Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 Graduate Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Applied Economics, MA


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Degree Requirements


Candidates for the MA degree in applied economics must satisfactorily complete 32 credits and complete a final research project. The core curriculum is built around economic theory and quantitative analysis courses.

In addition, students are required to take


  • Two elective courses, including one focusing on urban and regional economics
  • An additional quantitative methods course (e.g., GIS or Survey Research)

Elective courses may be drawn from advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in economics and select graduate courses from public policy, public affairs, sociology, and related programs with approval from the graduate program director. Students who enter the program already holding an appropriate master’s degree may petition the graduate program director and dean of Graduate Studies to substitute required or elective courses.

All students are required to complete a research capstone project or a master’s thesis prepared under the guidance of an individual faculty advisor (the thesis must be defended before a committee of three faculty members).
 

Admission Requirements


Complete applications are due in the UMass Boston Graduate Admissions Office by February 15 for enrollment in the following September. Applications submitted after this date will be considered on a space-available basis. There are no spring admissions.

Applicants must submit the following: 

  • A completed UMass Boston graduate admissions application form
  • Official transcripts of all prior academic work, including evidence of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Completion of a course in calculus plus at least five economics courses, including intermediate macroeconomics, intermediate microeconomics, and economic statistics (all with grades of B or better)
  • A 1,200-word personal statement about research interests, career goals, and reasons for applying to the program
  • Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can assess the applicant’s academic and/or professional preparation for graduate work
  • An official report of scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
  • A professional or academic résumé
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores where applicable
     

BA/MA Admission Requirements


BA/MA applicants must

  • Complete at least 75, but not more than 90, undergraduate credits by the application due date
  • Complete one course in college calculus with a grade of B or better
  • Obtain a grade of B or better in a minimum of five courses in economics, including introductory and intermediate microeconomics, introductory and intermediate macroeconomics, and statistics
  • Take 30 credits and four economics courses in residence at UMass Boston and maintain a minimum 3.0 overall GPA (grade point average)
  • Submit the same admissions documentation as BA-trained applicants to the MA program, with two exceptions: BA/MA applicants need only provide two letters of recommendation, but these must be from faculty in the Economics Department of UMass Boston; and they are not required to provide GRE or GMAT scores (though the scores may be submitted to strengthen an application).

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