Master of Science in Economics

The Master’s program in economics provides a strong background in theory and technical skills for work as an economist in government or industry. For the undecided student, the Master’s level of study allows the opportunity to determine whether one has the interest and skill to subsequently pursue a PhD degree. The Master’s program is flexible and offers several options. The student may select courses in a variety of fields for a broad exposure to contemporary economic problems. The student may also limit course selections to one or two fields and acquire a high degree of competence in a limited number of areas. Applicants to the program must complete, or have previously completed, course work that satisfies the MS Economics prerequisite courses listed on the Graduate Admissions webpage. A basic course sequence in economic theory (ECON 5010, ECON 5020, ECON 5120, and ECON 5330) is required of all students pursuing a Master’s degree in Economics. Additionally, a course in applied econometrics is required (ECON 4230). Students select the remaining courses to provide themselves with the skills necessary for a career plan. Electives offered reflect our faculty’s research in areas such as Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, Development Economics, Energy Economics, Behavioral and Experimental Economics, Industrial Organization, and International Trade. For a complete list of the program’s courses, click here. Some electives may also be taken outside of the department, for example in Statistics, Mathematics, the Haub School of ENR, or the Energy Management MBA Program. However, a minimum of 18 hours in economics is required, and at least 15 of these must be at the 5000 level. Students may elect to take 27 hours of course work overall and write a thesis (the Plan A option), or take 30 hours of course work and write a shorter paper based on work done in a course (the Plan B alternative). At the beginning of the third semester, the student selects a major professor and a committee in consultation with that professor. The faculty members on this committee will supervise and evaluate the student’s research. Following successful completion of the Plan A Master’s thesis or Plan B paper, students present an oral defense to their committee. A favorable report from the committee completes the requirements for the Master’s degree in economics. The exceptionally qualified student can complete the economics Master’s program in three semesters. Most students complete all requirements within two years.