The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Economics degree is intended to prepare students 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. 

This program is offered in-person with some coursework offered in an hybrid/online modality and can be completed in four semester of full-time attendance (eight units/semester).

The M.A. may also serve as a prelude to more advanced graduate work.  Students endeavoring to teach in the higher education setting are encouraged to apply to the PhD program. Students who wish to become leaders in applied analysis should consider the Doctorate in Economics and Data Analysis (DEDA).

Program Outcomes

• Prepare students to work as applied analysts. 
• Learn economic theory at a level that aids application in both the public and private sectors 
• Develop a level of expertise in quantitative methods that is useful in both government and business. 

Degree Requirements

A total of 36 units are required for the degree. These units include 8 units of required courses, 12 units of Research Tools, and 16 units of electives. Additionally, all students are required to submit a final paper portfolio. 

Coursework

Required Courses (8 units)

• ECON 302 - Modern Macroeconomics: Analysis, Policy and Applications (4 units)
    
• One course selected from:
  • ECON 313 - Microeconomic Analysis (4 units)  
  • ECON 316 - Consumer Theory and General Equilibrium (4 units)  

*Recommended only for those with a strong math background.

Research Tools (12 units)

Students will complete this requirement by completing one of the options below: 

Option 1

This option is recommended for students with a strong math background and for those who intend on applying to the PhD Economics or the DEDA program at CGU.

• Select one from:

  • ECON 381 - Probability & Statistics for Econometrics (4 units)   

  • MATH 259 - Methods of Applied Probability and Statistics (4 units)   

• ​ECON 382 - Econometrics I (4 units)   

• ECON 383 - Econometrics II (4 units)   

Option 2

• One course from:

  • PP 481 - Introduction to Statistical Analysis (4 units)   

  • ECON 381 - Probability & Statistics for Econometrics (4 units)   

• PP 482 - Advanced Quantitative Research Methods (4 units)   

• One course from: 

  • PP 484 - Survey Research (4 units)   

  • PP 485 - Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research (4 units)   

  • PP 487L - Applied Data Analysis: Limited Dependent Variables and MLE (4 units)  

  • PP 487M - Applied Data Analysis: Machine Learning and Data Mining for Social Scientists (4 units)  

  • PP 487S - Applied Data Analysis: Survey of Advanced Methods (4 units)  

  • SP&E 487 - Visualizing Data (4 units)   

  • SP&E 489 - Computational Tools for Social Science (4 units)   

Electives (16 units)

Electives are selected in consultation with the student’s advisor and are intended to help students develop techniques that enhance a deeper and richer appreciation of the institutional contexts in which economic analysis must be conducted. If taken for credit, ECON 308 - Math for Economists  may count as an elective.

Final Paper Portfolio

Students are required to submit two final papers to the Academic Coordinator. One paper should be written during the student’s first year (Preferably the first semester.) 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. All papers are used for accreditation reviews of the program.