Economics, MS

The master’s program in the Department of Economics provides students  rigorous training in economic theory and analytics which helps them develop skills required in the investigation of economic problems in a wide variety of settings. Core competencies include critical thinking skills, data acquisition skills, data analysis techniques, the application of economic theory to analyze economic data, writing and reporting skills, and interpretation for management decisions competency in the use of technical computer software. After completing the program students have employment opportunities in a wide variety of fields which include professional careers in business, banking, financial services, federal, state, and local government, consulting, and not-for-profit organizations
The master’s program in economics also provides students with a solid foundation for pursuing the Ph.D. degree in economics or further graduate studies in related fields such as business and law. 

Admission Requirements

For full admission students require Intermediate Microeconomics, Intermediate Macroeconomics, Calculus I, and Statistics. The academic background of each applicant will be reviewed by the Graduate Committee to determine whether background deficiencies exist for his/her planned program of study. Exceptions from these requirements may be approved with the permission of the Department Chair. All applicants must submit at least two letters of recommendation (preferably from academics) and a statement of purpose. 

For full consideration all materials should be submitted at least six weeks prior to the beginning of the term of enrollment for domestic students and six months prior to the beginning of the term of enrollment for international students.

¹

At least 21 credits must be at the 600 level in economics. 

²

No more than 2 electives can be selected from non-economics courses.

The Combined Bachelor of Science in Economics (BSE)/Master of Science in Economics (MSE) allows students to complete both degrees in a shorter time by taking dual-credit courses that count toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. In addition to a broad undergraduate degree in economics, Combined BSE/MSE students develop a greater and more substantive understanding of economic theories, quantitative analysis, and policy implications, giving them a distinct edge in research, industry, and academia.

All students in the program will complete 30 graduate credits to fulfill the master's degree requirements. They will complete nine graduate-level credits during their fourth (senior) year and 21 graduate-level credits during their fifth year. The nine graduate credits earned in their senior year will count toward both their graduate and undergraduate degree programs, allowing them to complete both degrees in five years. 

Advantages of the Combined Program

1. Flexibility during graduate school. Students can complete graduate classes while fulfilling undergraduate degree requirements.
2. Reduce time.  Students start fulfilling graduate school requirements sooner.  The combined program engages students in graduate-level courses before their peers and provides opportunities to connect with graduate instructors and other students in the program.
3. Save tuition costs.  Students can save on tuition by completing up to nine graduate credit hours at the undergraduate tuition rate.  These same graduate credits are applied to their graduate degree at the University of Akron.

Admission Procedure

Students interested in this combined program should meet with their advisor in the College of Business to declare their intentions to apply for the Combined Degree Pathway to the MSE degree. Appointments can be made here: http://www.uakron.edu/business/advising

They should then request an appointment with the Chair of the Economics department, Dr. Sucharita Ghosh (sghosh@uakron.edu), who will evaluate the student’s qualifications for the program and recommend a plan of study.

Admission Requirements

To receive official acceptance into the Combined BSE/MSE program, students need to:

• Submit the Combined Degree Pathway Student Application (recommended during junior academic year)
• Submit two letters of recommendation from faculty at The University of Akron
• Submit a letter of intent
• Submit a resume
• Submit official transcripts from each institution attended
• Earn an overall GPA of 3.3 or higher and a 3.0 or higher GPA in economics courses 
• Be accepted to the University as a graduate student

Application Deadline

• December 1 for Fall enrollment

International Student Applications

UA student immigration services process I-20 forms used for visa approval in the International Center: https://www.uakron.edu/international. Proof of English Language Proficiency is required by producing an acceptable TOEFL or IELTS score.

The MSE is an approved Federal STEM Degree Program.  Graduates from this program residing on student visas are eligible for a 24-month optional practical training (OPT) extension beyond the standard 12-month period for this STEM-certified degree.

Degree Offered: Master of Science in Economics

Program Contact: gradbusiness@uakron.edu 

The Combined Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Business Data Analytics /Master of Science in Economics (MSE) allows students to complete both degrees in a shorter time by taking dual-credit courses that count toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. In addition to a broad undergraduate degree in business data analytics, Combined BBA in Business Data Analytics/MSE students learn advanced econometrics, forecasting, and decision modeling techniques, which enhance their ability to interpret and predict market trends, consumer behavior, and policy impacts.

All students in the program will complete 30 graduate credits to fulfill the master's degree requirements. They will complete nine graduate-level credits during their fourth (senior) year and 21 graduate-level credits during their fifth year. The nine graduate credits earned in their senior year will count toward both their graduate and undergraduate degree programs, allowing them to complete both degrees in five years.

Advantages of the Combined Program

1. Flexibility during graduate school. Students can complete graduate classes while fulfilling undergraduate degree requirements.
2. Reduce time.  Students start fulfilling graduate school requirements sooner.  The accelerated program engages students in graduate-level courses before their peers and provides opportunities to connect with graduate instructors and other students in the program.
3. Save tuition costs.  Students can save on tuition by completing up to nine graduate credit hours at the undergraduate tuition rate.  These same graduate credits are applied to their graduate degree at the University of Akron.

Admission Procedure

Students interested in this combined program should meet with their advisor in the College of Business to declare their intentions to apply for the Combined Degree Pathway to the MSE degree. Appointments can be made here: http://www.uakron.edu/business/advising

They should then request an appointment with the Chair of the Economics department, Dr. Sucharita Ghosh (sghosh@uakron.edu), who will evaluate the student’s qualifications for the program and recommend a plan of study.

Admission Requirements

To receive official acceptance into the Combined BBA/MSE program, students need to:

• Submit the Combined Degree Pathway Student Application (recommended during junior academic year)
• Submit two letters of recommendation from faculty at The University of Akron
• Submit a letter of intent
• Submit a resume
• Submit official transcripts from each institution attended
• Earn an overall GPA of 3.3 or higher and a 3.0 or higher GPA in economics courses 
• Be accepted to the University as a graduate student

Application Deadline

• December 1 for Fall enrollment

International Student Applications

UA student immigration services process I-20 forms used for visa approval in the International Center: https://www.uakron.edu/international. Proof of English Language Proficiency is required by producing an acceptable TOEFL or IELTS score.

The MSE is an approved Federal STEM Degree Program.  Graduates from this program residing on student visas are eligible for a 24-month optional practical training (OPT) extension beyond the standard 12-month period for this STEM-certified degree.

Degree Offered: Master of Science in Economics

Program Contact: gradbusiness@uakron.edu 

The Combined Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Financial Management/Master of Science in Economics (MSE) allows students to complete both degrees in a shorter time by taking dual-credit courses that count toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. In addition to a broad undergraduate degree in financial management, Accelerated BBA in Financial Management/MSE students learn advanced statistical and analytical tools and gain a wider understanding of markets, monetary policy, and economic trends, which are crucial for high-level decision-making in finance.

All students in the program will complete 30 graduate credits to fulfill the master's degree requirements. They will complete nine graduate-level credits during their fourth (senior) year and 21 graduate-level credits during their fifth year. The nine graduate credits earned in their senior year will count toward both their graduate and undergraduate degree programs, allowing them to complete both degrees in five years.

Advantages of the Combined Program

1. Flexibility during graduate school. Students can complete graduate classes while fulfilling undergraduate degree requirements.
2. Reduce time.  Students start fulfilling graduate school requirements sooner.  The combined program engages students in graduate-level courses before their peers and provides opportunities to connect with graduate instructors and other students in the program.
3. Save tuition costs.  Students can save on tuition by completing up to nine graduate credit hours at the undergraduate tuition rate.  These same graduate credits are applied to their graduate degree at the University of Akron.

Admission Procedure

Students interested in this combined program should meet with their advisor in the College of Business to declare their intentions to apply for the Combined Degree Pathway to the MSE degree. Appointments can be made here: http://www.uakron.edu/business/advising

They should then request an appointment with the Chair of the Economics department, Dr. Sucharita Ghosh (sghosh@uakron.edu), who will evaluate the student’s qualifications for the program and recommend a plan of study.

Admission Requirements

To receive official acceptance into the Combined BBA/MSE program, students need to:

• Submit the Combined Degree Pathway Student Application (recommended during junior academic year)
• Submit two letters of recommendation from faculty at The University of Akron
• Submit a letter of intent
• Submit a resume
• Submit official transcripts from each institution attended
• Earn an overall GPA of 3.3 or higher and a 3.0 or higher GPA in economics courses 
• Be accepted to the University as a graduate student

Application Deadline

• December 1 for Fall enrollment

International Student Applications

UA student immigration services process I-20 forms used for visa approval in the International Center: https://www.uakron.edu/international. Proof of English Language Proficiency is required by producing an acceptable TOEFL or IELTS score.

The MSE is an approved Federal STEM Degree Program.  Graduates from this program residing on student visas are eligible for a 24-month optional practical training (OPT) extension beyond the standard 12-month period for this STEM-certified degree.

Degree Offered: Master of Science in Economics

Program Contact: gradbusiness@uakron.edu 

The Combined Bachelor of Science (BS) in Sport Analytics/Master of Science in Economics (MSE) allows students to complete both degrees in a shorter time by taking dual-credit courses that count toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. In addition to a broad undergraduate degree in sport analytics, Accelerated BS in Sport Analytics/MSE students complete coursework in econometrics and forecasting, which teaches them how to model and interpret economic forces that impact the sports industry.

All students in the program will complete 30 graduate credits to fulfill the master's degree requirements. They will complete nine graduate-level credits during their fourth (senior) year and 21 graduate-level credits during their fifth year. The nine graduate credits earned in their senior year will count toward both their graduate and undergraduate degree programs, allowing them to complete both degrees in five years. 

Advantages of the Combined Program

1. Flexibility during graduate school. Students can complete graduate classes while fulfilling undergraduate degree requirements.
2. Reduce time.  Students start fulfilling graduate school requirements sooner.  The combined program engages students in graduate-level courses before their peers and provides opportunities to connect with graduate instructors and other students in the program.
3. Save tuition costs.  Students can save on tuition by completing up to nine graduate credit hours at the undergraduate tuition rate.  These same graduate credits are applied to their graduate degree at the University of Akron.

Admission Procedure

Students interested in this combined program should meet with their advisor in the College of Business to declare their intentions to apply for the Combined Degree Pathway to the MSE degree. Appointments can be made here: http://www.uakron.edu/business/advising

They should then request an appointment with the Chair of the Economics department, Dr. Sucharita Ghosh (sghosh@uakron.edu), who will evaluate the student’s qualifications for the program and recommend a plan of study.

Admission Requirements

To receive official acceptance into the Combined BS/MSE program, students need to:

• Submit the Combined Degree Pathway Student Application (recommended during junior academic year)
• Submit two letters of recommendation from faculty at The University of Akron
• Submit a letter of intent
• Submit a resume
• Submit official transcripts from each institution attended
• Earn an overall GPA of 3.3 or higher and a 3.0 or higher GPA in economics courses 
• Be accepted to the University as a graduate student

Application Deadline

• December 1 for Fall enrollment

International Student Applications

UA student immigration services process I-20 forms used for visa approval in the International Center: https://www.uakron.edu/international. Proof of English Language Proficiency is required by producing an acceptable TOEFL or IELTS score.

The MSE is an approved Federal STEM Degree Program.  Graduates from this program residing on student visas are eligible for a 24-month optional practical training (OPT) extension beyond the standard 12-month period for this STEM-certified degree.

Degree Offered: Master of Science in Economics

Program Contact: gradbusiness@uakron.edu