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About the M.S. Programs

The Programs

Master of Science in Economics
The Master of Science in Economics program at Texas A&M University’s Department of Economics is a STEM program offering specialized career tracks. We aim to deliver rigorous training in economics, econometrics, and analytical and quantitative skills, equipping students for immediate roles in business or government, as well as advanced study in premier economics and finance Ph.D. programs. This terminal, professional Master’s degree program was redesigned in 2011 following a comprehensive two-year design and review process, in direct response to the escalating demand from students pursuing a professional master’s degree in economics and employers seeking candidates with advanced training. The program offers flexible completion options of either 18 or 24 months. Notably, the Economics Department has a long-standing history of operating a terminal Master’s degree program since 1931.

Most students enroll in the non-thesis option and complete 36 credit hours of coursework to receive their degree. Thesis option students must complete a total of 32 semester hours of graduate course credits, a thesis under the guidance of an Advisory Committee, and pass an oral/final exam in the final semester of their studies.

The course structure for the non-thesis option includes a Capstone core course that offers students experience in executing applied research projects. Students also select 18 credit hours from a range of master’s economics or econometrics courses tailored to their career trajectory. Additionally, the curriculum includes 15 credit hours of supplemental coursework geared toward career preparation. Students are encouraged to participate in an internship for course credit in the summer of their first year.

To view the detailed curriculum, go to the Master of Science in Economics Curriculum.

Master of Science in Economics and Master of International Affairs Combined Degree Program
The Department of Economics and the Department of International Affairs offer students the opportunity to receive both a Master of Science in Economics (MS ECON) and a Master of International Affairs (MIA) in three years. Students are provided with rigorous advanced training in economics, econometrics, analytical and quantitative skills, international policies, global economy, American foreign policy, and research methods. Students who have a disposition toward leadership will be better prepared for careers in business, government, non-government organizations, and public service.

To view the detailed curriculum, go to the MS ECON & MIA Combined Degree Program.

Program Rankings

  • MS ECON ranked #15 in the Nation by TFE Times for 2024 Best Master of Economics Programs
  • MS ECON ranked #13 in 2024 in the U.S.A. by Eduniversal Best Masters Rankings

Program Features

  • World-class and highly-ranked econometrics and applied microeconomics faculty
  • STEM  discipline (Econometrics and Quantitative Economics with Code 45.0603)
  • 2 concentrations: Financial Econometrics and Financial Economics
  • 2 options: Thesis and Non-thesis
  • 32 credit hours (a thesis and a final exam); 36 credit hours (no thesis, no final exam, but includes a Capstone course)
  • 18 months or 24 months in length for MS Economics
  • A new combined degree program with MS ECON and Master of International Affairs begins in Fall 2022!
  • 36 months in length for MS Economics & MIA
  • Rigorous economics, econometrics, quantitative skills, SAS, and other programming language training
  • Career support from the Department, the College, and the University
  • The world’s most powerful alumni network
  • Affordable education with the highest return on investment (ROI)
  • Successful placement on both the industry side and academic side
  • Merit-based scholarships available for both 1st and 2nd year M.S. students with outstanding academic records
  • BS/BA ECON students can participate in a 5-year program to earn both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
  • ECON Minor to Master’s program
  • Accelerated Master’s program for non-major Bachelor students

Our Community

The Economics Department

Texas A&M’s Department of Economics enjoys a national and international reputation for the quality of its academic programs and faculty. Our young and active faculty are major players in the national and international research communities in the economics profession. The Department of Economics at Texas A&M University is home to around 1,200 undergraduates, 180 master’s students, and 60 doctoral students.

Texas A&M University

Opened in 1876 as Texas’ first public institution of higher learning, Texas A&M University is a research-intensive flagship university with more than 70,000 students-including over 14,000 graduate & professional students – studying in 133 undergraduate programs, and 268 graduate and professional degree programs in 17 colleges and schools and 2 branch campuses in Galveston, and Qatar. As one of the world’s leading research institutions, Texas A&M University has earned a reputation as a world-class leader in research, teaching, and public engagement, consistently ranking among the world’s top universities. Learn more about Texas A&M University.

Have Questions About the Master’s Programs?

For questions regarding Admissions, Curriculum, Course Registration, Degree Plans, and Graduation, contact Margaret Lomas Carpenter, ms-econ-program@tamu.edu.

For questions regarding Careers, Professional Development, Internships, Events, and Industry Visits, contact Paula Verdegaal, paulav@tamu.edu.