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Dec 21, 2024
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Graduate Catalog | 2015-2016 Previous Edition
Economics, M.S.
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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 concentrations in Quantitative Methods in Economics, Quantitative Financial Economics, Financial Management, and 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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Additional 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. (Students missing some of these courses can be admitted conditionally.)
- A satisfactory score on the aptitude portions of the Graduate Record Examination. The Graduate Management Aptitude Test may be substituted for the GRE with the permission of the Program Director.
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. All credit hours applied toward the degree must be in courses open only to graduate students. No more than two C’s 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:
- a core curriculum in economic theory and quantitative methods
- a concentration to be selected from one of the four described below
- a research project or thesis
Admission to Candidacy Requirements
An Admission to Candidacy form listing graduate-level courses that apply to the degree must be submitted to the Graduate Program Director one month prior to the semester in which the student plans to complete the coursework for the degree.
Assistantships
A number of graduate assistantships are available each year. To be fully competitive, applications must be submitted by March 15. Contact the coordinator for further information.
Note:
In addition, students who choose to complete a thesis must successfully complete six hours of ECON 6999 (Master’s Thesis), while students enrolled in the non-thesis option must complete ECON 6901 and ECON 6902 (Research Methods I and Research Methods II).
Quantitative Methods in Economics
The Quantitative Methods in Economics concentration 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 for the M.S. in Economics and the thesis or research project. 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
The Quantitative Financial Economics concentration 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 option must complete the core curriculum for the M.S. in Economics and the thesis or research project. In addition, they must complete:
And one of the following:
Financial Management
The Financial Management concentration 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 for the M.S. in Economics and the thesis or research project. In addition, they must complete:
And one of the following:
Applied Economic Analysis
The Applied Economic Analysis concentration 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 for the M.S. in Economics and the thesis or research project. In addition, they must complete 12 hours of electives chosen from the fields of macroeconomics and monetary policy, finance and banking, environmental economics, international trade and international finance, economic modeling and simulation, urban economics, public finance and cost/benefit analysis, or economic and business forecasting. The program also permits the development of individualized specializations in areas that are complementary to economic theory and analysis.
Minors
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.
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.
Thesis
Students who choose the thesis track must successfully complete six hours of ECON 6999 (Master’s Thesis). 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.
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 .
Program Certifications/Accreditations
The College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
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