Economics, 4+1 BA/MS Program

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The 4+1 program offers students an opportunity to earn a BA in Economics and a Master’s degree within five years. Students can obtain one of two Master’s degrees:

MA Economics - emphasizes mastery of core economic theory.
MS International and Development Economics - emphasizes training in empirical research methods related to poverty and growth in developing countries.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate from the MA in Economics program will be prepared for a number of career options, including work as an economic or public policy analyst, or in applied research in a government institution or firm.

Students who graduate with an MS in International and Development Economics may pursue a number of careers related to policy making and research in developing countries. The BA/MS program in the Department of Economics also makes excellent preparation for a PhD program in economics or a related field.

Admission

Students joining USF as a freshman can apply for admission to the 4+1 program from any major if they fulfill the following requirements:

sophomore standing
obtain a 3.5 GPA in ECON 101 - Principles of Microeconomics , ECON 102 - Principles of Macroeconomics , ECON 311 - Intermediate Microeconomics , ECON 312 - Intermediate Macroeconomics , Calculus I and Calculus II. (Students joining USF with AP units will be evaluated individually.)

Transfer students can apply for admission to the 4+1 program from any major if they fulfill the following requirements:

obtain a 3.5 GPA in ECON 101 - Principles of Microeconomics , ECON 102 - Principles of Macroeconomics , Calculus I and Calculus II.
obtain a 3.5 GPA in two 300-level or higher courses approved by the Economic Graduate Advisor and taken at USF.

Students in the five-year program begin to take graduate-level courses when they achieve senior-level standing at the University. Students graduate with the BA and officially matriculate into the MA program upon completion of College graduation requirements, including 128 units within which graduate courses will substitute for undergraduate courses in satisfying the BA requirement. The total units required for the Joint BA/MA Program in Economics is 152 units.

Major Requirements (152 Units)

Required Courses

Undergraduate

Note:

One other advanced math course such as Math 130, MATH 211 , or 300 (ENCF)

Masters Program

Electives

MA in Economics

Six classes must be taken from Economics 600-level courses. Other units may be taken in related areas such a mathematics or administration. In addition students must successfully pass the Comprehensive Exam.

MS in International Development and Economics

Four other classes must be taken from the Economics 670 series.