a man and woman sitting on a bench a man and woman sitting on a bench a man holding a tablet

Economics
MA

Program Overview

We are a STEM-certified master’s program that puts heavy emphasis on the tools that students need to be professional economists. Our graduates have found excellent placements in both the private and government sectors. Many have used our program as a stepping stone to doctoral studies in economics, finance or related quantitative disciplines. 

AT A GLANCE

Degree Type
Master of Art (M.A.)
Format
On Campus
Credit Hours
30 Credit Hours
Go To Why This Program Program HighlightsAccelerated Program Careers & Outcomes

Why This Program & What You'll Learn

A master's in economics is a necessary step for many careers in the field. Whether you pursue doctoral work or a job after graduating, CMU will give you the quantitative and data analysis skills you'll need to thrive.

At CMU, you'll work closely with faculty as you learn to conduct independent research. That collaboration is the hallmark of CMU's graduate program in economics. Many students co-author papers with faculty and publish in peer-reviewed journals. This provides invaluable experience developing research skills and navigating the publication process.

CMU's economics program is very much international. About two-thirds of your colleagues will come from foreign countries. In the past, students have hailed from China, Romania, Ghana, India and elsewhere.

While most students go on to pursue a Ph.D., you may choose to go into business. Many employers in the private, non-profit and government sectors are eager to hire employees with the knowledge and leadership skills you'll have. You may also opt to pursue a graduate certificate in data mining, which extends your analytical skills with coursework in statistics, actuarial and data sciences; computer science; and geography and environmental studies.

Courses What Will Transfer DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Program Highlights

As a master's degree candidate in CMU's economics program, you will:

  • Take classes specifically aimed at preparing you to succeed at the Ph.D. level. Past master's students have completed doctoral work at institutions such as Yale and Vanderbilt—and received funding to do so.
  • Work closely with a faculty adviser while completing your thesis or research project.
  • Be in position to earn financial aid — all admitted students are considered.

Accelerated master's in economics

Build on your bachelor’s degree by double-counting your credits toward your master’s with an accelerated economics degree. You'll save time and money when you pay undergraduate prices for up to 15 graduate-level credits.

By double-counting all 15 credits, domestic students save up to $4,155 and international students save up to $1,560.

    • Minimum GPA at time of application: 3.0 GPA of at least 15 credits at CMU.
    • Requirements to maintain eligibility: average of 3.0 and no E's in double-counted courses.

    If your GPA is lower than a 3.0 or you have fewer than 15 credits at CMU, you can still be considered for admission if you demonstrate why you are prepared to be successful in graduate coursework.

    You must have a minimum of 60 undergraduate credit hours completed before starting coursework in the accelerated master's in economics. To take full advantage of the program, make sure you apply for admission before taking any of the double-counted courses listed below.

    • Up to 15 credits of the following courses can be double-counted:
      • ECO 508, ECO 525, ECO 526, ECO 532, ECO 586, or other 500- or 600-level ECO classes, FIN 573, BUS 503QR, ACC 501, BLR 565, MKT 555, MGT 500, BIS 581, PSC 516, STA 575, MTH 532, or others that have at least some connection to economics, broadly defined, or quantitative methods approved by graduate program advisor. 
    • You'll select your double-counted courses with an advisor. Then, you'll count them towards both your undergraduate degree and your graduate degree – either for your major or as electives.

    The master's in economics requires 30 credits. You may double-count 15 credits before finishing your bachelor's degree, leaving 15 credits remaining to complete your master's degree. If you don't complete all 15 double-counted credits before you finish your bachelor's degree, you'll need to take more than 15 credits to reach the 30 credits required for the master's in economics.

    Careers & Outcomes

    About two-thirds of the students in the master's program pursue doctoral degrees in economics.

    Career Projected Salary
    Financial Examiner $90,400
    Policy Analyst $80,060
    Financial Quantitative Analyst $101,910

    Request Information about CMU

    Loading...

    By submitting this form, I agree to receive calls, emails and/or text messages from Central Michigan University to discuss furthering my education.

    Privacy Policy