UMass Boston

Applied Economics MA

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Discover a distinctive research-focused master’s program.

UMass Boston’s STEM-designated Master of Arts in Applied Economics offers a distinctive research-focused master’s program that expands on both orthodox and heterodox theories and their policy implications. We also offer an Accelerated Master’s Program (4+1) for eligible UMass Boston undergraduates.

In this program, you will:

  • Work closely with excellent research and teaching faculty to integrate a range of economic theories and interdisciplinary approaches
  • Master quantitative techniques used in applied economics
  • Apply economic theory to pressing economic issues with a particular focus on inequality by gender, race, and class, urban economic development, financialization, and sustainability
  • Learn to effectively communicate complex economic concepts, findings, and policy recommendations to diverse audiences, both orally and in written form

Career Possibilities

Work as an economist in government agencies, research institutions, or think tanks. Apply your strong quantitative skills to analyze economic data, and identify patterns and trends as a data analyst. Or, combine your economic expertise with writing and communication skills to work as a journalist or economic reporter. These are just a few of the possibilities.

Become a(n):

  • Economist
  • Data Analyst
  • Consultant
  • Policy Analyst
  • Economic Journalist

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Plan Your Education

How to Apply

MA Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements: 

  • Completion of a course in calculus plus introductory macroeconomics, introductory microeconomics, and economic statistics (all with grades of B or better)
  • Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can assess the applicant’s academic and/or professional preparation for graduate work

BA/MA Admission Requirements (Accelerated Master's Program)

  • Complete at least 75, but not more than 90, undergraduate credits by the application due date
  • Complete one course in college calculus with a grade of B or better
  • Obtain a grade of B or better in introductory microeconomics, introductory macroeconomics, and statistics
  • Take 30 credits and four economics courses in residence at UMass Boston and maintain a minimum 3.0 overall GPA (grade point average)
  • Submit the same admissions documentation as BA-trained applicants to the MA program

Learn more about the Accelerated Master's Program for current UMass Boston undergraduate students.

Deadlines & Cost

Deadlines: April 1 (priority) and June 15 (final) for fall

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Estimate Your Program Cost: Get a feel for your expected program costs using the Graduate Program Cost Calculator.

Program Cost Information: For more detailed information on costs, please visit the Bursar's website or send an email to Bursar@umb.edu. Please refer to Financial Aid for more information.

Curriculum

Required Courses (18 Credits)

  • ECON 601 - Applied Microeconomics 3 Credit(s)
  • ECON 602 - Applied Macroeconomics 3 Credit(s)
  • ECON 610 - Political Economy 3 Credit(s)
  • ECON 650 - Applied Economic Research Practicum 1 Credit(s)
  • ECON 651 - Quantitative Research Methods I 4 Credit(s)
  • ECON 652 - Quantitative Research Methods II 4 Credit(s)

Electives (9 Credits)

Complete at least three courses from below.

At least six credits must be from the approved economic electives list. At least three credits must be from the approved quantitative methods list.

Approved Economics Electives:

  • Any 600-level ECON courses not already required for the program
  • PUBADM 602 - The New England Economic Environment 3 Credit(s)
  • PPOL-G 602 - Political Economy of Class, Race and Gender 3 Credit(s)
  • INTREL 614 - International Political Economy 3 Credit(s)

Approved Quantitative Methods Electives:

  • ENVSCI 623L - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems 4 Credit(s)
  • GERON GR 760 - Policy Analysis Techniques 3 Credit(s)
  • MSIS 680 - Advanced Data Mining 3 Credit(s)
  • SOCIOL 655 - Evaluation Research 3 Credit(s)
  • SOCIOL 660 - Fundamentals of Survey Methodology 3 Credit(s)
  • SOCIOL 661 - Designing and Evaluating Survey Questions 3 Credit(s)
  • SOCIOL 662 - Applied Survey Sampling - Design and Analysis 3 Credit(s)

Research Capstone or Thesis (5 Credits)

Candidates may substitute some or all of the five required credits with independent study credits that result in a capstone or thesis.

  • ECON 698 - Mentored Research Project 1-5 Credit(s)

For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.

Graduation Criteria

Complete 32 credits from ten courses including six required courses, three electives, and a research capstone or thesis.

Capstone: Completion of a research paper and oral presentation.

Statute of limitations: Five years.

Contact

Graduate Program Director Charalampos (Harry) Konstantinidis
konstantinidis [at] umb.edu
(617) 287-4785

Outreach Coordinator Maureen Boyle
maureen.boyle [at] umb.edu
(617) 287-6950

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