Economics MA Accelerated Master's Degree
Program Overview
The Accelerated MA in Economics at UMSL combines a BS and MA in as few as 10 semesters, providing a comprehensive understanding of economic principles and methods. The program includes required courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, along with electives in economics and other disciplines. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, government, the private sector, and non-profit organizations, or for further studies in economics or related fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Accelerated MA program in Economics at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) allows students to simultaneously earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Arts (MA) in Economics in as few as 10 semesters. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of economic principles, theories, and methods, equipping them for advanced studies or careers in academia, government, or the private sector.
Outline:
Program Content and Structure:
The combined BS/MA program requires a minimum of 138 credit hours, including 12 credit hours at the 4000-level or higher that can be counted towards both the BS and MA degrees. The remaining 18 credit hours must be earned while in graduate status.
Course Schedule and Modules:
The program coursework includes:
- Required Courses (9 credit hours):
- ECON 5001: Microeconomic Analysis
- ECON 5002: Macroeconomic Analysis
- ECON 5100: Econometric Theory and Methods
- Elective Courses (21 credit hours):
- Up to nine credit hours may be taken outside of Economics with approval from the Graduate Program Director.
- At most, six of these credit hours may be economics courses at the 4000 level (excluding ECON 4100, ECON 4150, and ECON 4550, which cannot be utilized as part of the MA degree).
- All other electives must be at the 5000 level or higher.
Assessment:
The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
- Exams (midterms and finals)
- Quizzes
- Papers
- Presentations
- Projects
Teaching:
The program is taught by experienced faculty members with expertise in various areas of economics. Teaching methods include:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Case studies
- Simulations
- Independent research
Careers:
Graduates of the Accelerated MA program in Economics from UMSL will be well-prepared for careers in:
- Academia (teaching and research)
- Government (policy analysis, economic consulting)
- Private sector (financial analysis, market research)
- Non-profit organizations (economic development, social policy) The program also provides a strong foundation for pursuing further studies in economics or related fields, such as finance, econometrics, or data science.
