35 Best Economics Master’s Degree

Often referred to simply as Georgia Tech, the Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research institution in Atlanta, GA. Part of the University System of Georgia, it has campuses not only in Atlanta but also in Savannah, France, China, Singapore, and Ireland. 

Though once just a trade school, Georgia Tech is now a larger technical institute and research university with six colleges and dozens of majors to choose from. Among the most popular is the Master of Science in economics. This best economics masters degree is STEM-certified and will provide you with the opportunity to broaden your quantitative and analytical skills as you navigate work in public policy and government.

The master’s degree is a perfect stepping stone for individuals who wish to pursue their Juris Doctorate, Master of Business Administration, or PhD. No matter where your interests lie, this program will help you meet your goals. You’ll have the ability to focus your coursework in a variety of areas, including:

• environmental and energy economics
• the economics of strategy and information
• urban and regional economics
• econometrics and data analytics
• business economics

This graduate degree is flexible enough that it can be completed in as little as one calendar year. However, part-time students will need just two years and can take longer if needed. To apply, you will need to submit an online application and pay the required application fee. Supplemental materials, like letters of recommendation, may be required.

A public land-grant research university in College Station, Texas A&M University was founded in 1876 as the flagship university of the Texas A&M University system. With the second-largest student body in the United States, this land, sea, and space grant institution regularly receives funding from organizations like:

• the National Institutes of Health
• the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• the National Science Foundation

Because of this, you will find one of the most research-focused master’s degrees in economics when you choose to study here. It comes with optional concentrations in either econometrics or financial economics, making it a good choice for students whose research interests lie in that area. 

You’ll need to complete just 36-semester credit hours, which you can work on over the course of three or four semesters. Students are eligible for multiple stipends and other forms of financial aid. 

Ready to apply? You will need to have a bachelor’s degree or higher and submit official transcripts along with test scores and a resume.

At the University of California, Los Angeles, frequently referred to simply as UCLA, you’ll be able to join in one of the world’s most diverse, dynamic, and global cities. Surrounded by iconic neighborhoods, this school attracts students from all over the world. In fact, one sixth of the school’s graduate population is international students!

The Master of Applied Economics at UCLA is a highly intensive program that includes plenty of opportunities for students to learn more about the application and theory of econometrics and both macro and microeconomics. You’ll also gain a broad set of interdisciplinary skills such as written communication. You’ll network with major industry leaders to help prepare you for success in the job market. 

A STEM-certified program, it is led and facilitated by 21 dedicated and highly trained faculty members. To apply for admission to this program, you will need to fill out an online application form and pay the required fee. A statement of purpose and personal statement are required, as are transcripts.

North Carolina State University is a public land-grant research institution located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Founded in 1887, this school is just one of the three major collegiate institutions forming the Research Triangle in North Carolina (with the others being Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill). 

Research is truly the name of the game when it comes to the high-quality courses here. The Master of Science in economics and the Master of Economics are two of the many graduate programs that emphasize the importance of experiential learning. Graduates of these top economics masters programs are consistently placed as professors in fields such as management, agriculture, and life sciences at other major universities. 

Ranked among the best in the world by The Center of World University Rankings, the faculty in this program work with those from other programs and departments to craft a truly interdisciplinary degree. You will take 30 credit hours of coursework, including electives and mandatory classes, but no thesis or oral examination is required to graduate. 

If you’re interested in applying for this program, you will need to do so online, as the program does not accept paper applications. Students may be admitted in both the fall or spring semesters. GRE scores are not required.

A private research institution based in New York City, New York University is one of the most prestigious universities in the entire country. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to take classes in one of ten different undergraduate schools or 15 graduate schools while also living and learning in the heart of the bustling Big Apple. 

The Master of Arts in economics is designed to accommodate students who wish to study both on a full-time and part-time basis. You will need to complete a minimum of three semesters of full-time study, taking no more than five years to complete your degree. 

Core courses for this economics master degree program include:

• Mathematics for Economists
• Microeconomic Theory
• Applied Statistics and Econometrics
• Special Projects in Economic Research

You can also take classes outside your department to specialize your studies and make you well prepared for a career in just about any line of work.

When you are ready to apply, you will need to submit an online application and official transcripts. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, as is the GRE examination. You will need to submit a writing sample and a statement of academic purpose as well.

A private research university, Johns Hopkins University was named for its primary benefactor, the philanthropist and entrepreneur John Hopkins. First opened in 1876, this school is organized into 10 divisions with campuses in Maryland, Washington, D.C., China, and Italy. 

The Master of Science in applied economics will provide you with the skills you need to be successful in any sector related to global and national markets, including:

• finance
• healthcare
• foreign policy

The degree consists of 10 courses and takes most students between one and two years to complete. It’s a flexible program, allowing you to begin your studies in the fall, spring, or summer semesters.

It’s hardly rigid in its course requirements, either. You can choose from a variety of elective courses such as:

• financial economics
• public policy
• international economics
• health economics

These electives allow you to expand your skillset and pursue your professional goals. You’ll be able to work with peers who represent a variety of industries and fields, including government agencies, think tanks, and private businesses.

Not only that, but faculty members are acclimated scholars and practitioners with experience working for agencies and institutions like the Federal Reserve, the FTC, and more. You can add additional credentials by pursuing supplementary certificates, too, such as those in financial management or investments.

With six colleges offering more than 100 different bachelor’s and master’s degrees, California Polytechnic State University is one of two polytechnics in the California State University system. It focuses on providing curricula that is focused on the arts and humanities as well as the technical and professional disciplines. 

Cal Poly is one of the top economic grad schools in the country. Their Master of Science in quantitative economics is a full-time, ten-month program that is best for graduate students with combined interests both in technology and economics. You’ll gain close connections with the faculty who teach in this graduate program, allowing you to gain advanced skills for both the public and private sectors. You’ll learn from nationally-recognized scholars who have in-depth knowledge of consulting and quantitative tools so that you can succeed when working in both a public and private setting.

A STEM-certified program, it requires no GRE scores for admission. The curriculum of the degree is guided and shaped by industry needs, with a particular emphasis placed on providing students with the comprehensive skills they need to make informed decisions about economics and industry. 

You’ll be able to work with professors on a number of empirical projects, including those conducted through a collaboration with the Cal Poly Digital Transformation Hub. Here, you can work with proprietary datasets and build your skills while also providing tangible value to the international development community.

The University of Florida is located in Gainesville, FL. A member of the State University System of Florida, it is home to a large population of over 55,000 students.

When you join this group of students, however, you won’t be just another face in the crowd. Instead, you’ll be supported by a dedicated body of faculty who want nothing more than to see you succeed as a professional, a student, and as a person. 

The Master of Arts in economics will allow you to take the exact same classes as Ph.D. students, an opportunity that will both challenge you and broaden your horizons at the same time. You will, therefore, apply directly to the Ph.D. program rather than to the master’s degree. As a student in this program, you’ll be able to work in affiliated research centers such as the Robert F. Lanzillotti Public Policy Research Center and the Public Utility Research Center.

Labeled a Public Ivy, the University of Maryland, College Park might be a public school, but it offers academic quality that is some of the best in the country. It’s comparable to that offered by the more elite and more expensive private Ivy League schools, in fact.

Here, you’ll find one of the very best economics masters programs in the country. A ten-course, 30-credit program, the Master of Science in applied economics is offered both in downtown Washington, D.C. near DuPont Circle as well as in College Park, nestled in the main campus of the university. 

You will take core courses such as:

• Microeconomic Analysis
• Financial Economics
• Economics of Healthcare
• Information, Game Theory and Market Design

A STEM-designated program, it allows students to complete their studies in as little as 15 months by taking just two classes per quarter. To apply, you will need to complete an online application and submit transcripts from your undergraduate coursework. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, but GRE scores and letters of recommendation are not necessary. You also do not need to have a background in economics in order to apply, though three prerequisite courses (Calculus, Microeconomics, and Macroeconomics) must be taken prior to starting your core classes.

A public research institution in Golden, CO, Colorado School of Mines is dedicated to offering graduate and undergraduate degrees that focus on programs in science, mathematics, engineering, energy, and the environment. Co-educational since its founding in 1874, the school is home to a top program in economics for students seeking to advance their training to the graduate level. 

The Master of Science in mineral and energy economics was founded in 1969 and serves as a wonderful stepping stone to the Ph.D. in the discipline of the same name. It’s one of the few programs of its kind, attracting students from all over the globe. You’ll learn how to apply and analyze the quantitative tools you need to create the foundation for sound public and business policy.

The master’s degree, which can be completed on its own with 36 credit hours of study or as a dual degree with the petroleum economics and management major, required core classes such as:

• International Business Strategy
• Advanced Mining and Energy Valuation
• Investment and Portfolio Management

It’s an affordable economics program that will provide you with all the assistance you need in financing your degree. You can pursue aid opportunities such as teaching assistant positions, graduate fellowships, and even tuition reimbursement plans.

First founded in 1957 in Oyster Bay as the State University College on Long Island, Stony Brook University moved to its current location in 1962. It was elected to the Association of American Universities in 2001 and is home to some of the most influential business incubators in the area.

The Department of Economics at Stony Brook is one of the best places to earn a master’s degree in economics. The graduate programs in economics here comprise both Ph.D. and Master of Arts programs, the latter of which is research-oriented and extremely selective. You’ll take courses that are heavy in mathematics and will allow you to concentrate in one of three fields:

• industrial strategy
• macroeconomic policy
• people, markets, and government

To apply for this graduate degree program, you will need to have a minimum of a 3.0 undergrad GPA and provide three letters of recommendation. GRE scores are also required. There is only one application cycle each year, with all materials due by July 1. A number of fellowships are available for students to apply to as well.

A public research university in Houston, TX, the University of Houston is the third-largest school in Texas with more than 47,000 students. It has 40 different research institutions on campus with interdisciplinary projects conducted on a daily basis.

Here, you’ll find a master’s degree in economics that will allow you to participate in groundbreaking research in this discipline and others. This program is a 12-month degree that will help you build valuable skills in applied economics. You’ll learn how to conduct in-demand tasks such as:

• regression analysis
• critical thinking
• trend monitoring

You’ll complete 30 semester hours of credit with a final six-credit internship that takes place over the summer months.

Curious about the classes you’ll take? These can vary depending on when you enroll and where your interests lie. However, most students will take classes such as:

• Econometrics
• Microeconomic Analysis
• Economic Forecasting
• Health Economics

To apply, you will need to have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0. You will also need to submit GRE scores, though this requirement is waived if you have an undergraduate GPA of 3.4 or higher.

With the second-largest university library in the country, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign takes student success to the next level. Not only does this school have a dedication to advancing research in a variety of fields, but it also puts academic support and student services at the forefront.

The Master of Science in economics can be completed on its own or with an optional concentration in policy economics. This degree will allow you to explore major fields of study such as:

• Behavioral Economics
• Econometrics
• Financial Economics
• Industrial Organization
• Public Economics

It is a highly interdisciplinary program that serves as a wonderful jumping-off point for students who are interested in pursuing an eventual Ph.D. in economics.

Admission to this program is available only for the fall semester. You will need to have taken two semesters of calculus and one of linear algebra. Experience in teaching is an important component of this program, too. Financial aid and assistantships are offered to many, if not most, students. 

A public research institution in Chapel Hill, NC, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is another institution that is considered a Public Ivy, offering an educational experience that is equivalent to what you might receive at an Ivy League institution—albeit at a more affordable price! 

The Master of Science in economics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is meant to complement Ph.D. programs from the Economics Department. It includes challenging coursework such as Graduate Microeconomics and Quantitative Methods. You can also choose from courses in a field of specialization, with options including:

• health economics
• labor economics
• international/macroeconomics
• industrial organization
• econometrics
• microeconomic theory

You will be required to submit a thesis prior to graduation as well as a master’s examination. To apply for this highly competitive graduate degree program, you will need to submit:

• GRE scores
• letters of recommendation
• a statement of purpose
• a resume detailing your professional experience

A public land-grant research university, Clemson University was founded in 1889 and sits on a 1400 acre campus that’s nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here, you’ll find seven colleges offering dozens of majors to students from all over the world.

Clemson’s best masters in economic programs include a Master of Arts in economics and a Master of Science in Economic Analytics. This program will teach you how to apply economic theory, gather and analyze data, and test econometric hypotheses with statistics to resolve common questions about:

• markets
• human behavior
• government policy

It includes a flexible curriculum that will allow you to complete your studies in as little as two months, if you desire.

It can be completed with either a thesis- or non-thesis-pathway. You will complete a minimum of 30 credits of coursework, six of which will be granted for thesis research. You will be able to pursue course titles such as:

• Microeconomics for Public Policy
• Macroeconomic Theory
• Introduction to Econometrics

As the oldest private research university in California, the University of Southern California is home to nearly 50,000 students studying in a variety of programs at the undergraduate and professional levels. From business to film, law to engineering, this school truly offers it all.

The Master of Science in economics at the University of Southern California is a unique STEM designated degree program that can be completed in just one to two years. You’ll gain core knowledge of economic theory while also advancing your knowledge in specialization tracks such as:

• behavioral economics
• economic policy and development
• economics consulting
• big data economics
• financial economics

Regardless of the specialization you pursue, all are STEM-designated. The economics program will prepare students to work in the public, nonprofit, and private sector following graduation—and research assistant positions are available for students who qualify, too. 

Your courses will vary depending on the track you select, but in most cases, you’ll be able to take rewarding classes like:

• Neurofinance
• Behavioral Theories of Decision-Making
• Experimental Economics

Founded in 1858, Iowa State University is a school with a reputation for being innovative and groundbreaking at its core. Not only was the university coeducational from the very beginning, but it was also the country’s first designated land-grant institution. Today, the school is home to nearly 300 different programs of study, many of which are offered at the graduate level.

The master’s in economics at Iowa State University is designed for students who are interested in pursuing eventual Ph.D. diplomas in economics or agricultural economics at Iowa State University. However, it can also be completed as a stand-alone program. Most students will complete their advanced degree requirements in as little as a year and a half to two years. 

This graduate degree can be completed either with or without a thesis. Choose the non-thesis option, and you’ll complete roughly 30 credits of coursework. The thesis option includes 24 credits. All students, regardless of the pathway or ultimate career goal, will need to pass a final exam. Non-thesis students must also complete a creative component. 

You can also choose to concentrate your studies in a certain niche. The most common fields for concentration include:

• agricultural marketing
• human resources
• industrial organization
• finance
• agricultural policy

A public research institution in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is home to 16 individual colleges along with 100 centers, institutes, labs, and facilities with 360 programs of study. You’ll find not just a variety of programs here, but a variety of high-quality programs to boot.

The Master’s in applied economics at Florida State is offered by the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy. This graduate program consists of 30 total credit hours of study and takes just one year to complete. You’ll benefit from small class sizes and an excellent career placement rate as you learn how to both analyze and communicate economic data to stakeholders.  Graduate students are encouraged to complete an internship for credit to gain experience.

The curriculum of this economics program offers learners the opportunity to build skills in:

• economic analysis
• Big Data
• Machine Learning
• Microeconomics

You’ll gain skills that will be useful both in the private and public sector and complete an applied master’s project to analyze real-world policy issues. In learning how to work with the many types of software tools, you’ll gain the expertise you need to be successful in just about any employment setting.

Rice University, formally known as William Marsh Rice University, is located on a 300-acre campus in Houston, TX. It is a school that is known for its high level of research activity along with its applied science programs and eight schools of academic study.

The 12-month, full-time professional program in energy economics at Rice is designed to educate aspiring leaders in the energy sector. You’ll gain the skills necessary to provide insightful analysis of energy markets so that you can help companies make sound decisions in business development.

Offered in Houston, the energy capital of the world, this program will allow you to work closely with industry partners through the Center for Energy Studies. You’ll learn from reputable scholars as you take elective courses and gain a more specialized understanding of specialized fields.

The curriculum consists of 40 credit hours that will take you around 12 months to complete, with some courses meant to be taken over the summer months. Courses are graduate-level with an internship and practicum taking place over the final session.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, RPI, is a private university located in Troy, NY. First established in 1824, the school was founded with the goal of applying science to “the common purposes of life.” As one of the oldest technological universities in the world, the school is divided into six main schools and 37 departments, all of which focus on technology and science.

At RPI, you’ll be able to pursue a Master of Science in economics that is innovative and interdisciplinary. You’ll gain a broad understanding of the major economic and policy issues that you’ll need to master for success as a financial, economic, or market analyst. The faculty who teach this program have extensive hands-on experience working on research in fields like:

• industrial organization
• applied game theory
• economic growth

The degree can be completed in as little as two semesters if you choose, or you can stay on longer. You’ll be able to take additional courses and enhance your skills to the greatest extent possible. RPI is a highly-ranked STEM school that will allow you to learn in a hands-on, interdisciplinary fashion.

Not only that, but the school is close to major metropolitan areas like Boston and New York City. You’ll be able to explore these areas on your off time and participate in internships to help you make yourself more marketable upon graduation.

Founded in 1881, the University of Connecticut sits on more than 4,400 acres in Storrs, CT. UConn is also recognized as a Public Ivy. 

The Master of Science in quantitative economics is a graduate degree program that emphasizes the creation of new skills in mathematical economics, quantitative methods, and other core skills necessary to tackle economic problems. You’ll combine your training in economic theory with analytical and quantitative methods in this STEM-qualified degree.

While you are enrolled, you will complete a total of 30 credit hours of study. Twenty-four of these credits will consist of core courses while the remainder will be electives such as:

• Open Source Programming with Python
• Convex Optimization with Python
• Operations research

To apply, you will need to submit official transcripts evidencing a GPA of 3.0 or higher. GMAT or GRE scores are not required, but you will need to provide a personal statement and three letters of recommendation. 

A public research institution in Atlanta, GA, Georgia State University is the largest university in the state of Georgia. It is also known for its diversity and for its broad array of degree offerings. There are more than 250 majors to choose from here, split up across 10 different colleges and schools.

The Master of Arts in economics at Georgia State is classified as a STEM degree and is taught by world-renowned faculty. You’ll benefit from research centers that will allow you to take a more pioneering approach to economics in your studies. You’ll learn all about how economics influences public policy and take around 33 hours of graduate coursework, including a thesis.

You’ll master topics such as the fundamentals of economic theory and the influence of social welfare as you pursue this broad, customizable curriculum. You can apply during one of two different application cycles each year and will take classes primarily on the Atlanta campus.

To apply, you will need to submit an online application as well as a nonrefundable application fee of $50. You will also need to supply three letters of recommendation and submit transcripts from any university you have attended.

With an average student-to-faculty ratio of just 19:1, the University of Illinois at Chicago offers close-knit classes and all the support services (like nonremedial tutoring, a women’s center, and career placement resources) you could ever possibly need to be successful.

The Master of Arts in economics requires 40 credit hours of study. You’ll take classes such as Econometrics Microeconomic Theory and Macroeconomic Theory. You can pursue additional intermediate concentrations to further enhance your studies, too, with options including gender and women’s studies and Latin American and Latino studies, just to name a few. 

To apply for admission to this program, you will need to have an undergraduate degree, though a major in economics is not required. You will be expected to have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. GRE scores along with letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume are also required.

As the first university in the Arizona Territory, the University of Arizona is home to more than 48,000 students in 19 separate colleges and schools. Despite its massive size, this public land-grant university maintains a steadfast commitment to student success. 

You’ll enjoy small class sizes and extensive hands-on training when you decide to pursue the master’s degree in economics at the University of Arizona. This program, offered by the Eller College of Management, will require you to take courses that will develop your skills in empirical analysis and econometrics. You’ll enjoy access to high-level positions in government and industry as a result. 

Twelve months of study are required, or 30 units of courses—whichever comes first. Students can be involved in cutting edge research and teaching through the Economic Science Laboratory and the Economic and Business Research Center. Core classes include:

• Theory of Quantitative Methods in Economics
• Mathematics for Economics
• Econometrics

You’ll also be able to choose from electives such as:

• Experimental Economics
• Labor Economics
• Industrial Organization
• Health Economics

To apply, you will need to choose from one of five separate application deadlines. Required documents include:

• a curriculum vitae
• statement of purpose
• transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• GMAT or GRE scores

One of the largest schools in the country with 13 schools and colleges, the University of Texas at Austin is home to a number of highly-ranked graduate programs. These are housed in the McCombs School of Business, the School of Nursing, and the Cockrell School of Engineering, to name a few. 

At the University of Texas at Austin, you’ll find one of the very best master’s in economics. This program is STEM-designated and offers a rigorous, hands-on curriculum with quantitative training in economics. One of the top-ranked terminal master’s programs in economics in the country, the degree can be completed in as little as 10 months.

You don’t have to have a background in economics in order to apply for admission to this program. While some exposure to the discipline can be helpful, beginners are encouraged and welcome to apply. 

No matter where your interests may lie, this program will allow you to interact with some of the world’s best and brighter faculty while studying in a city that’s ranked as one of the best in the world. You’ll be eligible for all kinds of jobs in the public, private, and government sector upon graduation.

Founded in 1839, the University of Missouri was the first institution of higher education to be established west of the Mississippi River. It is home to a number of nationally-acclaimed research centers, including the University of Missouri Health Care system at the University of Missouri Research Reactor Center.

The Master of Arts in economics here requires 30 credit hours of study, including 18 credit hours of universally-required core courses like:

• Applied Econometrics
• Microeconomic Theory
• Quantitative Economics

You can apply at any time in the fall, spring, or summer months. The degree is available both online and on-campus and offered by the College of Arts and Sciences. It’s one of the most affordable degrees you can pursue, too! 

To apply, you will need to submit an online application along with transcripts, GRE test scores, and two letters of recommendation. You will also need to supply a resume and personal statement.

Founded in 1852, Tufts University, located in Medford, MA, is just a hop, skip, and a jump from downtown Boston. It is known for its commitment to education in the arts and sciences as well as for its large array of extracurricular offerings, such as study abroad programs. In fact, more than half of the student body here will participate in study abroad at one point or another! 

Tufts offers a Master of Science in economics that includes both research-based and course-based options. When you apply, you will automatically be accepted into the course-based track, but you can transfer into the research-based track upon application. You’ll take three required courses in:

• statistics-econometrics
• macroeconomics
• microeconomics 

No matter which track you choose, you’ll be able to choose classes that align with your personal and professional goals. You can take classes not only on campus at Tufts but also through Brandeis University, Boston University, Boston College, and more. You’ll be able to pursue a variety of research opportunities through your courses as well as through the Henken Family Endowed Graduate Research Fund. 

The University of Oklahoma, founded long before the state of Oklahoma even existed, is home to more than 28,000 students studying among nearly 400 different academic majors. Home to a variety of research institutions, museums, and art galleries, this school is one of the best in the country not just for its academics, but for its culture.

There are two economic masters programs for you to choose from here—the Master of Arts in applied economics and the Master of Arts in managerial economics with a data emphasis. Both are offered on campus. You’ll complete about 32 credit hours of coursework and receive a rigorous training in economics that will prepare you for work in the public or private sector. 

You’ll take core classes such as:

• Labor Problems
• African Economics
• Economics as Social Science
• Economic Game Theory

You’ll be able to participate in multiple research seminars as well as other extracurricular opportunities like the Student Journal of Economics and the OU Econ Club.

Nestled along the shores of Lake Mendota in the city of Madison, WI, the University of Wisconsin Madison is home to a number of highly-ranked graduate schools, including:

• the School of Education
• the School of Medicine and Public Health
• the College of Engineering

The University of Wisconsin Madison offers a couple different masters in economics programs. The economics master’s degree in graduate foundations is a stand-alone program meant for students who wish to use the degree as a terminal program, the other is part of the Ph.D. and does not directly admit students. 

The master’s in economics program is offered by the College of Letters and Sciences and is the perfect choice both for students wishing to enter careers in academia as well as those who want to go directly into the workforce.

To apply, start by choosing between a fall or spring deadline. Then, submit a formula online application along with:

• GRE scores
• transcripts
• three letters of recommendation

Founded in 1957 as a Northern Virginia branch of the University of Virginia, George Mason University is the largest four-year public university in the state. It’s also well known for its research in the fields of law and economics and regular economics. In fact, two instructors here have won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics. That alone should be plenty of reason to consider this university when you’re on the hunt for one of the best master’s degrees in economics!

The Master of Arts in economics at George Mason emphasizes comparative institutional analysis and has a concentration focusing on the relationships between legal, political, and economic institutions. You’ll take core classes such as:

• Survey of Applied Econometrics
• Microeconomic Theory
• Mathematical Economics

You can choose between a thesis and a comprehensive exam and may also pursue up to 15 credits of electives.

There is an accelerated master’s in economics program available for highly qualified majors as well. You’ll be able to complete both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree at the same time and become prepared for an eventual doctoral degree or professional study. 

To apply to any of these economics programs, you’ll need to have a minimum GPA of 3.0. 30 total credit hours are required for graduation. 

The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, just a few hours from several major cities. Students benefit from a vibrant accepting and inclusive community that includes over 600 student organizations.

The Culverhouse College of Business at the University of Alabama is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. They offer a three-track master’s degree in economics. Students can choose from tracks in:

• public policy economics
• economic analysis
• preparation for a doctorate in economics

This one-year advanced degree in economics takes just one year to complete. Applicants need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and submit documents like a resume and statement of purpose. The average GMAT score for accepted students is a 670.

First established as King’s College in 1784, Columbia University was one of the first institutions established after the American Revolution. Its historic influences continue today, as the university has a reputation as one of the nine colonial colleges founded prior to the Declaration of Independence. Like many of the other schools with this legacy, Columbia is considered an Ivy League institution.

The full-time Master of Arts in economics at Columbia University is designed for students who want to develop their understanding of economic theory. It is an alternative for individuals who aren’t interested in doctoral study, although Columbia does offer a separate Ph.D. in economics as well.

A technical advanced degree program, it requires the completion of 22 credit hours of study along with multiple program electives. You’ll complete most of your requirements in three semesters along with a  research paper at the end of your studies that will demonstrate mastery of the field. 

Although you don’t have to have an undergraduate degree in economics to apply, you should have a strong background in the discipline. Some training in calculus and statistics is ideal. You’ll need to submit a transcript, letters of recommendation, and a statement of academic purpose when you apply.

With a main campus between two mountain ranges in the southeast corner of the state, in Laramie, the University of Wyoming, often referred to simply as UW, has more than 200 majors for students to choose from. It offers courses both on-campus as well as through its unique partnership with NOLS, the National Outdoor Leadership School. Through this partnership, you can explore all kinds of unique places and take classes in things like Alaska Mountaineering and Baja Sea Kayaking.

The master’s degree in economics is delivered primarily on campus and offers students the flexibility necessary to take their careers in any direction they choose. The curriculum will give you a strong background in economic theory, quantitative economic skills, and applied econometrics so you can customize your program for any career goals you might have. 

You’ll be able to write a research-based thesis or complete an extra course and project under the advice of a faculty mentor. You can also participate in networking events, workshops, and more with organizations like the Wyoming Women in Economics Network. Don’t forget about the research opportunities you’ll have here, either—the University of Wyoming is also home to the Experimental Economics Lab and countless other facilities for hands-on work.

Located in Washington, D.C.’s historic Foggy Bottom campus, George Washington University is a private research university that was chartered in 1821.

The Master of Arts in applied economics provides learners with the tools they need to succeed as economists in all kinds of data-driven fields. Master’s degree students benefit from instruction delivered by diverse faculty who have close ties to professionals and professors from all kinds of local economic organizations. 

You can take classes in things like:

• economics
• data science
• health and development economics
• geographical information systems

Not only that, but the highly interdisciplinary economics program will allow you to take up to two electives at other schools at George Washington, including the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration and the School of Engineering and Applied Science.

A STEM-designated program, the courses in this program are taught by diverse faculty who want nothing more than to see their students succeed both personally and professionally.

Located in frigid Ithaca, in upstate New York, Cornell University was founded in 1865 and is home to seven different undergraduate colleges and schools. Cornell is unique in that each of these schools admits its own students, allowing each to specify its own requirements for admission. Some of the most renowned graduate schools here include the:

• S.C. Johnson Graduate School of Management
• Weill Cornell Medical College
• College of Veterinary Medicine

The Master of Science in applied economics and management requires four full-time semesters of coursework, including a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester. Master’s degree students are required to participate in the applied economics and policy seminars, which are held once a month, and to complete both a master’s thesis and a final oral examination. 

Some of the other courses you will take include:

• Applied Econometrics
• Economics of Consumer Demand
• Econometrics I

You can also take courses in an area of specialty, with popular choices include:

• food and agricultural economics
• environmental energy and resource economics
• international and development economics
• management