Master's Degree in Economics
A Master's Degree in Economics deepens understanding of economic theories and quantitative methods, preparing students for careers in business, government, or research.
About
The Master's Degree in Economics is a graduate-level program in the United States designed for students who have completed a bachelor's degree, often in economics or related fields. It aims to provide advanced knowledge of economic theory, data analysis, and policy evaluation. This diploma suits those interested in understanding how economies function and in applying this knowledge to real-world problems.
- The program typically lasts between one and two years, depending on the institution and course load.
- It prepares graduates for roles in economic research, policy analysis, and business strategy.
- Students develop skills in quantitative analysis and economic modeling that are valuable in both public and private sectors.
- The degree is suitable for those aiming to work in government agencies, financial institutions, or international organizations.
- It also serves as a foundation for pursuing a doctoral degree in economics or related disciplines.
What you study
The curriculum for a Master's Degree in Economics combines theoretical courses with practical applications over one or two years. It builds on undergraduate knowledge and introduces more complex economic models and statistical methods.
- Core subjects often include microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, focusing on analyzing economic data.
- Students study quantitative methods such as statistics and mathematical modeling to interpret economic phenomena.
- Elective courses may cover topics like international economics, development economics, or financial economics.
- The program usually includes seminars and research projects to develop critical thinking and communication skills.
- Some programs offer opportunities for internships or applied projects to gain practical experience.
- The teaching approach balances lectures, group work, and individual assignments to prepare students for professional challenges.
How to get in
Admission to a Master's Degree in Economics in the US requires a bachelor's degree, often in economics, finance, or related fields. The process is competitive and focuses on academic preparation and motivation.
- Applicants usually need to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
- Many programs require standardized test scores such as the GRE, particularly the quantitative section.
- Strong skills in mathematics and statistics are expected for successful admission.
- Some programs may ask for relevant work experience or research background.
- The selection process evaluates academic records and the applicant’s potential to succeed in advanced economic studies.
Day to day
The daily life of a Master's student in Economics involves a mix of lectures, seminars, and independent work throughout the academic year. The workload can be intense but offers opportunities for practical learning.
- Students attend regular classes that include discussions and problem-solving sessions.
- They work on research papers and data analysis projects to apply theoretical knowledge.
- Some programs encourage or require internships during summer or academic breaks to gain hands-on experience.
- Group work and presentations are common to develop communication and teamwork skills.
- While alternance (work-study) is generally not common in US master's programs, students may engage in part-time jobs or research assistantships.
Careers this degree leads to
Graduates with a Master's Degree in Economics have access to various career paths across sectors that require analytical and economic expertise. The job market values their ability to interpret data and advise on economic decisions.
- Common roles include economic analyst, policy advisor, and financial consultant.
- Graduates often find opportunities in government agencies that design and evaluate public policies.
- Private sector employers include banks, consulting firms, and multinational corporations.
- The degree also opens doors to international organizations focused on development and economic research.
- Generally, the job placement is favorable for graduates who combine strong quantitative skills with practical experience.
Continuing your studies
After completing the Master's Degree in Economics, students can continue their studies or shift to related fields depending on their interests and career goals.
- Many choose to pursue a PhD in Economics to engage in academic research or university teaching.
- Others may enroll in specialized master's or professional programs in finance, public policy, or business administration.
- Some graduates consider reorienting towards fields like data science or international relations to broaden their career options.
Where to study this degree (200)
Liste des 200 établissements
- Davidson CollegeDavidson
- University of Colorado BoulderBoulder
- Hawaii Pacific UniversityHonolulu
- Francis Marion UniversityFlorence
- Adrian CollegeAdrian
- Eastern UniversitySaint Davids
- Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleEdwardsville
- Walla Walla UniversityCollege Place
- Eastern Washington UniversityCheney
- Cabrillo CollegeAptos
- St. Thomas UniversityMiami Gardens
- Brooklyn CollegeBrooklyn
- University of Arkansas at Little RockLittle Rock
- Thomas More UniversityCrestview Hills
- Cornerstone UniversityGrand Rapids
- Wilson CollegeChambersburg
- Bard CollegeAnnandale-On-Hudson
- Greenfield Community CollegeGreenfield
- Fairleigh Dickinson UniversityTeaneck
- Northern State UniversityAberdeen
- University of Alaska FairbanksFairbanks
- Southern Methodist UniversityDallas
- Laredo Community CollegeLaredo
- University of Virginia's College at WiseWise
- Cornell CollegeMount Vernon
- Troy UniversityTroy
- San Antonio CollegeSan Antonio
- State University of New York at OswegoOswego
- Franklin UniversityColumbus
- University of Hawaiʻi at MānoaHonolulu
- Grayson CollegeDenison
- Schiller International UniversityTampa
- University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles
- University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley
- University of California-Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara
- University of ChicagoChicago
- University of Wisconsin–MadisonMadison
- New York UniversityNew York
- University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill
- Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore
- University of California-DavisDavis
- University of ConnecticutStorrs
- University of California-IrvineIrvine
- Northwestern UniversityEvanston
- Columbia UniversityNew York
- Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusUniversity Park
- University of Massachusetts-AmherstAmherst
- University of FloridaGainesville
- Boston CollegeBoston
- Utah State UniversityLogan
- University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla
- Texas A & M University-College StationCollege Station
- University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUrbana
- Boston UniversityBoston
- Binghamton UniversityBinghamton
- University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville
- University of California, RiversideRiverside
- Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook
- The University of Texas at AustinAustin
- University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park
- Vanderbilt UniversityNashville
- Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing
- University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle
- Harvard UniversityCambridge
- University of Notre DameNotre Dame
- Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick
- Florida State UniversityTallahassee
- Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus
- University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis
- University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia
- Fort Hays State UniversityHays
- CUNY Queens CollegeQueens
- University of UtahSalt Lake City
- Tufts UniversityMedford
- University of South FloridaTampa
- Syracuse UniversitySyracuse
- Duke UniversityDurham
- San Diego State UniversitySan Diego
- Dartmouth CollegeHanover
- University at AlbanyAlbany
- Georgetown UniversityWashington
- Yale UniversityNew Haven
- Brown UniversityProvidence
- Santa Barbara City CollegeSanta Barbara
- University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles
- Pasadena City CollegePasadena
- Grossmont CollegeEl Cajon
- Northeastern UniversityBoston
- California State University, SacramentoSacramento
- University of HoustonHouston
- Moorpark CollegeMoorpark
- University of AlabamaTuscaloosa
- Brigham Young UniversityProvo
- Emory UniversityAtlanta
- Cornell UniversityIthaca
- University of California-Santa CruzSanta Cruz
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh
- Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe
- United States Naval AcademyAnnapolis
- Colgate UniversityHamilton
- Wesleyan UniversityMiddletown
- Brandeis UniversityWaltham
- Florida International UniversityMiami
- University of ArizonaTucson
- Williams CollegeWilliamstown
- University of MiamiCoral Gables
- West Valley CollegeSaratoga
- Princeton UniversityPrinceton
- University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia
- College of the Holy CrossWorcester
- University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical CampusDenver
- Golden West CollegeHuntington Beach
- University of IowaIowa City
- Los Angeles Pierce CollegeWoodland Hills
- Claremont McKenna CollegeClaremont
- Hunter CollegeNew York
- William & MaryWilliamsburg
- Purdue University West LafayetteWest Lafayette
- Clemson UniversityClemson
- Bucknell UniversityLewisburg
- Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth
- University of OregonEugene
- Los Angeles Valley CollegeValley Glen
- Tulane UniversityNew Orleans
- Stanford UniversityStanford
- George Washington UniversityWashington
- Villanova UniversityVillanova
- Saddleback CollegeMission Viejo
- Wake Forest UniversityWinston-Salem
- University at BuffaloBuffalo
- Fordham UniversityBronx
- Middlebury CollegeMiddlebury
- Barnard CollegeNew York
- University of RochesterRochester
- Virginia TechBlacksburg
- University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyBaltimore
- Lafayette CollegeEaston
- San Jose State UniversitySan Jose
- City College of New YorkNew York
- Wellesley CollegeWellesley
- Hamilton CollegeClinton
- University of DelawareNewark
- Colby CollegeWaterville
- Diablo Valley CollegePleasant Hill
- California State University, Long BeachLong Beach
- Trinity CollegeHartford
- Oregon State UniversityCorvallis
- Rice UniversityHouston
- Pennsylvania State University-World CampusUniversity Park
- Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins
- Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland
- University of Illinois ChicagoChicago
- University of Massachusetts BostonBoston
- Bowdoin CollegeBrunswick
- Colorado CollegeColorado Springs
- University of CincinnatiCincinnati
- Washington University in St LouisSaint Louis
- Evergreen Valley CollegeSan Jose
- Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester
- University of GeorgiaAthens
- Arizona State University Digital ImmersionScottsdale
- George Mason UniversityFairfax
- Denison UniversityGranville
- Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara
- Swarthmore CollegeSwarthmore
- Connecticut CollegeNew London
- St. Olaf CollegeNorthfield
- Indiana University BloomingtonBloomington
- Occidental CollegeLos Angeles
- California State University, NorthridgeNorthridge
- Baruch CollegeNew York
- St. Lawrence UniversityCanton
- American UniversityWashington
- American River CollegeSacramento
- University of VermontBurlington
- Amherst CollegeAmherst
- Georgia State UniversityAtlanta
- El Camino CollegeTorrance
- Cuesta CollegeSan Luis Obispo
- Pomona CollegeClaremont
- Washington and Lee UniversityLexington
- University of Nevada, Las VegasLas Vegas
- Northeastern University Professional ProgramsBoston
- Folsom Lake CollegeFolsom
- Union CollegeSchenectady
- De Anza CollegeCupertino
- Montclair State UniversityMontclair
- Bates CollegeLewiston
- Miami University-OxfordOxford
- Texas Tech UniversityLubbock
- College of the CanyonsSanta Clarita
- East Los Angeles CollegeMonterey Park
- Kenyon CollegeGambier
- University of St. Thomas - MinnesotaSaint Paul
- Macalester CollegeSaint Paul
- Vassar CollegePoughkeepsie
- California Polytechnic State UniversitySan Luis Obispo
- Santa Monica CollegeSanta Monica
- James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg
Frequently asked questions
What background do I need to apply for this master's degree?
You generally need a bachelor's degree in economics or a related field, with strong skills in mathematics and statistics. Some programs may accept students from other backgrounds if they demonstrate sufficient quantitative ability.
Is work experience required before admission?
Work experience is not always mandatory but can strengthen your application. Some programs value research experience or internships related to economics.
Can I work while studying this master's degree?
While the program is demanding, many students take part-time jobs or research assistantships. However, formal work-study programs are uncommon in US master's degrees in economics.
What types of jobs can I get after graduation?
Graduates often work as economic analysts, policy advisors, or financial consultants in government, private companies, or international organizations.
Is it possible to continue to a PhD after this master's degree?
Yes, this master's degree is often a stepping stone to a PhD in economics or related fields if you want to pursue academic or high-level research careers.
Are internships part of the program?
Some programs include or encourage internships, which provide practical experience and help build professional networks.
How selective is admission to this program?
Admission is selective and based on academic records, test scores, and motivation. Strong quantitative skills are essential.
Can I specialize within the master's degree?
Yes, many programs offer electives or tracks in areas like international economics, development, or financial economics to tailor your studies.


























