Program Overview

MA in Economics Program Overview

The MA program in Economics integrates economic theory, quantitative methods, and practical applications, offering three specializations: Finance, Business Management, and Public Economics.

Program Structure

• The program is a 2-year, 36-credit course of study.
• Students can complete the degree on a part-time basis with one or two courses per semester.
• The program is designed to be academically rigorous and significantly less expensive than other comparable programs in NYC, particularly for students who qualify for in-state tuition.

Admissions

• To apply, complete the application form and process the application fee.
• Submit the following supporting documents:
  • 2-page Statement of Purpose
  • Two letters of recommendation (at least one letter should be academic)
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
  • Resume/CV
  • TOEFL/IELTS tests and scores (for international students)
  • GRE score (not required)
• Application materials should be submitted online.
• The minimum GPA requirement is 3.0 or above.

Requirements

• Typically, applicants will have completed the following coursework:
  • Introductory and Intermediate Microeconomics
  • Introductory and Intermediate Macroeconomics
  • Calculus
  • Statistics
• Students who have not completed the above required courses might be accepted conditionally.
• Conditional admission depends on many factors, including overall GPA, recommendation letters, personal statement, and performance in the bachelor’s degree.

Featured Courses

• Microeconomic Analysis (required course)
• Macroeconomic Analysis (required course)
• Statistics and Introduction to Econometrics (required course)
• Foundations of Empirical Research (required course)
• Advanced Options and Futures
• Entrepreneurship
• Behavioral Economics

FAQs

• How can I apply for the MA in Economics program?
  • Submit transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a 2-page Personal Statement.
• When are the deadlines for admissions applications?
  • Spring: November 20th
  • Fall: May 15th
  • Fall Extended: June 1st
• How quickly can I complete the degree?
  • If you take three courses each semester, you can complete the MA degree in four semesters (less than two calendar years).
• Is financial aid available?
  • Yes, a variety of subsidized loans and graduate assistantships are available.
• Do you require submission of test scores?
  • Generally, no, but international students must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores.
• Do you offer job placement services?
  • CCNY has an active Professional Development Institute that organizes career fairs and supports professional development.
• Where do alumni of the MA in Economics program find employment?
  • Alumni have gone on to work at various government agencies and in the private sector, with some pursuing doctoral studies in economics.
• Is there a GPA requirement?
  • Yes, there is a 3.0 minimum GPA requirement.
• What math preparation is necessary for the master’s program?
  • Applicants are expected to have taken at least one semester of calculus and one semester of statistics.
• Can I take other classes outside the department?
  • Yes, students may include electives in the degree programs for Public Service Management, International Relations, Sustainability in the Urban Environment, Data Science, Mathematics, and others.
• Can I finish this program if I work full-time?
  • Absolutely, the majority of students work full-time and all classes are held in the evening.
• Are there online courses?
  • Not yet, but there are some hybrid courses where some of the teaching and learning takes place online.
• What is your transfer credit policy?
  • Transfer credit is decided on a case-by-case basis.