Master of Arts in Economics

The Master of Arts in Economics is STEM designated. The program prepares students for professional careers in private industry and government, and lays a foundation for further graduate work at the doctoral level. It provides highly rigorous, analytical and policy-relevant insights into social and economic issues, and goes beyond the Bachelor of Arts in Economics degree by delving into wider areas of specialization using more technical and rigorous methods. The degree helps students understand how to use economic theory and econometric models to generate testable hypotheses about economic and social relationships that have practical relevance to the business community and/or public policy. Students are able to summarize previous research findings from scholarly literature and learn effective communication skills, in addition to understanding how to write research reports, present research and disseminate research findings to business leaders, experts in the field and to a broader audience.

According to the National Association of Business Economists (NABE), The key skills of the economic analyst compared to other business analysts is the ability to link industry/market developments to the overall economy, i.e., to see the forest as well as the trees. The broad training of economists provides a flexibility that allows them to turn their hand to a broad range of analytical problems - a critical attribute in a company experiencing a redirection of industry interests.

You are eligible to apply as a graduate student if you have earned a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree.

You must meet the following requirements:

Above average class standing at an internationally accredited college or university: the equivalent of at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale is recommended.

A GPA of at least 3.0 in the following courses or their equivalents (corresponding CSUF courses are in parenthesis): Business Calculus (MATH 135), Principles of Microeconomics (ECON 201), Principles of Macroeconomics (ECON 202), Intermediate Microeconomics (ECON 310 or ECON 315), Intermediate Macroeconomics (ECON 320), Probability and Statistics (ISDS 361A or ECON 340), and one advanced undergraduate elective in economics.
For international students, a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (80 iBT) or an IELTS of 7.0.