MA in Economics
Program Description
The MA program in economics prepares the student to understand contemporary economic theory and its applications to short-run and long-run problems arising in industry, business, and government. The program gives students an opportunity to specialize in one of two areas: (a) general economics or (b) applied economics and financial markets. The former is a traditional MA track in economics. The latter is an interdisciplinary track designed to meet demand for applied economic theory and financial analyses for emerging and reforming economies. Students may enroll in either track on a full-time or part-time basis.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements are the same for both areas of study. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree from an accredited college or university and must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0.
Applicants must submit scores from the aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). In some cases, applicants may substitute scores on the GMAT for the GRE. The scores for successful applicants on each of the three components of the GRE (verbal, quantitative, and analytical) typically fall within the following percentile ranges:
Verbal: 50 to 75
Quantitative: 65 to 90
Analytical: 60 to 85
International students whose native language is not English must submit scores on the TOEFL exam. The minimum score is 600 on the paper version or 260 on the computer-based version. Students may be admitted with a TOEFL score below 600 on an exceptional basis. In this case they are required to take an English skills course their first semester at Temple, unless they have passed the SPEAK test before the start of that semester.
Two letters of recommendation and a statement of goals are required.
Admission is competitive. GRE scores within the above ranges do not ensure admission.
Degree Requirements for General Economics Program
For the MA in general economics, the student must complete 30 semester hours of class work consisting of six core courses and four specialization/elective courses. No more than 6 semester hours may be accepted as transfer credit from other institutions.
The six core courses are:
- Economics 8001 (Microeconomic Analysis)
- Economics 8002 (Macroeconomic Analysis)
- Economics 8003 (Mathematics for Economists I)
- Economics 8005 (Microeconomic Theory I)
- Economics 8007 (Macroeconomic Theory I)
- Economics 8009 (Econometrics I)
Refer to course description for more information on courses.
Depending on the student's academic background, one core course may be substituted by an elective course or an independent study. The permission of the graduate advisor is required. The specialization and elective courses should be chosen by the student in consultation with the graduate advisor.
Degree Requirements for Applied Economics and Financial Markets Program
For the MA in applied economics and financial markets, the student must complete 30 semester hours of class work consisting of five core courses and five specialization and/or elective courses. The five core courses can be chosen from the following six, in consultation with the graduate advisor:
- Economics 8001 (Microeconomic Analysis)
- Economics 8002 (Macroeconomic Analysis)
- Economics 8003 (Mathematics for Economists I)
- Economics 8005 (Microeconomic Theory I)
- Economics 8007 (Macroeconomic Theory I)
- Economics 8009 (Econometrics I)
Refer to course description for more information on courses.
At least three of the five specialization/elective courses must be in finance. If an elective course is not offered or if the student is interested in a research project, the student may take an independent study, up to a maximum of six semester hours.
Total credits for MS in Economics is 30 advanced.
Advisor
Dr. Fyodor I. Kushnirsky
Tel: (215) 204-5021
E-mail: fyodor.kushnirsky@temple.edu