Master of Arts in Economics

The master's program, begun in 1934, seeks to prepare students for careers in industry, government, and junior college teaching. The M.A. degree is intended for those who seek a more extensive background in economics, either for employment as applied economists or for another advanced degree such as a Ph.D. The following fields are available currently within the M.A. program:

  • Health economics
  • Labor and human resources
  • Industrial organization
  • Quantitative economic methods

Many students in the M.A. program are employed and take their courses in the evening, so the department offers all of its core courses and a substantial number of M.A. elective courses in the evening. The program also attracts some international students, including several students from Germany sponsored by the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), and the University of Paris II.

View admissions requirements for the M.A. degree

Re-tooling with an M.A. in economics

Engineers, scientists, and health professionals have many of the skills necessary to excel in an economics M.A. program. They generally have rich mathematical and statistical expertise that will enable them to "leapfrog" many of the standard M.A. qualification requirements. With as few as eight to no more than 11 courses, they can work toward an M.A. degree in economics over a twelve to 18-month course of study.

Forms and documents

Contact 💬

For more information, please contact the director of graduate studies.

Career insights

This tool provides a broad overview of how major selection can lead to careers and is provided without any implied promise of employment. Some careers will require further education, skills, or competencies. Actual salaries may vary significantly between similar employers and could change by graduation, as could employment opportunities and job titles.