Course of Study

The MS-ECON program begins with a mandatory two-week “Math Camp” on calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics. To fulfill the degree requirements, students must then complete four core courses (12 credits) and eleven elective courses (33 credits), of which five are electives courses in quantitative economics. There is no thesis option or requirement. There is also no required internship component, although students are encouraged to participate in internships or other employment during the summer between their first and second year.

Full-time students take the four required core courses – Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, and Data Analysis – in the fall semester of the first year. These core courses are prerequisites for the subsequent elective courses where the fundamental skills acquired in the core courses are employed.

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

• Standard: is the default track. It provides students with a solid foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and their applied fields. 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 program 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 45 course credits required by the program in two academic years.

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.