MS in Economics

The MS in Economics provides a deep understanding of the theoretical and empirical foundations of economics and the quantitative tools required for research careers in economics. The program offers the following three degree program tracks, which students can choose from based on their own preferences and academic and professional needs:

• The MS in Economics: Course-based track — An eight-course program, which can be completed in one year, without a thesis.
• The MS in Economics: Research-based track with master's thesis — A twelve-course program to be completed in two years.
• The MS in Economics: Research-based track with experiential learning — (Available for students entering Fall 2026).

All students are initially accepted into the course-based track and may apply to either of the research-based tracks at the end of the second semester. Admissions decisions to the research-based tracks are based on adequate performance in the first academic year. Students wishing to write a master's thesis must also present a strong research proposal and have an appropriate advisor available.  All three degree tracks are attractive to students looking for advancement in both professional and academic careers, and all carry STEM certification. 

Upon receiving their degree, students pursue a variety of options. Some enroll in PhD programs in economics or related subjects, such as public policy, marketing, finance and accounting. The MS in Economics provides students with an exceptional background for doctoral study. Students with a focus in development or environment/energy may also apply to the department's Neubauer Family Program in Economics and Public Policy (PhD). 

Some graduates find employment in consulting firms, government and international agencies. Others pursue careers such as teaching (either at community colleges or private secondary schools), working in the financial sector, or conducting research at various institutions.

Students admitted to the program are expected to have a strong background in math, including multivariate calculus, as well as some background in economics.  

Course-based Track

Program Requirements and Policies

• Students in the MS in Economics course-based track must complete a one-year residency requirement and must pass eight semester-long courses. A grade of B- or above is considered passing.
• The six required core courses for the MS in Economics are the two-semester sequences in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and statistics/econometrics.
• Students must also complete two elective courses. Approved courses are available from the economics department as well as The Fletcher School, the School of Engineering, or in departments such as Mathematics, Computer Science, or Psychology.  Students may petition for inclusion of other courses not currently on the list.  Electives may also be taken at nearby institutions, including Boston College, Boston University, and Brandeis University. A maximum of two graduate courses taken elsewhere can be transferred, subject to the approval of the department. 

The table below describes how students fulfill the requirements for the course-based MS in Economics, in one academic year.
 

Research-based Track with Master's Thesis

Program Requirements and Policies

• Students in the MS in Economics research-based track with a Master's thesis must complete a two-year residency requirement and thirteen semester-long courses [a total of forty-three (43) semester-hour units.]
• The research-based track with a Master's thesis in the MS in Economics program includes the eight course requirements (thirty semester-hour units) of the course-based track described above, as well as thirteen additional semester-hour units, which must include the following:
   
  • The Economic Research seminars EC211 and EC212: two-unit courses taken each semester. These courses require that students attend seminars and lectures at the department on a semi-weekly basis. The course is designed to expose students to a wide range of research and will focus on the craft of writing and presenting a research paper.
  • An Applied Econometrics course EC207: The Applied Econometrics graduate course will focus on an empirical analysis of the material learned in the six core courses. It will also provide additional econometric tools necessary for students to be able to carry out a substantive research project.
  • Two master's thesis courses: The thesis must be a major research project that is conducted under the supervision of a member of the department. The completed thesis must be presented and successfully defended in an oral examination administered by a formal thesis committee. Thesis credit is awarded when a final draft is approved by the thesis committee. A master's thesis must contain original work and cannot be submitted as a paper in other courses.  

The table below indicates how students typically complete the research-based MS in Economics.

Research-based Track with Experiential Learning

Program Requirements and Policies

• Students in the MS in Economics research-based track with a experiential learning must complete a two-year residency requirement (or three semesters and a summer) and thirteen semester-long courses [a total of forty-three (43) semester-hour units.]
• The research-based track with experiential learning in the MS in Economics program includes the eight course requirements (thirty semester-hour units) of the course-based track described above, as well as thirteen additional semester-hour units, which must include the following:
   
  • Applied Econometrics EC207: This is a methods course designed to develop research skills through project assignments.
  • One Research course (4 credits): Students may choose from research-focused courses that require a course project or paper.  
• Students will then choose from the following options:  
  • Research Assistantship EC 291: Students may complete up to two research assistantship courses (3 credits each) working on an existing research project of a faculty member in economics (or in a related field with approval from the Course Director) and/or an existing research project of an NFEPP PhD student.  This is conditional on the availability of a suitable project and supervisor that matches student interests and qualifications.
  • Internship EC 290: Students may complete up to two semesters of an internship. Students will author a paper connecting their internship work to the academic and professional literature related to that work.  One or two internships may be completed in the summer term(s).

The table below indicates how students typically complete the research-based track with experiential learning options (total 43 credits):