Masters Program

The Master of Arts degree in Economics can be pursued along one of three tracks:

• Option I : Thesis is a 30-credit hour degree program that requires a thesis.
• Option II : Applied Economics is a 36-credit hour terminal degree program (not intended to lead into the Ph.D. program) with flexible requirements.
• Option III : Ph.D. Leading is a 36-credit hour program intended to prepare students for the Ph.D. program. The degree can ordinarily be earned in four semesters of full-time course work.

General Requirements

A set of core courses including microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics is required of all masters students. Students specialize in a major field of their choice. The final requirement is that of passing a comprehensive examination in that field.

	Option I	Option II	Option III
Microeconomics	ECON 873 (or 973)	ECON 873	ECON 973
Macroeconomics	ECON 874 (or 974)	ECON 874	ECON 974
Econometrics	ECON 817 (or 957)	ECON 817	ECON 957
Total Core Hours	9	9	9
Fields	Major Field (9 hr.) Minor Field - Optional	Major Field (9 hr.) Minor Field - Required (9 hr.)	Major Field (9 hr.) Minor Field - Optional
Total Field Hours	9	18	9
Thesis	Required - (6-9 hr.)	Not Required	Not Required
Elective Course Hours	3-6	9	18
Total Hours	30	36	36
*800 (no 400 level counterparts) or 900 level courses	9	12	18

Masters of Education with a Focus Area in Economics Education

Designed to help teachers enhance their knowledge of basic economics concepts and demonstrate how economics can be taught in the K-12 classroom.

• View the Brochure

Fields of concentration in the program:

• Comparative and Regional Development
• Econometrics
• Economic Education
• Economic History
• Feminist Economics
• Industrial Organization and Regulation
• Institutional Economics
• International Trade and Finance
• Labor Economics
• Monetary Economics
• Public Economics

Admission

The department does not employ a rigid formula for admission. Instead, the admissions committee makes decisions after reviewing the applicant's undergraduate record, GRE scores preferred, GMAT scores acceptable substitute, TOEFL scores if applicable, letters of recommendation, background, grades in economics courses, preparation in mathematics and statistics, and the applicant's Statement of Purpose outlining goals and objectives for studying economics at the graduate level. MA students are expected to have intermediate level training in economics (both macroeconomics and microeconomics) in their backgrounds. In addition, MA students are expected to have adequate mathematical backgrounds including at least one rigorous course in calculus and statistics. Any course deficiencies identified at the time of admission must be removed in the first semester of enrollment.

Application Procedures

Office of Graduate Studies Requirements

• Apply online at the Office of Graduate Studies and submit the $65 application fee.
• Have each of your undergraduate institutions send your transcripts to:

  University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  Graduate Admissions
  1100 Seaton Hall
  Lincoln, NE 68588-0619
  Tel: (402) 472-2875

• The next day you will receive instructions for the UNL GAMES application system. Please note: All application materials (except transcripts and finance resource certification) must be submitted electronically. Do not send paper recommendation forms.

Letters of Reference

Three letters of reference are required and should be submitted through GAMES (Graduate Admission Management and Evaluation System)

Statement of Purpose

Please submit a Statement of Purpose outlining goals and objectives for studying economics at the graduate level.

• Statement of Purpose should be sumitted through GAMES

Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

You should register to take the GMAT or the GRE (standard test) and have the results forwarded to UNL. You should also submit your scores through GAMES.

International students should also include:

• TOEFL score (minimum score of 550 written, 213 computer based or 80 iBT
• Financial Resource Certification Form
• Note: applicants from Hong Kong, Taiwan, China and Korea should submit paper based GRE or GMAT scores.

Guidelines for International Students can be found at www.unl.edu/gradstudies/.

Application for Admission Deadlines

Financial Aid and Assistantships

The department awards three to four assistantships to new students each year. These appointments are either teaching or research assistantships and carry stipends that are competitive with those offered by other graduate institutions. Assistantships provide a full tuition waiver, stipend for up to two years and medical insurance.

All applicants are considered for assistantships. No separate application for financial aid is required. (Preference in financial assistance awards is given to Ph.D. applicants, but M.A. applicants are considered as well.)

Assistantship decisions for the fall semester are typically made in February and March. Recipients are notified on or about April 1. Duties of first-year recipients of assistantships will likely include assisting professors with their instructional duties.

International applicants will be required to submit evidence of spoken English ability to be considered for teaching assistantships.

For more information on financial assistance:

• Consult our FAQ
• Current Information on Tuition and Costs