Economics, MA

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.

Admission. Admission requirements are detailed in the Admissions section of the current Policies and General Information Bulletin.

University Policies. Policies detailed in the current Policies and General Information Bulletin apply.

Degree Requirements

The MA in Economics is a 36-unit program. The program requires that all 9 courses or 36 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.

General Degree Requirements

Students considering a transfer to the PhD program should consult with their faculty advisor and the Program Coordinator before choosing their courses. These students (and students with a strong background in mathematics) may take the first-year PhD sequence.

Core Courses (8 units)

ECON 302 - Modern Macroeconomics: Analysis, Policy, and Applications
ECON 313 - Microeconomic Analysis I OR ECON 316 - Consumer Theory and General Equilibrium (recommended only for those with a strong math background.

Research Tools (12 units)

Choose one of the following options:

Option 1

PP 481/INST481 - Introduction to Statistical Analysis/Statistical Methods for Social Sciences
PP 482/INST 483 - Multivariate Regression Analysis/Multivariate Analysis in International Studies Using SAS
PP 485 - Qualitative Research Methods OR PP 487 - Applied Data Analysis: Machine Learning and Data Mining
ECON 328A - Programming for the Social Sciences (2 units)

Option 2 (recommended only for those with a strong math background or for those who intend on applying to the PhD Economics program at CGU)

ECON 381 - Probability and Statistics for Econometrics
ECON 382 - Econometrics I
ECON 383 - Econometrics II
ECON 328A - Programming for the Social Sciences

Electives (14 units)

Electives help students develop 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. Students should speak to their faculty advisor before choosing electives.