2013-2014 Bulletin 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2013-2014 Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Economics, MA


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The Master of Arts in Economics program is intended to prepare the student for a variety of applied analysis positions in both the private and public sectors.  Students develop a level of expertise in economic theory and quantitative methods appropriate to many positions in government and business. 

The MA may also serve as a prelude to more advanced graduate work.  Students endeavoring to teach in college and university are encouraged to apply to the doctoral program.

Program Requirements

The MA in Economics is a 48-unit program, except for the concentration in Global Commerce and Finance which is 36 units.  The program requires that all 12 courses or 48 units be completed with an average grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better.  The program’s Student Handbook provides additional details.

Final Paper Portfolio.  All students are required to submit two papers to the program office.  One paper must be written during the student’s first semester in the program.  A second paper should represent the student’s best work and may come from any subsequent semester that the student is enrolled in the program.  Papers are used for accreditation reviews of the program.

University Policies.  University policies detailed in the Registration and Degree Information  section of the Bulletin apply.
 

General Degree Requirements


In addition to the required courses, students must enroll in an approved 4-unit ECON or SP&E course in new institutional economics or political economy.  Another 12 units from the 300- or 400-level series of ECON or SP&E courses, or approved substitutes, must be taken.  Students who have not previously taken Calculus 1 and 2 are required to register for ECON 307 (Mathematics for Social Sciences).

Electives


Students are encouraged to develop quantitative tools and techniques that enhance a deeper and richer appreciation of the institutional contexts in which economic analysis must be conducted.  Course descriptions and outlines are available on the department’s web pages.

Concentrations


Three concentrations or tracks are offered applied economics: business and financial economics, international economic policy and development, and political economy and public policy.  Three courses or 12 units from 300- and 400-level ECON or SP&E courses are required.  Electives may be drawn from any CGU department such as management, mathematics, information science, and politics and policy.

Business and Financial Economics


The Business and Financial Economics track offers a program of applied economics and finance with an emphasis on rigorous analytical and quantitative methods for students seeking careers in business, consulting, and financial institutions.

Additional Requirements


An approved finance course may be substituted for ECON 336.

Two additional approved courses related to business and financial economics. A partial list of potential courses includes the following.

International Economic Policy and Development


International business, management, and politics distinguish the International Economic Policy and Development track.

Required Courses


 ECON 247 International Trade Theory and Policy

ECON 350 Global Money and Finance

An applied international economic policy or development course, such as one of the following.

  • ECON 224 Asian Political Economy
  • ECON 342 Asian Economic Development
  • ECON 359 Finance and Development
  • ECON 374 Economic Policies in Developing Countries

One course in the Politics of International Economic Relations,  such as PP 411 International Political Economy

Two additional approved courses, or 8 units, from the broad areas of international economics and development, international and comparative political economy and international management.  Courses may include the following.

  • ECON 358 Advanced Topics in Intl. Monetary and Financial Economics
  • PP 366 Political and Economic Development in Latin America
  • SP&E 302 Political Economy of Development

Political Economy & Public Policy


Similar to program at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and a number of graduate schools of public policy and interdisciplinary graduate programs in applied political economy, the Political Economy and Public Policy track provides a useful background for those interested in positions in business and government and for students considering pursuing a law degree.

Global Commerce and Finance


This Master’s degree concentration requires 36 units and can normally be completed in two summers and two semesters. It is designed for professionals in business, government and international and non-profit organizations. It provides a highly structured program drawing on applied economics and financial analysis, predictive modeling, political economy, new institutional economics, behavioral and neuroeconomics and finance to create a broad, robust framework for understanding global economic, political and financial interactions.

Students without a strong background in quantitative methods should consider starting in the summer with a two-course quantitative methods sequence. Some electives will also be available during the summer. 

Students will also have the option of taking an additional twelve hours to earn a certificate of advanced study in their field of specialization.

Elective Courses

 Two additional approved courses may be taken from a specialization area.               

  • Predictive Modeling
  • International Finance
  • International Trade
  • Economic Development
  • Political Economy and Public Policy
  • Financial Economics
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Neuroeconomics and Behavioral Economics
  • International and Comparative Political Economy

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