The Master of Arts degree in Economics is designed to prepare students for a Ph.D.
program either at UNL or other institutions. Although UNL recognizes three options
for the MA degree, students from outside UNL are only admitted to the Option III,
Ph.D. leading program.
A set of core courses including microeconomics, EC973 and EC983, macroeconomics EC974 and
EC984, and econometrics EC957 is expected of all option III Masters students. Students are
expected to take the PhD. qualifying examination in economic theory, administered in August
and January of each year, and this examination serves as the comprehensive examination for the
MA degree. If MA students are subsequently admitted to the PhD. program at UNL, coursework and
examinations taken in the MA program transfer directly to the PhD.
Students taking 12 hours each semester can finish in 3 semesters. Students taking 9 hours per
semester (the more typical load) finish in 4 semesters.
Typical M.A. Program
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Fall
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Spring
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Econ 973
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Econ 957
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Econ 974
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Econ 983
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Econ 815
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Econ 984
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Stat 882
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Fall
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Spring
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Econ 958
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Elective
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Elective
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Elective
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Elective
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Elective
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The Department does not employ a rigid formula for admission, but we expect excellent
undergraduate (or graduate if applicable) records in economics, mathematics and
statistics. We expect excellent
GRE scores (and TOEFL
scores if applicable) and strong letters of recommendation. At the minimum, students are expected
to have intermediate level training in economics (both macroeconomics and microeconomics) in their
backgrounds. In addition, students are expected to have strong mathematical backgrounds including at
least two semesters of calculus, a course in linear (matrix) algebra, and a course in mathematical
statistics. Any course deficiencies must be removed prior to the first semester of enrollment.
Three letters of reference are required and should be submitted through
GAMES (Graduate Admission Management and Evaluation System)
Please submit a Statement of Purpose outlining goals and objectives for studying
economics at the graduate level.
- Statement of Purpose should be submitted through
GAMES
You should register to take 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 iB or IELTS score (minimum 6.5)
Guidelines for international students can be found at
http://www.unl.edu/gradstudies/prospective/international.
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Semester
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U.S. Students
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International Students
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Fall
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June 30
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March 1
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Spring
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October 31
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October 1
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Applications are evaluated as received. Applications received after the deadline
may be considered; however, a timely decision is not guaranteed.
The earlier date for international students is advisory to allow time for visa applications.
The department awards three to four assistantships to new Ph.D. and MA students each year. These
appointments are either teaching or research assistantships and carry stipends that
are highly competitive with those offered by other graduate institutions. MA 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.
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 teaching 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:
Designed to help teachers enhance their knowledge of basic economics concepts and demonstrate how
economics can be taught in the K-12 classroom.
Master of Education Brochure
