35 Best Master’s Degrees in Economics in 2021

An outstanding public research institution, the University of Maryland is located in College Park, MD close to Baltimore and Washington, DC. The Department of Economics offers a Master of Professional Studies in Applied Economics. The degree is specifically designed for working professionals and is meant to equip them with the latest skills and theories in economics, which can then be applied to real-world issues and problems. The program includes ten courses and can be completed within a year.

Students take five core courses and five field courses. Among the field, courses are Information, Game Theory and Market Design, Applied Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, and Economic Analysis of Law. Admissions require a bachelor's with a 3.0 GPA, and evidence of having taken economics and calculus courses. The DE stresses job placement for their graduates and works hard to help students develop professionally as well as academically. The UM Career Center assists in this endeavor and helps with potential placement for students. And their track record has been impressive. In 2015 they were able to place 100 percent of their graduates.

Stony Brook University is a member of the State University of New York system and is a public research university located in Stony Brook, NY. The Department of Economics offers a Master of Arts in Economics. The program does not require a background in economics, which makes it unique. Students take Ph.D. level classes which do require a strong mathematics background, however. The program is 11 courses and can be completed in three semesters. During the first year, students take foundational courses in economic theory and quantitative methods.

During their second year, students take elective courses which can include classes like Game Theory, Computational Economics & Dynamic Modeling, and Demographic Economics. Students must take a comprehensive exam at the end of the first year, or if necessary, before the beginning of the second year. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to be in good standing in the program. Admission to the program requires a bachelor's with a 3.0 GPA, as well as GRE scores, and letters of recommendation.

The program can be completed between one and two years. The program requires four required courses as well as six electives. Students also select between ten different specializations, which include Advanced Econometrics, Environment & Natural Resources, International Economics, Industrial Organization, and Development Economics, among others. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to remain in good standing. The DE also regularly hosts seminars and workshops where students are exposed to new research in a variety of areas of study.

Classes the students might take include Empirical Industrial Organization, Open Economy Macroeconomics, and Behavioral Economics and Finance. Senior faculty are involved in teaching courses in the program and bring their valuable experience and research into the classroom. In conjunction with the Georgetown Center for Economic Research, the DE often holds seminars, conferences, and workshops. Admissions require a bachelor's degree, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and an academic statement of purpose.

Texas A&M University in College Station, TX, enrolls nearly 70,000 students every year. The Department of Economics offers a Master of Science in Economics. Students can choose to pursue a thesis or non-thesis track and have the option of either concentrating in Financial Economics or Financial Econometrics. The program is 36 credits, which is spread across required and elective courses and a thesis if chosen.

Students can take classes like Economics of the Multinational Firm, Behavioral Financial Economics, and Money, Banking and Financial Markets. Students work with an advisor to develop their thesis proposal if they choose to follow the thesis-track. Admission requires a bachelor's degree as well as GRE scores. The DE regularly puts on workshops on a variety of topics which graduate students can attend for additional educational experiences and professional development.

Johns Hopkins University is located in Baltimore, MD, and is a private research university. JHU is widely considered the first research university in the US and was modeled after the University of Berlin when it was founded in the middle of the 19thcentury. Today the school matriculates over 26,000 students annually. The Carey Business School offers a dual Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Applied Economics. The program requires three years to complete and is comprised of 31 courses.

This is a program which seeks to bring together the best practices in business with cutting edge research in economics. The MBA courses can be completed online or on campus, though there is a residency requirement. The MSE courses can all be completed online or on campus. These options make this is a remarkably attractive program given the flexibility and comprehensive nature of the dual degree combination. In the MBA portion students are also able to pursue one of six concentrations, which include Marketing, Real Estate, and Infrastructure; or Financial Businesses.

The University of Minnesota is a large public research university which is spread across the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The student body regularly approaches 50,000 students each year. The Department of Economics in the College of Liberal Arts offers a Master of Arts in Economics. The program consists of 30 credits, and students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA to maintain good standing in the program. Students take 16 credits worth of core classes, eight credits of electives, and six credits of courses outside the major. The latter are chosen in consultation with the director.

This program is configured as a component of the Ph.D. program so that students who apply are being accepted into the doctoral program. However, students can potentially opt to complete the MA and not go further. To do so requires that individuals not only complete the required coursework but also pass a final exam and finish a capstone project which generally consists of two outside field-work experiences where students are asked to bring their theoretical knowledge into contact with real-world problems and issues.

Founded in Los Angeles, the University of Southern California is a private research university with an average annual enrollment of over 45,000 students. The Department of Economics in the Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences offers a Master of Arts in Economics. This is the most popular graduate program at USC. The MAE requires 32 credits, which translates to eight courses that can be taken over the course of one or one and a half years. The program allows matriculation in either Fall or Spring, and students must submit transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

Students take three core courses and then are allowed to take five electives. The program has developed six different emphases that shape the electives, including Antitrust Economics, Applied Analytics, and Behavioral and Experimental Economics, among others. There are research assistant positions open to graduate students at the Los Angeles Behavioral Economics Laboratory which is funded by grants from the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health. The DE also provides one-on-one career counseling and works with students to help them find positions with leading institutions.

Tufts University is a private research university based in Somerville, MA. TU has a student body of over 11,000 students annually and is particularly attuned to emphasize the need for students to become active citizens. The Department of Economics in the School of Arts and Sciences offers a Master of Science in Economics. The program stresses rigorous training in the empirical and theoretical methods and models in economics to prepare students for further research and a variety of careers. The program can be taken in a Course-Based track or a Research-Based track.

The Course-Based track features eight courses and can be completed within one year. The Research-Based track consists of 12 courses and requires a thesis. It can be completed in two years. Students take required courses in statistics, economics, and econometrics, as well as electives. Students can take up to two courses at several other nearby institutions, including Boston College, Boston University, and Brandeis University. The DE has also been able to establish the Henken Family Endowed Graduate Research Fund through a generous donation which provides a fellowship each year for one or more students.

A public research university located in Ann Arbor, MI, the University of Michigan has one of the largest alumni networks in the world. UM regularly enrolls over 45,000 students in its numerous programs. The Economics Department offers a Master of Arts in Applied Economics, which is designed as a terminal degree. It is especially useful for students who are interested in entering the field of economics or who have already begun working and want to shore up their knowledge of the field.

The program has recently beefed up the requirements for the program, moving from 33 to 38 credits. However, this increase does not change the actual number of courses that students take. The program can still be completed in three to four semesters. Students take 18 credits in electives, including classes like Strategies for Sustainable Development, Principles of Geographic Information Systems, and Analyzing Longitudinal and Clustered Data Using Statistical Software. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, GRE test scores, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a statement of purpose. International students must also show proof of English-language proficiency.

The program can be pursued with or without a thesis, and potential elective courses include Development of the American Economy, Natural Resource Use, Technology, and Policy, and Economic Theory of Regulation. There are also several approved courses in agriculture, mathematics, statistics, and computer science that students can take to fulfill the required load. Students who choose to do a thesis are required to complete 24 credits, while students who do not want that route are required to completed 30 credits.

Located in the bustling metropolis of New York City, Columbia University is a world-leading Ivy League research university with an annual enrollment topping 33,000 students. The Department of Economics offers a Master of Arts in Economics. The program is great for individuals who are looking to sharpen their knowledge of economics, for persons interested in going into an economics-related field, or for individuals interested in pursuing more advanced doctoral work. The program requires completion of ten courses, including seven required and three electives.

Courses include classes like Financial Economics, Advanced Econometrics, and Economic Policy Analysis. Students must also submit a research paper which is based on original research and shows their grasp of fundamental economic theories and dynamics. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to be in good standing in the program. Students are also encouraged to join the Master of Economics Student Association, which provides numerous social and co-curricular events for networking, professional development, and personal growth. And lest we forget, CU is located in the heart of the North American financial world.

Florida State University is a large public research university located in Tallahassee, FL. The College of Social Sciences and Public Policy offers a Master of Science in Applied Economics. The program has received recognition for excellence in the past and was ranked among the top five in the nation for MSAE programs by TFE Timesin 2017. The program is designed to be completed in one year with summer courses, and students receive training in various forms of statistical software such as SAS, STATA, and REMI. The average class size is around 25, which means students will have access to their professors.

Students take classes like Analysis of Economic Data, SAS for Economists, and Leadership and Professional Development. The course in LPD is specifically designed to cultivate the professional skills and virtues required to succeed in the workplace, like communication, teamwork, and a robust ethical framework. Students are also required to complete an Applied Project course, which is meant to solidify the application of theory and skills for the resolution of real-world problems.

Located in the city of Boston, Northeastern University is a private research university with over 25,000 students annually enrolled. NU is a highly residential school and the Department of Economics in the College of Social Sciences and Humanities offers a Master of Science in Economics. The MSE is offered as a terminal degree for professionals working in the fields of economics, business, industry, finance, and government. The program consists of 32 credits which can generally be completed within two years to 18 months.

Students take 16 credits worth of electives in a wide range of offerings, as well as four courses in economics, statistics, and econometrics. They can also choose to substitute a class with either a thesis or an internship. NU has a long history of offering Cooperative Education programs which refers to on-the-job learning experiences and academic reflection. The MSE is no exception, and students who have a 3.5 GPA can qualify for an opportunity that turns a workplace into a classroom.

Boston University enrolls around 30,000 students annually and is classified as an R1 institution because of the level of research it supports and produces. The Department of Economics offers a Master of Arts in Economics which is designed as a terminal degree for students who are interested in working in the business world or working with governmental agencies, industries, or in the financial sector. Students are trained in fundamental economic principles, mathematical and statistical models, and computer software which can handle big data.

The program requires 32 credits which include required courses as well as electives. Students take classes like Elementary Mathematical Economics, Statistics of Economists, and Econometrics. BU also offers a dual MAE and Master of Business Administration for interested students. The dual degree program can be completed in two years with summer courses and provides an even more well-rounded education for future professionals. BU's programs are highly selective, and students must exhibit sufficient prior training in economics-related coursework, among other requirements.

A large public research university, the University of Utah is located in Salt Lake City, UT and offers almost 200 different degree programs, including more than 90 graduate programs. The Department of Economics resides in the College of Social & Behavioral Science and offers a Master of Science in Economics. The program emphasizes both theory and applied areas of economics and students can specialize in one of several potential areas, including natural resource and environmental economics, quantitative analysis in economics, and labor economics, among others.

The program consists of 30 credit hours and can be completed in 18 months. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA, and core classes must be passed with a B- or better. Elective courses include Topics in Latin American Economic History and Development, Poverty and Inequality, and Environmental & Natural Resource Economics. Students can choose between a thesis or research project option. The research project option is worth three credits, while the thesis option is worth six. Admission to the program requires a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA and completion of coursework in economics and econometrics, as well as GRE scores, letters of reference, and a statement of purpose.

$6,988 in-state; $24,665 out-of-state

The University of Houston is the third-largest university in Texas with over 46,000 students annually enrolled. The Department of Economics offers a Master of Applied Economics, which is designed as a one-year program. The program was ranked No.7 in 2018 by TFE Times. The program is particularly geared to prepare students for work in the business world where increased demand for workers with economics backgrounds has developed.

Most classes are held during the day on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Students take courses like Capital Market Economics, Energy Economics, and Economic Forecasting as part of the program. Admissions are taken only for the fall semester, and students must have a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA from an accredited institution. Students also need to have completed courses in mathematics, economics, and econometrics as prerequisites and must take the GRE to be admitted. The DE at HU is engaged in significant research in a variety of areas and has faculty teaching in areas as diverse as international macroeconomics; labor market flows, the effect of charter schools, and technology adoption. This expertise shows itself in the various courses that the department offers, making it a very attractive program.

California Polytechnic State University is a public university located in San Luis Obispo, CA. CPSU enrolls over 20,000 students each year, with close to 800 postgraduates. The Orfalea College of Business offers a Master of Science in Quantitative Economics. The program is designed to be completed in one year and helps to prepare graduates to enter the professional world, or to pursue a doctorate in an economics-related field. CPSU places a great amount of stress on experiential and practical learning, which in the case of this program includes close mentoring from faculty.

Students take required courses in economics, quantitative methods, and econometrics, and are also able to choose electives like Environmental and Resource Economics, Advanced Labor Economics, and Evidence-Based Decision Analysis. The DE regularly brings to campus international speakers through their Seminar Series. This program gives value-added experiences to further student thinking and reflection, as well as to learn from leading professionals in the field from all over the world. Students can also engage in networking experiences as well.

A public land-grant institution, the University of Connecticut is a research university located in Storrs, CT, with around 32,000 students enrolled every year. UC has been widely recognized for a number of their programs and was ranked the No.18 public university in 2018 by U.S. News & World Report. The Department of Economics offers a Master of Science in Quantitative Economics. The program combines a concentration on economic theory and with an emphasis on quantitative methods. The program is 30 credits which can be completed in 18 months if students are full-time and take a course during the summer.

Along with required courses in economics, statistics, and other quantitative fields, students take electives like Mechanism Design which deals with game theory, Operations Research which focuses on communication networks, and Convex Optimization with Python, which deals with problems in econometrics and economics. Students must complete all courses and maintain a 3.0 GPA through the duration of the program. Admissions require a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA. Faculty in the DE are engaged in cutting-edge research in a variety of subdisciplines within economics and often bring that work into the classroom to benefit students making this an exciting program for students interested in research.

Located in Waco, TX, Baylor University is a private research university with over 17,000 students enrolled annually. BU is the largest Baptist university in the world. The Department of Economics offers a Master of Science in Economics. The program can be pursued in a thesis or non-thesis format and can be completed in two years if pursued full time. The program is meant to serve students who are either preparing for advanced doctoral research degrees, or students who are preparing to enter a professional field. Graduates of the program have gone on to work for NGOs, public agencies, financial institutions, and private firms.

Students take classes like Experimental Economics, Comparative Economic Systems, and Health Economics. There are a total of six or seven required courses and four or five electives, depending on whether an individual chooses to do the thesis or non-thesis track. Admission to the program does not require a degree in economics, though students should have completed some undergraduate work in microeconomics and macroeconomics. Students must also take either the GRE or GMAT and all international students must take the TOEFL or IELTS to prove English proficiency.

A public land-grant institution, the University of Missouri is located in Columbia, MO and regularly enrolls more than 30,000 students. The Department of Economics offers a Master of Arts in Economics degree. Completion requires 30 credits, which can generally be completed over two years, though some students have completed the program earlier. Students take six core courses, that include classes in microeconomics, econometrics, and quantitative theory. The DE is primarily focused on understanding economics through a global lens and is particularly interested in the ways that economics can be used to practical ends.

Students can also choose an emphasis for their degree by taking a prescribed set of elective courses. The only focus available is in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics. For qualified students, there is also the option of pursuing a dual Master of Science in Applied Mathematics with the MAE, or a dual Master of Arts in Statistics and MAE. Admission to the program requires a bachelor's degree, as well as GRE test scores. Applicants must demonstrate undergraduate work in economics, mathematics, or statistics.

With the largest enrollment in the state, Georgia State University offers numerous advanced degrees to its over 53,000 students. Located in Atlanta, GSU is a public research university and the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies offers a Master of Arts in Economics. The program is specifically geared towards showing how the various theories and practices of economics can play a constructive role in data-driven public policy. Students learn how economic theories can be applied to a wide range of areas, including the environment, social welfare, healthcare, and public finance.

The program is 33 credits and can be generally be completed within two years. Students can choose between three different tracks of study, including a thesis, non-thesis, and policy option. Students take classes like Environmental, Urban, and Regional Economics, Causal Inference and Evidence-Based Policy, and Issues in Public Programs and Tax Policy. Admission requires a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendations, and a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Students are also encouraged to join the Graduate Student Association lodged in the Economics Department, where they can gain additional valuable experiences to enhance their education.

West Texas A&M University is located in Canyon, TX, just south of Amarillo and is a public university with an annual enrollment of over 10,000 students. The Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business offers a Master of Science in Finance and Economics. The program at WTAMU has received several awards including the No.14 spot on U.S. News and World Report's best graduate business program for veterans. The program is 36 credits and can be completed in two years or four semesters, though some students have completed the program earlier. Courses are offered both online and on campus, making it a convenient option.

Classes include Problems in Government Finance and Fiscal Policy, Financial Management of Health Care, and Corporate Governance and Ethics. Students are allowed to choose 21 credits worth of their courses, which means that the degree is remarkably flexible and allows individuals to tailor their coursework. In addition to training individuals in economic and financial skills and concepts, the program also emphasizes developing communication skills and becoming a critical thinker so that graduates can take the theory that they learn and apply it to real-world problems where they work.

Located in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private research university with a student body of over 27,000 students. The Department of Economics in the Columbian College of Arts & Sciences offers a Master of Arts in Applied Economics. An MAAE degree is specifically designed to train individuals in the use of economic theories, statistical models, and quantitative tools so that they can then use those skills to solve real-world issues and problems. The program consists of ten courses or 30 credits which can be completed in three semesters for full-time students.

Students take classes like Time Series Analysis, Probability, and Statistics for Economics, and Econometrics. Students are also allowed to take elective courses outside of economics which fit with their interests, and GWU has an extensive offering given the numerous programs on campus. Students are given individualized mentoring through regular meetings with the Program Director. The program also allows students to simultaneously pursue a Graduate Certificate in one of seven different areas including Walkable Urban Real Estate, Sports Management, or Investments and Portfolio Management.

Big isn't always bad, and Ohio State University is consistently one of the largest schools in the nation by enrollment. Over 61,000 students attend OSU annually, and the large public research university offers numerous programs to meet their needs. The Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics offer a Master of Applied Economics. The program is designed as a two-semester program for working professionals who want to gain additional skills in a wide array of practical skills. This is a terminal degree and is not designed as a pre-doctoral program.

Students take classes like Survey of Mathematical Methods in Economics, International Economics and Policy, and Game Theory in Economics. The total number of courses required for the degree is nine. Admission requires a 3.1 undergraduate GPA, as well as GRE scores, and some undergraduate coursework in statistics, calculus, and microeconomics. Students get to the work with world-class faculty who are at the forefront of their discipline doing relevant research in the field which students will be exposed to in classes and research projects.