Program Overview

Master of Science in Economics and Social Policy

The Master of Science in Economics and Social Policy is a dual-degree program offered in combination with the Bachelor of Arts in Economics. This program requires a minimum of 45 credits for completion.

Degree Requirements

• Minimum number of credits required for the degree: 45
• Coursework Requirements:
  • ECON 3670: Econometrics: Multivariate Regression Analysis for Economists (4 credits)
  • ECON 3850: Mathematics for Economists (4 credits)
  • ECON 4020: Advanced Macroeconomic Theory (4 credits)
  • ECON 4030: Advanced Microeconomic Theory (4 credits)
  • ECON 4050: Origins of Modern Economics (4 credits)
• Students take either a comprehensive exam or a policy-oriented internship (ECON 499X)
• Electives: Students choose 6 courses (ECON 3XXX) for a total of 24 credits
• Total Credits: 45

Non-Coursework Requirements

• Demonstrated competency using the tools and concepts of economics to analyze and assess social policy options, assessed via a comprehensive exam or a policy impact assessment submitted after completion of a policy-oriented internship.

Grade Requirements

• A student must earn a grade of B- or better in each of the required courses.
• The minimum grade for an individual elective course is C-, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Admissions Requirements

• The MS in Economics and Social Policy is only available as a dual-degree program in combination with the BA in Economics.
• Current undergraduate student at the University of Denver pursuing the BA in Economics (declared first or second major must be economics).
• Completion of at least 20 credits worth of ECON courses with a GPA in the Economics major of 3.5 or greater.
• Application must be submitted before the end of the first quarter as a senior (before the completion of 135 credits towards the BA degree).
• No GRE or other standardized test required.

Dual-Degree Plan: MS + BA

• Undergraduate credit reduction with dual degree: 20 (163 total undergraduate credits required instead of 183)
• Graduate credits required: 45 (no reduction in graduate credits required for the MS)
• Minimum credits required with dual degree: 208 (total 81 ECON credits)

Undergraduate Program (Years 1-4)

• BA in Economics requirements:
  • ECON 1020: Economics: A Critical Introduction (4 credits)
  • ECON 1030: Introduction to Micro and Macroeconomics (4 credits)
  • ECON 2020: Intermediate Microeconomics (4 credits)
  • ECON 2030: Intermediate Macroeconomics (4 credits)
  • ECON 2050: History of Economic Thought (4 credits)
  • ECON 2670: Quantitative Methods (4 credits)
  • Electives: Three 2000-level (or above) ECON elective courses taken for undergraduate credit (12 credits)
  • Graduate-level Electives: Two 3000-level ECON electives taken for graduate credit (may include ECON 3670 and/or ECON 3850) (8 credits)
  • Total Credits: 44

Coursework Taken for Graduate Credit

• Three 3000-level ECON electives taken for graduate credit (may include ECON 3670 and/or ECON 3850) (12 credits)

Remaining MS in Economics and Social Policy Requirements

• Course List:
  • ECON 4020: Advanced Macroeconomic Theory (4 credits)
  • ECON 4030: Advanced Microeconomic Theory (4 credits)
  • ECON 4050: Origins of Modern Economics (4 credits)
  • Students take either ECON 3670 or ECON 3850 if they have not previously done so (4 credits)
  • Students take either a comprehensive exam or a policy-oriented internship (ECON 499X) (1 credit)
  • Electives: Two 3000-level ECON electives taken as graduate students (8 credits)
  • Total Credits: 25