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Master of Science in Economics Curriculum

The Department of Economics offers both a thesis and non-thesis option Master of Science degree with a concentration in Financial Econometrics or Financial Economics. This STEM degree program aims to provide rigorous training in economics, econometrics, analytical, and quantitative skills for students in order to prepare them for immediate careers in the financial sector such as trading analyst, financial consultant, data analyst, distribution analyst, and loan administrator; business or government; or further study in top economics and finance Ph.D. programs.

Master of Science (MS) – Thesis Option

The Master of Science, with a thesis, requires a minimum of 32 credit hours of coursework. The campus/synchronous degree program plan consists of at least 32 credit hours, typically, 12 credit hours will be taken in the department, and 9 credit hours may be credited towards courses in supporting field(s) of interest as planned and approved by the student’s thesis committee, and 11 hours may be credited for the thesis.

Coursework in the supporting fields in the MS-Thesis program may be in any related academic area that contributes to a student’s career objectives. Examples include accounting, agricultural economics, finance, international affairs, math, public policy and administration, and statistics. A residence requirement of nine (9) credit hours of coursework must be completed in one regular semester.

Master of Science (MS) – Non-Thesis Option
The Master of Science, with no thesis, does not require a Final Examination. The campus/synchronous degree program plan consists of at least 36 semester credit hours, typically, 21 semester credit hours will be taken in the department, and 15 credit hours in supporting courses.

Coursework in the supporting fields in the MS-Non Thesis program may be in any related academic area that contributes to a student’s career objectives. Examples include accounting, agricultural economics, finance, international affairs, math, public policy and administration, and statistics. A residence requirement of nine (9) credit hours of coursework must be completed in one regular semester.

Core Courses (3 credit hours or 1 class)
While students have the flexibility to choose supporting courses to customize their graduate program according to their academic interests and career aspirations, this program mandates the completion of a core curriculum course. This course is designed to provide students with essential content knowledge and skills necessary for conducting research, including utilizing professional literature and producing a formal research paper.

  • ECON 675 Capstone (Fall)

ECON/ECMT Elective Courses (18 credit hours or 6 classes of your choice)
The program provides rigorous training in economics, econometrics, and analytical and quantitative skills while also providing flexibility through elective courses. Students can choose 18 credit hours (equivalent to 6 classes) from a range of courses tailored to their career goals.

  • ECON 607 Foundations of Microeconomics Theory (Fall)
  • ECON 611 Foundations of Macroeconomic Theory (Spring)
  • ECON 612 Money, Banking, and Financial Markets (Fall)
  • ECON 614 Economics of Microfinance (Spring)
  • ECON 617 Economics of the Multinational Firm (Spring)
  • ECON 618 Behavioral Financial Economics (Fall)
  • ECON 633 Energy Markets and Policy (Fall or Spring)
  • ECON 663 International Transfer Pricing (Fall or Spring)
  • ECON 680 Financial Economics (Fall)
  • ECON 685 Directed Studies (Fall or Spring)
  • ECMT 660 Mathematical Economics (Fall)
  • ECMT 670 Econometric Analysis of Financial Data (Fall)
  • ECMT 673 Economic Analytics (Fall)
  • ECMT 674 Economic Forecasting (Spring)
  • ECMT 680 Financial Econometrics (Spring)

Supporting Courses (15 credit hours or 5 classes)
Students may select 15 credit hours of coursework from complementary academic disciplines that align with their career objectives. Examples of such disciplines include accounting, agricultural economics, finance, international affairs, management, marketing, math, public policy and administration, and statistics. Alternatively, students may opt to continue their focus on economics or econometrics.

Furthermore, students are permitted to include up to two (2) undergraduate 300- or 400-level courses to apply toward their MS degree. However, these courses cannot be duplicated if already completed during their undergraduate studies.

Additionally, students have the opportunity to enroll in a professional internship course either during the Summer of their first year or in the Spring of their second year.

Resources: Graduate and Professional Catalog

For questions regarding these programs or the MS ECON & MIA Combined Degree Program, contact Margaret Lomas Carpenter, ms-econ-program@tamu.edu.