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  Mar 21, 2025
 
2009-2010 Graduate Studies Bulletin (Archived Copy) 
  
2009-2010 Graduate Studies Bulletin (Archived Copy) [Archived Catalog]

Economics, M.A.


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Admission Department of Economics 
Degree Requirements Moore School of Business 

The Master of Arts in Economics program prepares the student for a career as a professional economist in business and government and for further graduate work in the field of economics. Prior degree work in economics is not required.

Admission

Applicants must submit official transcripts of their complete academic record, two letters of reference, and scores on the GRE or GMAT. In the most recent class of entrants, the average undergraduate GPA was 3.50. Prerequisite courses that must be taken prior to enrollment are principles of economics (ECON 224 or equivalent) and business calculus (MATH 122 or equivalent). An applicant whose native language is not English is required to take the TOEFL and earn a score of at least 600 (250 computer-based score) or the IELTS Intl. Academic Course Type 2 exam and earn a score of at least 7.0.

Enrollment in the program may begin in either the fall or spring semester, although the department encourages students to begin their studies in the fall semester.

Degree Requirements

The M.A. in economics normally takes three full semesters of work. Each student must complete 30 credit hours and maintain a B average (3.00) in the program. No more than 6 hours of this total may be thesis credit. The student is also required to take at least four courses at the 700-800 level, with at least a B average in those courses.

From acceptance until the creation of the thesis committee, the M.A. student is advised by the graduate coordinator of economics. Before the end of the first semester of study, the student must construct a program of study that indicates the courses to be taken. This program (and any subsequent changes) must be approved by the graduate coordinator, the associate dean for academic affairs, and the dean of The Graduate School.

A suitable program of study will generally consist of the following:

2. Elective Courses in Economics and Other Fields


Elective courses may be chosen from a variety of offerings both within and outside the department. In general, at least two of these courses must be at the 700-800 levels. Recently, M.A. students have chosen to take elective courses in international economics, economic forecasting, development economics, labor economics, experimental economics, environmental economics, and health economics. Up to two courses may be taken outside the department.

3. Thesis


At the appropriate time, a thesis committee will be appointed by the graduate director with the approval of the department chair. The committee must consist of at least two faculty members. The student must defend orally a written proposal to this committee. The student must present and successfully defend a completed thesis that gives evidence of mature research not later than six years after entering the program.

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