MA in Economics

The MA program is designed for students whose career goals include: graduate studies preparing for the Ph.D. degree; working as business, financial, government, or labor economists; working for social service, social activist, and philanthropic organizations; or teaching in secondary schools and community colleges. The skills acquired in studying economics are applicable to a wide variety of job responsibilities and many occupations. Roosevelt economics graduates have pursued careers in teaching, urban planning, statistical analysis, the law, labor research, financial analysis, and journalism, among others. The graduate curriculum of the Economics Department is closely aligned with the mission of the university to educate socially conscious citizens and leaders. Economics as taught at Roosevelt includes the study of income distribution, globalization, caring labor, wages and working conditions, equity, social justice, and democratic economic planning, all of which are an integral part of developing a consciousness of social justice, economic abundance, and individual liberty appropriate to the 21st century. Master's degree students from Roosevelt typically pursue careers in research, teaching, government service, non-profit organizations, labor unions, community organizing, and business. In rare cases and subject to the approval of the faculty, students may choose to write a thesis in lieu of two courses, an elective and an advanced theory course. In order to be approved for the thesis option, students must present a five-page prospectus to a full-time member of the department and gain consent in writing from that professor that she or he will serve as chair of the thesis committee. The goal is to provide students with theoretical lenses and analytical skills with which they can critically examine political, social and economic issues, weigh evidence, ask questions, analyze policy, develop their intellectual curiosity, contribute as citizens and professionals to a more humane, just, and prosperous world, and prepare themselves for a successful and meaningful career.