Program Information
The graduate program in economics prepares students for professions in business and government as well as for advanced studies in economics and finance. Program requirements include one course in microeconomics (advanced microeconomic theory or applied managerial economics) and one course in quantitative analysis (econometrics or advanced business decision science). The program offers two curriculum options: an economic theory option and an applied business economics option. In any case, students customize their plans of study, emphasizing one of the following four subject areas:
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural and Resource Economics
- Business Economics
- General Economics
The Ness School of Management and Economics offers an accelerated master's program, which allows qualified students to work toward their master’s degree in economics while they complete their undergraduate degree.
Course Delivery Format
The Ness School of Management and Economics generally delivers graduate courses in a face-to-face format. On occasion, the school delivers an elective course in an online format. The school delivers its business economics curriculum option electives in flexible formats, including evening and blended courses.
Student Support and Engagement Opportunities
The Ness School of Management and Economics prides itself on providing excellent academic programs and offering high-quality services to students. A limited number of research and teaching assistantships and scholarships may be available to qualified students enrolled in the economic theory curriculum option. The Economics Graduate Student Association (EGSA) supports graduate-student engagement opportunities, as well.
Core Requirements
- ECON 751- Managerial Economics Credits: 3 or ECON 704 - Advanced Microeconomics Credits: 3
- DSCI 752- Advanced Business Decision Science Credits: 3 or ECON 705 - Econometrics Credits: 3
Available Options for Master of Science Degrees:
- Option A – Thesis – Economic Theory track
- Advanced Macroeconomics Credits: 3
- Advanced Microeconomics Credits: 3
- Econometrics Credits: 3
- Research Methodology in Applied Economics Credits: 3
- Thesis Credits: 1-7 (5 credits required)
- Approved Electives Credits: 13
Total Required Credits: 30 (Option A)
- Option B - Research/Design Paper – Applied Business Economics track
- Managerial Economics Credits: 3
- Advanced Business Decision Science Credits: 3
- Financial Management Credit: 3
- Marketing Strategy and Analytics Credits: 3
- Business Economics Capstone Credits: 3
- Master's Research Problems/Projects Credits: 1-2 (2 credits required)
- Approved Electives Credits: 15
Total Required Credits: 32 (Option B)
Additional Admission Requirements
GRE: Not required
TOEFL: School requirement of 575 paper-based, 90-91 internet-based
IELTS: 6.0
Two letters of reference and a letter of intent are required. In the letter of intent, the applicant should identify their interests in the graduate program, address how their skills - including those the applicant attained in their undergraduate program - align with our graduate program and address any undergraduate coursework in which the applicant earned below a B. The letter of intent should be roughly 500 to 750 words long.