Masters of Science Economics

The Master of Science program is designed to serve the need for a graduate degree for professional economists, government officials, and economic consultants, and to lay the groundwork for students who wish to pursue the PhD degree. Approximately thirty students enter the program each year. Students are required to complete at least thirty-two semester hours of academic work, of which sixteen semester hours constitute core courses. Part-time (<8 SH) as well as full-time enrollment is possible.

The MS degree is designed to provide a solid foundation in economic theory and quantitative methods (core courses), while providing an opportunity for students to apply the tools of economic analysis to particular policy areas. The focus of the program is on application and practice. Development of presentation skills and ability to produce project-oriented writing assignments are essential to the program and are emphasized in the elective (application) courses. Even the core courses incorporate application of theory and/or methods. The option to incorporate co-op (paid work for 6 months) into the program enhances the practice orientation of the degree.