Program: Economics, (Accelerated MA) - University of Memphis

Apr 05, 2025

UofM 2019-2020 Graduate Catalog

Master of Arts in Economics

The Department of Economics offers a graduate program leading to the Master of Arts degree. For program admissions, prerequisites, and degree requirements see the departmental listing in this section.

MA Degree Program

Program objectives are: (1) achievement of a solid foundation of knowledge in economic theory and economic analysis; (2) acquisition of an advanced level of knowledge in either applied economics or academic economics; (3) acquisition of the quantitative skills to effectively address research problems and the ability to make significant professional contributions as a professional economist or within a functional area of business; and (4) ability to compete effectively for professional positions in the private or public sectors

Program Admission

Satisfactory performance on the Graduate Record Examination or the Graduate Management Admission Test.
Satisfactory undergraduate grade point average.

Program Prerequisites

At minimum, all students should have successfully completed at least one semester of calculus (MATH 1830, MATH 1910 or equivalent) and at least one semester of statistics (SCMS 2710, MATH 1530 or equivalent). It is suggested that prospective students also complete: a second semester of calculus (MATH 1920 or equivalent); courses in intermediate microeconomics (ECON 3310 or equivalent) and intermediate macroeconomics (ECON 3320 or equivalent); a course in matrix or linear algebra (MATH 3242 or equivalent).

Program Requirements

Each candidate has the choice of taking a written, comprehensive examination or writing a thesis at the end of course work. Regardless of which option is chosen, 18 hours of the student’s course work must be devoted to the following: ECON 6810 , ECON 7300 , ECON 7310 , ECON 7315 , ECON 7320 , and ECON 7810 .

Examination Option: Each candidate must complete a minimum of 33 semester hours of graduate course work, exclusive of MA program prerequisite courses and MBA Essential Foundations courses. The 33 hours must include a minimum of 21 hours of approved course work in Economics. The remaining 12 hours, with approval of the department graduate advisor, may be taken in collateral courses. At least 24 hours must be in courses designated for graduate students (7000 level or above). Each candidate must pass a written examination in economic theory. A maximum of two attempts within a year of the first attempt is permitted.
Thesis Option: Each candidate must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate course work, exclusive of MA program prerequisite courses, MBA Essential Foundations courses, and Thesis Hours. The 30 hours must include a minimum of 18 hours of approved course work in Economics. The remaining 12 hours, with approval of the department graduate advisor, may be taken in collateral courses. At least 21 hours must be in courses designated for graduate students (7000 level or above). Each student will register for at least 3 hours (and not more than 6 hours), write and defend a thesis under the guidance of a faculty committee. A student who fails to complete the thesis after having registered for the maximum degree credit allowable must register for thesis credit each academic semester until the thesis is completed. NOTE: Students electing to write a thesis should familiarize themselves with the Thesis/Dissertation Preparation Guide before starting to write.

Accelerated M.A. Program in Economics

This program permits outstanding undergraduate majors in Business Economics (B.B.A.) or Economics (B.A.) to begin coursework for the M.A. in Economics during their senior year. Students interested in this accelerated program are encouraged to begin planning for it early in their undergraduate careers, in consultation with both their undergraduate advisor and the M.A. Coordinator of the Department of Economics.

To be accepted into the Accelerated M.A. Program, students must have a grade point average of at least 3.25, and must submit two letters of reference and a copy of their transcript to the Department of Economics. Each applicant will also complete an interview with the M.A. Coordinator of the Department.

After being accepted into the program, the student will work closely with his or her undergraduate advisor and the M.A. Coordinator in order to develop a carefully tailored program of study so that he or she can begin work on the M.A. as they complete their undergraduate degree.

Students must also apply to the Graduate School for “combination status,” which allows them to take graduate courses in Economics. To continue the Program once they have completed the B.B.A or B.A., students must apply for full admission into the Graduate School and into the M.A. Program in Economics.

Up to 9 hours of graduate coursework may be applied to both the Bachelor’s and the M.A. degrees in Economics.