| |
Jun 14, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
2025-2026 University Catalog
Economics, Quantitative Economics Concentration, M.A.
|
|
 Return to: Degree Programs
|
Master of Arts in Economics
The Master of Arts in Economics is STEM designated. The program prepares students for professional careers in private industry and government, and lays a foundation for further graduate work at the doctoral level. It offers a cutting-edge focus on data analytics, provides highly rigorous, analytical and policy-relevant insights into social and economic issues; and goes beyond the Bachelor of Arts in Economics degree by delving into wider areas of specialization using more technical and rigorous methods. The degree helps students understand how to use economic theory and econometric models to generate testable hypotheses about economic and social relationships that have practical relevance to the business community and/or public policy. Students are able to summarize previous research findings from scholarly literature and learn effective communication skills, in addition to understanding how to write research reports, present research and disseminate research findings to business leaders, experts in the field and to a broader audience. Admission
Students must meet the CSU requirements for admission to a master’s degree program. Please consult the Graduate Admissions section in this catalog for complete information. In addition, admission to the program will be based on the following: - A GPA of 3.0 or better in the last 60 units.
- A GPA of 3.0 or better in one of the following courses or its equivalent (corresponding CSUF courses are in parentheses): Business Calculus (MATH 135) or Calculus I or higher (MATH 150A or higher).
- For international students, a minimum IBT score of 88 or a minimum IELTS score of 7.0.
- At least two academic letters of recommendation, a resume and a statement of purpose not to exceed 750 words.
Graduate training in economics, which is a STEM program, is highly quantitative. Therefore, a strong background in mathematics is highly recommended for admission into the program. Applicants with a GPA above 2.75 in the last 60 units and a GPA of 2.0 or better in Business Calculus (MATH 135) or Calculus I or higher (MATH 150A or higher) may still be considered for admission based on their GRE score. The GRE score is valid only if the examination was taken no more than five years prior to the date that the application is submitted.
Students accepted into the M.A. in Economics program will gain Classified status upon completion of the following prerequisite courses (or equivalents) with an average GPA of 3.0 or better: - Intermediate Microeconomics (ECON 310 or ECON 315).
- Intermediate Macroeconomics (ECON 320 or ECON 325).
- Probability and Statistics (ISDS 361A or ECON 340).
Classified status is a requirement for enrollment in core graduate-level courses. In the absence of one or more course prerequisites, students will be admitted as conditionally classified and will be asked to complete the specified courses after enrollment. Students must advance to classified status by satisfying all prerequisites within a year. Degree Requirements
Students are urged to meet with the graduate adviser in the Department of Economics as soon as possible. Any study plan course in which a “C-” (1.7) or below is received must be repeated with at least a “C” (2.0), regardless of the overall grade-point average of the students. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required for graduation. Students are also required to graduate in a timely manner. Quantitative Economics Concentration (9-12 units)
Big data and machine learning have revolutionized economic and policy analysis. The Quantitative Economics concentration blends cutting edge econometric and machine learning techniques with a strong foundation in economic theory. A project-based approach provides students with significant experiences in building and applying machine-learning models to answer economic and policy questions. Electives (0-6 units)
For the comprehensive exam option, select 6 units. Other courses may be chosen with department graduate adviser approval. No electives are needed for the thesis option. Culminating Experience (0-3 units)
The culminating experience marks the end of a graduate program. It demonstrates mastery of disciplinary materials and meets requirements from Section 40510 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. Please consult the Culminating Experience section in this catalog for more information. |
Return to: Degree Programs
|
|
