Economics Masters Degree
For Fall 2022 admissions, the Master of Economics program requires a valid GRE exam. Please contact gsb@walton.uark.edu for more information.
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.
Curriculum
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 6133) prior to beginning the program in August.
Fall Semester
- ECON 643V: Seminar in Economic Theory and Research
- ECON 6213: Microeconomic Theory I
- ECON 6313: Macroeconomic Theory I
- ECON 6613: Econometrics
- Elective-applied field
Spring Semester
- ECON 644V: Seminar in Economic Theory and Research II
- ECON 6223: Microeconomic Theory II
- ECON 6323: Macroeconomic Theory II
- ECON 6623: Econometrics II OR ECON 6633: Econometrics III
- Elective-applied field
Applied Field
If your career goal is in either business or government, you will choose six hours of electives from one of the following fields:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Information Systems
- Marketing
- Quantitative Methods
- Transportation
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.
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.
Admissions Requirements for the Masters of Arts in Economics Program
The application deadline for the Master of Arts in Economics is January 15th
Alternative: Ph.D. in Economics
The Ph.D. program in Economics is to prepare students for careers in teaching, research, government agencies, and business in the United States and abroad. The course of studies provides a solid foundation in economic theory, econometrics, and various applied fields.
Learn More about the Ph.D. in Economics