Master of Arts in Applied Economics
MA in Applied Economics Heading link
About the Program Heading link
The MA in Applied Economics program at UIC is designed for students who desire an MA degree in economics as either a stepping stone to a Ph.D. program or to advance in a career that requires such preparation. The program is intended for students who have not extensively studied economics in an undergraduate program. We provide analytically rigorous training in economic theory and statistical analysis that is accessible to students with less preparation in mathematics than is required for enrollment in an Economics Ph.D. program. Importantly, we condense this accelerated program into three semesters, including summer, so that students can complete the entire program in ten months. This substantially reduces the cost and enables students to matriculate to a Ph.D. program or enter the job market after only a single year of study.
We have structured the program to engage and meet the needs of students with diverse backgrounds and interests. The core economic theory and statistical methods courses are analytically rigorous but do not require extensive training in mathematics and do not focus on mathematical derivations or proofs. However, students with the requisite training in mathematics may substitute courses from our Ph.D. program in place of the corresponding Applied MA courses. This enables these students to engage the material at a more mathematically sophisticated level and demonstrate their knowledge to Ph.D. programs and employers.
The UIC Economics Department excels in applied research and econometric analysis, particularly in the areas of health and education economics and policy. Applied MA students have the opportunity to take elective courses with leading young scholars in these areas. Students also have the opportunity to take courses outside of the Economics Department in other areas that align with their interests or to take additional mathematics coursework in preparation for a future Ph.D. program. Finally, all students have the choice to write an MA thesis or to complete additional coursework.
Admissions Requirements and Deadlines
GRE Now Optional for Fall 2023 Admission Heading link
Applicants for summer 2023 admission to the MA in Applied Economics program can now choose whether or not to submit GRE scores. Submitted scores will be taken into consideration in the admission review process. Applicants who choose not to submit scores will not be penalized in any way.
Student Profile Heading link
Roughly half of our MA students enter the program without having studied economics at the undergraduate level and without the prior mathematics instruction needed to matriculate directly into a Ph.D. program. Previous students have come from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including marketing, business, mathematics, actuarial science, French, music, global management, and history, among others.
Program Structure and Timeline Heading link
This is an accelerated program typically condensed into three semesters, including summer, so that students can earn their degree in only ten months. This substantially reduces the cost and enables students to matriculate to a Ph.D. program or enter the job market after only a single year of study. Alternate plans of study are also available depending on an individual student’s goals and circumstances. Students may choose to spread their coursework into an additional semester or two when they have outside work commitments or when they wish to complete additional Ph.D. prerequisite coursework.
Upcoming Events Heading link
M.A. in Applied Economics Webinar for Prospective Students
M.A. in Applied Economics Admitted Student Webinar
Contact Us Heading link
If you have questions about the application, the structure of the program, or how an MA in Applied Economics from UIC can help you achieve your career goals, please email the program director, Prof. Kiana Yektansani, at kianay@uic.edu.