Prerequisites to Degree Program:
Applicants for graduate studies in economics must meet the requirements of the Graduate School of Business and be accepted by the Department of Economics. Generally, the requirements are (1) a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a satisfactory grade-point average, and (2) a satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE).

Students from all academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. In particular, students with strong mathematical background are welcomed. To take graduate courses in economics, students, as a general rule, must have had courses in intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics, statistics, two semesters of calculus, and linear algebra.

Degree Options:
Students must select the Non-Thesis or Thesis option. Both options combine study of economic theory, applied econometrics, and of an applied field that will prepare students for careers in the private or public sector, or for doctoral programs. The Non-Thesis Option can be completed in 10 months-two semesters plus an intensive 3 week course in mathematics and statistics taken immediately before the start of the entering fall semester. The Thesis option is for students who seek more advanced skills. It requires additional coursework and a thesis, and will take three or four semesters to complete.

Common Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree, Non-Thesis and Thesis Options:
Candidates for both the Non-Thesis and Thesis options must complete a minimum of 30 hours of coursework that includes the following:

Applied Field Concentration: 6 hours
Each student shall complete at least six hours of coursework in one applied field. Students who seek advanced training in applied economics and business preparatory to entering business or government employment should select one of the following fields: finance, accounting, marketing, transportation, information systems, or quantitative methods. Students who plan to enter a doctoral program should choose mathematics or statistics as their field. Other concentrations are possible with the approval of the Program Coordinator.

Seminars:
Students are required to register for the seminar courses for at least one credit hour each semester they are on campus.

Additional Degree Requirements, Non-Thesis Option (30 hours):
In addition to 30 hours of required coursework, students who select the non-thesis option must take a comprehensive exam. For these students, a Masters Paper will typically be integrated with the Econometrics II and the Spring Seminar classes. Presentation of the Masters Paper to faculty and students during the Seminar course will constitute the final comprehensive exam.

Additional Degree Requirements, Thesis Option (Minimum of 42 hours):
This option is intended for students who seek the acquisition of advanced analytical and research skills. Students who select the Thesis option must pass 30 hours of required coursework specified above, 12 additional hours of coursework--6 hours approved by the Program Director and 6 hours of thesis credit, and pass a comprehensive exam. The comprehensive exam will take the form of a formal thesis defense.

Financial Assistance:
A limited number of merit based graduate assistantships are awarded to students, typically for one year of study. Students in the Thesis option may be considered for continued funding after the first year of the Masters program if they possess a minimum GPA of 3.75 in their graduate coursework during their first year in the program and are recommended by the graduate committee in economics. Such funding will be offered strictly on the basis of merit and is subject to availability of funds.

A Complete Application Consists of:

• Application Form
• Application Fee - $40 US students; $50 International students
• Official transcripts from each college or university attended
• 2 Essays
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Resume
• Official GRE score

• Summary of Educational Experience form
• Financial & Supplemental Information form
• TOEFL - minimum 213 cbt; 550 pbt
• iBT TOEFL - minimum 80 cbt; equivalent to 213 on the previous cbt