BA/MA in Economics
In this course of study, students earn both a BA and MA degree in less time than it generally takes to complete the two degrees separately.
The BA/MA track streamlines the graduate degree completion process and is designed for students who wish to become professional economists, using both economic theory and economic data to provide quantitative analyses of economic issues.
Students begin this process by pursuing a standard BA in Economics track until their junior year, at which time those with a qualifying GPA may apply to the BA/MA track. Once accepted, students begin taking courses in the MA in Economics track.
Why pursue a combined BA/MA degree?
- Students save time by applying their undergraduate training toward required training in the MA program.
- Students have access to a wide range of faculty expertise beyond the Department of Economics, including the Departments of Geography, Communication, Mathematics and Biological Sciences, and the Schools of Management, Engineering, Medicine and Architecture and Planning.
- Within this program, students also have the option of earning an Advanced Certificate in Applied Economics.
Degree Requirements
Interested students should consult the Director of Undergraduate Studies and the Assistant Director of the MA Program as early as possible in their decision-making process in order to develop a sequence of coursework that is appropriate to their interests and objectives. Students must meet the requirements of both the BA and MA portions of the program.
135 credit hours are required for the combined BA/MA degree.
- 105 credits at the undergraduate level, including a minimum of 20 credits in economics and all university requirements
- 30 credits in economics at the graduate level
If, after entering the BA/MA program, a student wishes to withdraw from the MA portion, it is important to note that only six graduate credits can be used toward the BA degree without special approval from the Dean of Undergraduate Education.
Standard BA/MA
The BA/MA degree consists of five core courses and electives designed to train students in the basic analytical and applied statistical methods used by economists. Core courses:
BA/MA with Optional Advanced Certificate in Applied Economics
The BA/MA program, coupled with the optional Advanced Certificate in Applied Economics, focuses on six specialties and requires completion of a further 15 credits. The specializations are:
- Financial Economics
- International Economics
- Information and Internet Economics
- Economics of Law & Regulation
- Economics of Health Services
- Urban and Regional Economics
Substitutions and Waivers
ECO 505, ECO 507 and ECO 576 may be substituted for ECO 405, ECO 407 and ECO 406, respectively, with the permission of the Director of the MA Program.
A waiver exam may be taken for ECO 580 and ECO 581. (Please contact the Assistant Director of the MA Program for details.) Please note: Even with specific course waiver approval, a student must fulfill the degree credit requirements by choosing a graduate elective. A total of 24 undergraduate economics credits and 30 MA credits are still required for the degree.