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Business Forecast Luncheon Highlights Economic Outlook for 2026
Local business leaders, policymakers, and community members gathered to find out: what economic trends are likely to shape the economy in 2026?
02/12/2026
Master of Arts in Economics
The skills and knowledge needed in today's economic climate are changing as quickly
as technology and practices in the business world. The Master of Arts in Economics
program offers exceptional preparation for either a doctoral program or a career in
the private or public sector.
This innovative program combines the study of economic theory and applied econometrics
to provide rigorous training and preparation for your chosen career.
The Master of Arts in Economics program offers exceptional preparation for either a doctoral program or a career in the private or public sector.
The 30-credit-hour program allows students to acquire the knowledge and skills needed for professional careers or doctoral studies in economics. It combines the study of economic theory and applied econometrics to provide rigorous training and preparation for an economics career.
Career Development
The study of economics is rewarding. Students with career goals in either business or government can align and leverage their talents and interests.
Courses and Schedule
What coursework is required for this degree?
Just the Facts
How Much? How Long?
Who can enroll?
How Do I Enroll?
Admission to Walton College masters programs is selective. Enrollment in each program is limited.
Just the Facts: Master of Arts in Economics
Program Length
One Year
Full-time program: complete 15 hours of coursework per semester.
Start Date
Fall
Cohorts begin each Fall Semester for the Master of Arts in Economics.
Admissions Info
Do I Qualify to Enroll?
Complete your undergraduate degree and meet additional requirements. View Requirements
Entrance Test
GRE
Students may be eligible for a GMAT/GRE test waiver with a 3.2 undergraduate GPA or 3 years of professional work experience. Please review our master's admissions policies or contact gsb@walton.uark.edu for more information.
Application Deadline
International applicants: February 15
Priority (domestic applicants): April 15
Final (domestic applicants): July 1
Estimated Program Cost
$21,512.70
Out of State: $57,420.90
International: $60,285.90
View cost details
News and Notes: Master of Arts in Economics
Turning Data Into Action: Economic Students Tackle Real-World Challenges
The Department of Economics at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will host the 2025 Economic Analytics Poster Session from 12:30-2:30 p.m. on Friday, April 25, in Willard J. Walker Hall 203 (Hembree).
04/17/2025 | By Meghan Perry
The Northwest Arkansas Community
Join a supportive and engaging community located in the vibrant business network of Northwest Arkansas, with over 300 Fortune 500 companies with a presence in the region.
Business leaders and Walton College alumni are closely connected to the college, not just during your studies, but throughout your career.
Courses and Program Schedule
The Master of Arts in Economics is a 30-credit-hour program. Students from all academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Prerequisites for the MAEcon include: Intermediate Microeconomics, Intermediate Macroeconomics, Calculus I, Calculus II, Linear Algebra, and Statistics.
Students will complete Mathematics for Economic Analysis (ECON 61303) prior to beginning the program in August. Students will be required to attend orientation.
Core Requirements
ECON 61303: Mathematics for Economic Analysis
This course will develop mathematical and statistical skills for learning economics and related fields. Topics include calculus, static optimization, real analysis, linear algebra, convex analysis, and dynamic optimization. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and MATH 25504 or equivalent.ECON 62103: Microeconomic Theory I
Introductory microeconomic theory at the graduate level. Mathematical formulation of the consumer choice, producer behavior, and market equilibrium problems at the level of introductory calculus. Discussion of monopoly, oligopoly, public goods, and externalities.ECON 62203: Microeconomic Theory II
Advanced treatment of the central microeconomic issues using basic real analysis. Formal discussion of duality, general equilibrium, welfare economics, choice under uncertainty, and game theory.ECON 63103: Macroeconomic Theory I
Theoretical development of macroeconomic models that include and explain the natural rate of unemployment hypothesis and rational expectations, consumer behavior, demand for money, market clearing models, investment, and fiscal policy.ECON 63203: Macroeconomic Theory II
Further development of macroeconomic models to include uncertainty and asset pricing theory. Application of macroeconomic models to explain real world situations.ECON 66103: Econometrics I
Use of economic theory and statistical methods to estimate economic models. The single equation model is examined emphasizing multicollinearity, autocorrelation, heteroskedasticity, binary variables and distributed lags.ECON 66203: Econometrics II or ECON 66303: Econometrics III
ECON 66203: Econometrics II - Use of economic theory and statistical methods to estimate economic models. The treatment of measurement error and limited dependent variables and the estimation of multiple equation models and basic panel data models will be covered. Additional frontier techniques may be introduced.
ECON 66303: Econometrics III - Use of economic theory and statistical methods to estimate economic models. Nonlinear and semiparametric/nonparametric methods, dynamic panel data methods, and time series analysis (both stationary and nonstationary processes) will be covered. Additional frontier techniques may be covered.
Applied Fields
If your career goal is in either business or government, you will choose six hours of electives from one of the following fields:
- Accounting
- Business Analytics
- Finance
- Information Systems
- Marketing
- Supply Chain Management
If you plan to continue in a doctoral program, you will choose either mathematics or statistics as your applied field. Other concentrations are possible with the approval of the Program Coordinator.
Graduate Seminar
ECON 6430V: Seminar in Economic Theory and Research I
Seminar. May be repeated for up to 7 hours of degree credit.ECON 6440V: Seminar in Economic Theory and Research II
Independent research and group discussion. May be repeated for up to 4 hours of degree credit.For a more in-depth listing, view the academic catalog.
Non-Thesis Option
Students who select the non-thesis option will take a final comprehensive exam in addition to the 30 hours of required coursework. Students must pass written exams in microeconomics and macroeconomics.
These exams will normally be given in the summer after coursework is completed. Students do not have to be enrolled for coursework when taking the comprehensive exam.
Thesis Option
In addition to the required 30 hours, students who select the thesis option must take an additional 12 hours of coursework (six hours approved by the Program Coordinator and six hours of thesis credit) and a comprehensive exam.
The comprehensive exam will take the form of a formal thesis defense. This option is for those students seeking the acquisition of advanced analytical and research skills.