Economics, MA

The economics department offers a variety of graduate courses toward the completion of a Master of Arts degree.

Applicants to the M.A. program are expected to submit scores from the Graduate Record Examinations and prior coursework that demonstrates an aptitude for graduate study in economics. Students often have strong undergraduate training in economics, but some students have a strong quantitative background and little training in economics. Students whose native language is not English are also required to take the TOEFL examination. Admission preference is given to students with TOEFL scores in the range of 600 and above or ITOTL scores of 100 and above. Graduate assistantships and University Fellowships are generally not awarded to students studying for the M.A. degree.

Courses available on a regular basis include microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, mathematical economics, statistics, econometrics, public finance, economic development, international trade and finance, economic dimensions of global power and financial econometrics. A student with strong undergraduate training and a good grasp of English who is able to study full time will be able to complete the degree in one calendar year. Students whose first language is not English, or who have little background in economics, typically require three semesters plus a summer.

Degree Requirements:

The M.A. degree requires 30 credits including 5 mandatory courses and 5 electives chosen in consultation with the MA degree director. Courses required for the M.A. degree include: ECN 601 (microeconomic theory), ECN 602 , or ECN 613 , or ECN 614 (macroeconomic theory) or ECN 610 (Economic Dimensions of Global Power), each with a grade of B- or better. Students must also take 6 credits of statistics and econometrics, normally satisfied by taking ECN 521 and ECN 522 but for students with exceptional undergraduate training may include ECN 620 , ECN 621 and ECN 622 . Finally, Mathematical Economics (ECN 505 or alternatively, ECN 605 ) is also required.

Students may take courses numbered between 500 and 599, but normally at least 15 credits must be at the 600 level or above. A student’s program may include 6 credits taken outside the Syracuse University economics department. This includes economics courses at the graduate level transferred from another institution or cognate courses taken in other departments at Syracuse University. The latter may be chosen only in consultation with the advisor. Alternatively, students can conduct independent research under the supervision of a faculty member normally for 3 credits and occasionally for 6 credits. This option requires the student to produce a substantial research paper demonstrating a mastery of relevant economic theory and advanced statistical methods. The cumulative grade point average for the courses taken toward credit for the M.A. degree must be 3.0 or better.