Economics (M.S.)

Program Coordinator/Contact

Joseph M. Santos, Professor/Graduate Program Coordinator
Ness School of Management and Economics
Harding Hall
605-688-4141

Program Information

The graduate program in economics prepares students for professions in business and government as well as for advanced studies in economics and finance. Program requirements include one course in microeconomics (advanced microeconomic theory or advanced managerial economics) and one course in quantitative analysis (econometrics or advanced business decision science). The program offers two curriculum options: an economic theory option and an applied business-economics option. In any case, students customize their plans of study, emphasizing one of the following four subject areas.

Agricultural Business
Agricultural and Resource Economics
Business Economics
General Economics

The Ness School of Management and Economics offers an accelerated master’s program, which allows qualified students to work toward their master’s degree in economics while they complete their undergraduate degree. This accelerated program is available to qualified undergraduate students who maintain an overall undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.5.

Course Delivery Format

The Ness School of Management and Economics generally delivers graduate courses in a face-to-face format. On occasion, the department delivers an elective course in an online format. The school delivers its business-economics curriculum-option courses in flexible formats, including evening, weekend, and blended courses.

Student Support and Engagement Opportunities

The Ness School of Management and Economics prides itself on providing excellent academic programs and offering high-quality services to students. A limited number of research and teaching assistantships and scholarships may be available to qualified students enrolled in the economic research curriculum option. The Economics Graduate Student Association (EGSA) supports graduate-student engagement opportunities, as well.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science	Option A - Thesis	30 Credit Hours
	Option B - Research/Design Paper	32 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

DSCI 752 - Advanced Business Decision Science Credits: 3
or ECON 705 - Econometrics Credits: 3
ECON 704 - Advanced Microeconomics Credits: 3
or ECON 751 - Advanced Managerial Economics Credits: 3

Select one of the following options

Option A - Thesis

ECON 798 - Thesis (COM) Credits: 1-7 (5 credits required)
Approved Electives Credits: 19

Option B - Research/Design Paper

ECON 788 - Master’s Research Problems/Projects (COM) Credits: 1-3 (2 credits required)
Approved Electives Credits: 24

Total Required Credits: 30 (Option A), 32 (Option B)

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: Department requirement of 575 paper-based, 90-91 Internet-based
IELTS: 6.0

The minimum prerequisites for unconditional admission into the program are successful completion of ECON 301, ECON 302, and undergraduate courses in statistics and calculus.

Two letters of reference are required.

Accelerated Master’s Program

The program offers an accelerated master’s degree to qualified undergraduate students who maintain an overall undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.5; these students may begin their graduate studies while they complete their undergraduate degree. Students may apply for admission to the accelerated master’s degree program once they have completed 60 undergraduate credits. Students interested in the accelerated master’s degree should contact the Ness School of Management and Economics graduate coordinator to obtain application requirements. Application and admission to the Graduate School is required.

Contact the Graduate Coordinator for further information.

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework.

For additional information refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .