Program Overview

MA in Economics Program Overview

The MA in Economics program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is designed to prepare students for careers in economics and finance in the private and public sectors. This coursework-only degree typically takes two to three semesters to complete. An accelerated ("4+1") program option allows University of Tennessee-Knoxville undergraduate students majoring in economics or finance to complete the MA in Economics with only two additional semesters of coursework.

Program Features

• The program focuses on advanced theoretical and applied skills that are valued by employers in both the private and public sectors.
• It is a STEM-designated program and an Optional Practical Training program, allowing international students to work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation before needing a work visa.
• Average starting salaries are about $20,000 higher for those with a master's versus a bachelor's degree in economics or finance.

Career Opportunities

The MA in Economics opens doors to many career paths across industries. Graduates can excel in roles that leverage their analytical expertise and understanding of economic principles. Potential career options include:

• Economic Analyst: Study data and trends to understand economic conditions and provide insights to organizations.
• Financial Consultant: Provide expert advice to individuals or organizations to help them achieve their financial goals.
• Policy Advisor: Develop and evaluate public policies for governments, NGOs, or think tanks.
• Data Scientist: Use statistical and computational techniques to analyze large datasets, uncover trends, and solve complex problems.

Curriculum

The MA Economics degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework, which includes 15 credit hours of required coursework and 15 credit hours within a concentration. Students select between two concentrations: Applied Economic Analysis and Financial Economics.

Required Courses

• ECON 521: Applied Microeconomic Theory
• ECON 581: Mathematical Economics
• ECON 582: Econometrics I
• ECON 523: Applied Macroeconomic Theory
• ECON 583: Elements of Econometrics II

Concentrations

Applied Economic Analysis Concentration

Those pursuing this concentration take 15 credit hours of approved electives. At least 6 of these must be at the 500-level or above.

Financial Economics Concentration

Those pursuing this concentration take 15 credit hours of coursework in finance. Of these, there are 6 credits in required courses and 9 credits of electives.

Admissions

To be considered for admission to the MA in Economics program, candidates must submit a completed application through the online application portal administered by the Haslam College of Business. The application must include:

• Academic transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Professional resume or CV
• Three letters of recommendation
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Graduate Admission Test (GMAT) scores
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International Language Testing System (IELTS) scores, if the native language is not English
• $60 application fee

Key Dates

• May 15: Deadline for domestic students
• February 1: Deadline for international students
• February 1: Priority deadline for domestic and international students to be considered for program-specific graduate assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships

Tuition and Funding Opportunities

An up-to-date schedule of graduate tuition and fees can be found at One Stop Student Services. For the 2024 academic year, in-state tuition was $13,620 and out-of-state tuition was $32,108. In addition, beginning Fall 2025, it is anticipated that there will be a special program fee of $3,000 per semester.

Applicants admitted to the program are automatically considered for funding. Highly qualified candidates are offered a scholarship and/or the opportunity to aid in the teaching and service missions of the economics or finance departments in exchange for an hourly wage. In special cases, students may be awarded a graduate assistantship. Graduate assistants receive a stipend, a waiver of university tuition and fees, and are provided student health insurance for the semester awarded.