Course of Study

The MA-APEC program begins with a mandatory two-week non-credit “Math Camp” that reviews basic results on calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics. To fulfill the degree requirements, students must then complete four core courses (12 credits) and six elective courses (18 credits).

Full-time students take the required core courses – Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, and Data Analysis – in the fall term. These four courses are prerequisites for the elective courses that students will take in the spring and the summer terms according to the academic track they select.

• Standard: is the default track. It provides students with a solid foundation in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and the applied fields of Economics. Students gain the ability to comprehend the empirical analyses pertinent to the discussion of economic issues. They also gain the skills necessary to undertake original research projects and data analysis.
• Computational Economics: provides students with a skill set that can be immediately applied to a range of employment settings. It will also strengthen the quantitative capabilities of students who intend to pursue a PhD in Economics or an advanced degree in another highly quantitative discipline.
• Financial Economics: provides students with a skill set relevant to banking and financial services. It is also intended for students planning to pursue further graduate studies, such as a PhD in Economics with an emphasis on financial economics, an advanced degree program in finance, or in specific areas of business and law.

A full-time student should be able to complete the 30 course credits required by the program in one calendar year. A part-time student should be able to finish in two years. Both approaches involve taking courses in the summer term.

Generally, the core courses are taught by faculty members in the Department of Economics and elective courses are typically taught by highly experienced professional economists with a substantial expertise in the topics they teach.