Master of Arts in Economics

• Mike Ellis
• Chair person Economics Kent State University
• P.O. Box 5190
• Kent, OH 44242-0001
• Telephone: (330) 672-1084
• Office: Room 480 Business Administration Building
• E-mail: rkent@kent.edu

The Master of Arts in Economics program provides excellent preparation for a career in economic research in government or the private sector, and for doctoral study. Some graduates of the M.A. program are currently employed in the banking and manufacturing industries as bankers, managers, and research analysts, and many others have gone on to receive Ph.D.s in economics from major universities. One distinct advantage of the MA in Economics program at Kent is its focus on the development of strong analytical and quantitative skills. Our students are well trained in the application of economic theory and methods of statistical analysis. Two tracks are offered in the program. The first, in Economic Analysis, is the general track intended for students who wish to pursue careers with government agencies, in the private sector, and/or pursue a doctoral degree in economics. The second, in Financial Economics, is primarily designed for students who wish to pursue careers in the financial services industry, including commercial banking, investment banking, insurance, real estate, and financial advising.

Program Requirements

The M.A. program requires the completion of 30 semester hours of coursework, or a minimum of 24 hours of coursework and a thesis or internship.

Students entering the program will be expected to have completed undergraduate courses in intermediate micro and macroeconomic theory, differential calculus, and statistics. Any deficiencies must be made up at the start of the program. These background courses do not count toward the 30 hours required for the degree.

Both the Financial Economics and Economic Analysis tracks are built upon a set of core courses in Economic Theory and Econometrics. The student then takes elective courses in areas such as public sector economics, labor economics, international economics, economic development, monetary economics, industrial organization, or several courses in the Finance Department, depending on the track chosen.

A summary of the M.A. coursework follows:

Economic Analysis Track

REQUIRED			12
ECON	64004	Quantitative Methods	3
ECON	62050	Microeconomic Theory	3
ECON	62051	Macroeconomic Theory	3
ECON	62054	Econometrics I	3
ELECTIVES			18
For elective courses, students may select any M.A. or Ph.D. level economics courses, subject to the following restrictions: All choices must meet with the approval of the graduate coordinator, no more than 6 hours may be at the 50000 level, and the student must complete at least 15 hours of economics courses other than those in independent study and research (62096, 62098, etc.).
A student may also select, with departmental approval, a limited number of courses outside the Department of Economics.
TOTAL			30

NOTE: Students interested in pursuing graduate study in economics are encouraged to take ECON 42040 (Econometrics), MATH 12002 and 12003 (Analytical Geometry and Calculus I and II) and other mathematics and statistics courses.

A major in Economics is also offered in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Financial Economics Track

CORE			9
ECON	62050	Microeconomic Theory	3
ECON	62051	Macroeconomic Theory	3
ECON	62054	Econometrics I	3
Plus additional required courses			9
ECON	62061	Monetary Theory & Policy	3
BAD	66061	Financial Management	3
BAD	66062	Financial Management II	3
Plus any two of the following			6
BAD	66063	Financial Markets & Institutions	3
BAD	66064	International Financial Management	3
BAD	66065	Commercial Bank Management*	3
BAD	66066	Advanced Securities & Investment Theory	3
BAD	66069	Real Estate	3
Electives			6
Any two economics courses at the 50000 level or above 6hrs, with departmental approval
TOTAL			30

* BAD 66063 is a prerequisite for BAD 66065. Selecting BAD 66065 thus requires that the student also select BAD 66063.

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