Economics, MA

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The program consists of a foundation program (waived for students who have completed equivalent coursework in previous studies), an Economics core, areas of concentration and provides for the completion of a research project in the concentration area and opportunities for internships and a master’s thesis.

Courses are drawn from the Department of Economics but also include related courses taught in the School of Business and Management and the Departments of Computer Science and Mathematics.

Program Learning Outcomes

Understand modern micro and macroeconomic theories and their applications to contemporary economic problems including: decision-making in conditions of risk and uncertainty, and the role of information; open economy macroeconomics and its application to exchange rate movements and financial crises; efficiency wage models, real business cycles; and endogenous growth.
Conduct original quantitative empirical analysis of a relevant economic problem specifically, students should be able to express an economic theory in terms of an observable model; formulate a strategy for collecting the data necessary to estimate a well- specified empirical model; determine the appropriate estimation method for the empirical model; utilize statistical software to conduct such estimation; and meaningfully interpret the results.
Carry out independent economic research including development of an original research question, compilation of a professional literature review, specification of a theoretical and testable empirical model; econometric analysis; and effective communication of the study’s principal findings and policy implications.

Major Requirements (33 Units)

Core Requirements

Exams

All students must pass the master’s comprehensive exams in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. The comprehensive exams are offered in the first weeks of both the fall and spring semesters.

Economics Electives (18 units)

Complete 18 units in ECON 600:699. Students have the option to design (in conjunction with the graduate adviser) their own elective coursework.

Students must choose a minimum of 12 units from graduate Economics offerings in addition to core courses; other units may be chosen from related areas such as mathematics or business administration. Additional opportunities also include directed research, a master’s thesis, study abroad, internships, or a combination of the above.

All students must also complete a research project in which they demonstrate mastery of economic analysis.

Optional Concentrations

Concentrations provide a framework by which graduate students may organize their program to achieve individual goals.

Internships

Students decide their remaining elective coursework or an internship - students are encouraged to seek an internship. Students choosing the internship option must complete ECON 696 .

On a limited basis, students may substitute an internship for one elective course upon approval by the graduate program adviser.

Study Abroad

As part of the program, students may spend a semester or summer at a university abroad and earn 6 units of credit toward their degree at USF. Students may choose this option as a substitute for the electives in their respective concentration areas. Overseas study must be approved by the program adviser and the coordinator of the area of concentration.

Thesis

Students who wish to write a master’s thesis (ECON 699 ) must first fulfill the research requirements (ECON 690 ) before being allowed to begin their thesis.

Students who have completed

ECON 601 - Microeconomics: Theory & Appl

and

ECON 602 - Macroeconomics: Theory & Appl

with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, or who have undertaken outstanding research work, are eligible to write a master’s thesis within their area of concentration. The petition for thesis completion must be addressed to the Economics department along with the research paper and the endorsement of the research adviser. The completion of a master’s thesis will follow the traditional procedure, which includes an oral examination, signature of the final product by three faculty members including the thesis adviser, and final approval by the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. A copy of the thesis will be made available for general consultation in Gleeson Library.

Not more than 6 units of the basic program minimum of 33 units may be counted toward research associated with a thesis or research project. Students may register for additional research units over and above the basic program requirements.