Requirements for a Masters in Economics
 Graduate Program Department of Economics ◊ University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 

The general Graduate School requirements for a Masters of Science can be found in the Graduate School Handbook, the Graduate School Policies and Procedures, and the Graduate School Record.  You will want to be familiar with these requirements. 

The University offers both a Masters of Science and a PhD in Economics, but the Economics Department does not offer separate Masters and PhD level classes. Thus, our Masters students must have the backgrounds to do PhD level course work. Many of the students in our Masters program were previously admitted to a Ph.D. or professional program at UNC. For example, students in the Finance Ph.D. program at UNC often enter our Masters program and earn a Masters of Science in Economics along with a PhD in Finance. We admit Masters students who are not in other UNC programs, but, as mentioned, the students must have very strong backgrounds in economics and mathematics.
 

  Course Requirements:

A Masters candidate must complete nine economics courses plus a one semester research course, Econ. 992.  All courses must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.

Courses in the Fundamentals of Economics. The following courses or equivalents approved by the DGS and relevant faculty are required:

  •   Economics 710: Graduate Microeconomics
  •   Economics 720: Graduate Macroeconomics
  •   Economics 570, 771 or 870
  •   Economics 700: Quantitative Methods.
    • Courses in the Major Field:  The standard major fields for Masters students are:
  •   Health Economics
  •   International Trade and Development
  •   Labor Economics
  •   Microeconomic Theory/Industrial Organization
  •   Monetary and Open Economy Macroeconomics
    • Please consult with the DGS about other possibilities for the major field including econometrics or the combination of two fields.  The Masters requires two 800 level courses in the major field.

    Courses in Supporting Fields: The remaining courses are supporting courses chosen by the student in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies and other faculty.

    Masters Examination and Paper Requirements:

    The student's faculty advisor supervises both the written examination in the major field and the student's Masters paper.  The Graduate School Handbook describes the general requirements for the masters exams and papers. 

    Please keep in mind that the first paragraph of the Graduate School Handbook and many other Graduate School documents includes the sentence "It is the student's responsibility to be aware of, and comply with, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and deadlines."   We try to remind students of all deadlines and requirements, but expect students to be familiar with the rules also.

      Application by Students in Other UNC Programs:

    If you are in another program at UNC and interested in a Masters in Economics, please talk with the Director of Graduate Studies.  Even if you are already a graduate or professional student at UNC, you must apply formally for admission to the Masters Program in Economics.  Often we are able to use the same test score reports, transcripts, and letters of recommendation for your previous application to UNC.  Some programs such as Public Policy and Health Policy require a number of graduate courses in economics and very few additional courses may be required in order to earn the Masters in Economics.  One complication for students from other departments is the Graduate School's "20% rule".  Only 20% of the courses required for the Masters may be taken prior to formal admission to the Masters of Economics program.  Thus, it is best to talk with the Director of Graduate Studies and to apply for admission to the Masters program before taking many economics classes.  If you do not become interested in a Masters of Economics until after having already completed several graduate economics classes, you will want to meet with the Director of Graduate Studies about your options.  We can often find opportunities that fit your particular needs and that incorporate work previously completed.  If you are not already in another graduate/professional program at UNC but are interested in the Masters program, please contact us. 
     

    Graduate Program Home Page Last edited 10/6/2011