Program Overview

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MS in Financial Economics

The Master of Science in Financial Economics program at Johns Hopkins University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of economic theory and practical tools to analyze global economic change. The program focuses on modeling financial markets, forecasting trends, and elevating decision-making across the public and private sectors.

Overview

The MS in Financial Economics is a 10-course degree program that can be pursued at a part- or full-time pace, onsite or online, or in both modes. All undergraduate majors are welcome to apply.

Admissions Criteria

In addition to the materials and credentials required for all programs, the Master of Science in Financial Economics has the following program-specific minimum requirements:

• Resume
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose: A statement, up to one page in length, describing personal background and/or life experience that has shaped goals.
• Prerequisite Courses:
  • One semester of introductory microeconomics, passed with at least a B
  • One semester of introductory macroeconomics, passed with at least a B
  • One semester of undergraduate statistics, passed with at least a B
  • One undergraduate course that covers multivariate calculus, passed with at least a B

Program Requirements

Students in the MS in Financial Economics program must complete ten courses:

• Four core required courses
• One core customizable course
• Five electives

Core Courses - Required

All four courses are required: | Course List Code | Title | Credits | | --- | --- | --- | | AS.440.601 | Microeconomic Theory | | | AS.440.602 | Macroeconomic Theory | | | AS.440.606 | Econometrics | | | AS.440.640 | Financial Economics | |

Core Courses - Customizable

Select one of the following Advanced Time-Series Econometrics Courses: | Course List Code | Title | Credits | | --- | --- | --- | | AS.440.614 | Macroeconometrics [Time-Series Analysis] | | | AS.440.615 | Macroeconomic Forecasting [Time Series Analysis] | | | AS.440.617 | Financial Econometrics [Time-Series Analysis] | |

Electives

• Financial Economics Electives: Select between two and four courses.
  • AS.440.617 | Financial Econometrics [Time-Series Analysis] |
  • AS.440.641 | Financial Intermediation & Financial Markets |
  • AS.440.643 | Economics of Investments and Financial Management |
  • AS.440.645 | Behavioral Economics & Finance |
  • AS.440.646 | Economics of Derivatives |
• Complementary Macro and Quantitative Electives: Select between one and three courses.
  • AS.440.614 | Macroeconometrics [Time-Series Analysis] |
  • AS.440.615 | Macroeconomic Forecasting [Time Series Analysis] |
  • AS.440.616 | Bayesian Econometrics |
  • AS.440.618 | Microeconometrics [Cross-Section and Panel Analysis] |
  • AS.440.625 | Machine Learning in Statistics |
  • AS.440.630 | Monetary Economics |
  • AS.440.632 | Topics in Macroeconomics and Finance |
  • AS.440.634 | Economic Growth |
  • AS.440.639 | International Finance (Open Economy Macro) |
  • AS.440.653 | Economics of the Labor Market |
• Other Electives: Select between zero and one of other electives listed below to satisfy the 10-course minimum.
  • AS.440.622 | Cost-Benefit Analysis |
  • AS.440.624 | Computable General Equilibrium Modeling |
  • AS.440.650 | Environmental & Resource Economics |
  • AS.440.656 | Political Economy |
  • AS.440.658 | Industrial Organization |
  • AS.440.661 | Public Economics |
  • AS.440.663 | Development Microeconomics |
  • AS.440.665 | International Trade (Open Economy Micro) |
  • AS.440.666 | Regional Economics |
  • AS.440.667 | Urban Economics |
  • AS.440.672 | Economics of Health Care |
  • AS.440.684 | Game Theory |

Optional Thesis

Students may undertake their own research project as an 11th program course, AS.440.692 Thesis, for three additional credits at full tuition. Prior to proposing a project, interested students must have clearly identified a research topic and submit a formal proposal for review and approval to the Thesis Research Committee.

Requirements for the Thesis

• All five core courses, including AS.440.614 Macroeconometrics [Time-Series Analysis], AS.440.615 Macroeconomic Forecasting [Time Series Analysis] or AS.440.617 Financial Econometrics [Time-Series Analysis]
• Two or more Financial Economics electives in the substantive area of the proposed research
• A strong academic record (at least B+ average) in at least eight program courses

The thesis provides students with the opportunity to work closely with a mentor who is familiar with their prospective inquiry and is willing to provide guidance and oversee the project. The final product is a research paper that must be approved by the mentor and the committee.