Graduate
Master's Program in Detail
While the department does not run a separate master's program, it offers two master's degrees to students enrolled in the PhD program: an M.A., which requires a thesis, and an M.S., which does not require a thesis but does require additional courses. Most people in the Ph.D. program qualify for an M.S. along the way but to actually receive it you'll need to file a form with the Graduate School (see the Graduate Coordinator for a copy). Those students who fail to pass the microeconomics and macroeconomics core examinations or the second year paper requirement can always choose this option.
Requirements Common to the M.A. and M.S.
1. At least six hours in supporting work.
2. No more than six undergraduate hours in economics or supporting work; at most seven hours on a credit/no credit basis; 3.0 GPA in both economics courses and supporting work, to be computed separately.
3. Microeconomics I (ECO 387L.1)
4. Macroeconomics I (ECO 387L.2)
Requirements for the M.A.
1. Meet all requirements of the Graduate School (30 semester hours:
at least 21 hours at the graduate level).
2. Six hours of Master's Thesis courses.
3. No required courses may be taken on a credit/no credit basis.
Requirements for the M.S.
1. Meet all requirements of the Graduate School (36 semester hours:
at least 27 hours at the graduate level; at least 18 semester hours in economics;
2. Econometrics I (ECO 392M.2).
3. One field of specialization.
4. Either a second field or Econometrics II (ECO 392M.3).
5. No required courses may be taken on a credit/no credit basis.
A master's candidate needs to file a formal "Application for Candidacy" through the Graduate School. In applying for candidacy, the student must prepare a Program of Work, and in the case of M.A. students, identify a thesis supervisor and second reader. The application must be approved by the Graduate Advisor and the Graduate Dean.