PhD-prep Master’s Track
The PhD-prep track is for students who will enter a PhD in economics program after graduation. Students may enroll in the track on either a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time students can finish the program in 1 year, 18 months or 2 years, depending on their own pace.
Core Courses
Students choosing this track will complete a theory-based core sequence of six courses:
ECG 700: Fundamentals of Microeconomics
ECG 703: Fundamentals of Macroeconomics
ECG 765: Mathematical Methods for Economists
ST 501: Fundamentals of Statistical Inference I
ST 502: Fundamentals of Statistical Inference II
ECG 750: Introduction to Econometric Methods
Elective Courses
An additional four courses (12 credit hours) of electives are required. Students may simply select from courses listed below and other approved courses. But they also have the opportunity to concentrate their studies on one or multiple fields that match with their own interests. Finally, students with excellent first-year performance may opt to enter our PhD program in the second year.
Concentration: Data Analytics
ECG 563: Applied Microeconometrics
ECG 564: Big Data Econometrics
DSC 495/595: Special Topics in Data Science
Concentration: Economic Policy
ECG 590: Health Economics and Policy
ARE 433: US Agricultural Policy
ARE 590: Food Policy
Concentration: Natural Resource & Environmental Economics
ECG 515: Environmental and Resource Policy
ARE 590: Environmental Entrepreneurship and Markets
FOR 519: Forest Economics
Concentration: Financial Economics
ECG 528: Options and Derivatives Pricing (Asset Pricing)
ARE 590: Introduction to Commodity Futures Markets
ARE 495: Investments, Portfolio Management and Retirement
Concentration: International Economics
ECG 548: International Economics
ARE 448: International Agricultural Trade
Other Electives:
ECG 590: Foundations of Capitalism
Additional rules regarding the electives
At least two courses (6 credit hours) must be at the 500 level or above.
Can take up to two courses (6 credit hours) at the 400 level or above from other departments.
A minimum of two courses in a given area are required to claim a concentration.
Cannot use the same course for multiple concentrations.
Certificate of completion of concentration(s):
Upon completion of the Master’s program, students may request an official letter from the DGP. The letter will be on department letterhead, signed by the DGP, and will mention you by name, your degree program, and that you have successfully completed specific concentration(s).
Thesis Option
A thesis is required for the MS degree (Master of Science in Economics) rather than the MR degree (Master of Economics). Up to 6 credit hours of ECG 695 (Thesis Preparation) may be applied toward the degree as electives (so only need to complete four other elective courses). The thesis requirement is met upon successfully passing a final oral exam. The oral exam consists of an oral defense of the completed written thesis before the student’s thesis advisory committee.
Sample Curriculum
Although it is possible to finish the PhD-prep track within 1 year as the terminal master’s track, most of our students in this track finish in two years. In their second year of study, they either enter our own PhD program or prepare and submit their applications to PhD programs at other universities.
| Semester | Courses |
| 1st semester | ECG 700; ECG 765; ST 501 |
| 2nd semester | ECG 703; ECG 750; ST 502 |
| 3rd semester | Elective 1; Elective 2 or enter the PhD program |
| 4th semester |
MR: Elective 3; Elective 4 MS: 6 hours of thesis research Those who entered the PhD program in the 3rd semester: continue in the PhD program |