one full year of study if the student chooses the thesis option.
Students in this concentration must complete the core curriculum and the thesis or research project for the M.S. in Economics. In addition, they must complete 12 credit hours of elective courses chosen from among 5000 level and higher ECON courses, 6000 level and higher FINN courses, or courses approved by the program director.
Thesis or Research Project
Thesis Option
Students who choose the thesis track must successfully complete six hours of ECON 6999 . The thesis must be written and defended within six calendar years after admission into the M.S. in Economics program. The Thesis Committee, which must be approved by the Graduate Program Director, will consist of a Chair and at least two other faculty members. ECON 6999 is graded on an A, B, C, or U basis.
Research Project/Non-Thesis Option
Students enrolled in the non-thesis option must complete the following research courses:
Degree Total = 30 Credit Hours
Advising
Prior to, or concurrent with, the first semester of study, each student will be expected to complete a program of study listing each class the student expects to take as a part of the program. The program of study requires the approval of the coordinator.
Application for Degree
Each student should make application for his/her degree by completing the online Application for Degree through Banner Self Service no later than the filing date specified in the University Academic Calendar .
Minor
The Department of Economics participates in the program leading to an interdisciplinary Graduate Minor in Operations Research . See the this section for complete information and program requirements.
Program Certifications/Accreditations
The College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
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