Economics (M.S.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

Student looking at data on a computer screen.

Program Coordinator/Contact

David Davis, Professor and Graduate Coordinator
Ness School of Management and Economics
Harding Hall
605-688-4141

Program Information

The M.S. in Economics provides rigorous training in economic theory, quantitative methods, and applied analysis. The program prepares students for analytical careers in business, government, and policy institutions, as well as for doctoral study in economics or related fields. Core coursework includes advanced microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, with a strong emphasis on applied economic research. Students complete a six-credit research thesis and may customize their program through elective coursework in areas such as economics, agricultural economics, finance, and management.

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 3.0.

Accreditation

The Ness School of Management and Economics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science

Thesis: 30 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

ECON 703 - Advanced Macroeconomics Credits: 3
ECON 704 - Advanced Microeconomics Credits: 3
ECON 705 - Econometrics Credits: 3
ECON 707 - Research Methodology in Empirical Economics and Management Credits: 1-3 (3 credits required)
ECON 798 - Thesis (COM) Credits: 1-7 (6 credits required)
Electives Credits: 12

Total Required Credits: 30 (Thesis)

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL iBT: 4.5
TOEFL Essentials: 8.0
IELTS: 6.5
Duolingo: 115

Two letters of reference and a letter of intent are required. In the letter of intent, the applicant should identify their interests in the graduate program, address how their skills - including those the applicant attained in their undergraduate program - align with our graduate program, and address any undergraduate coursework in which the applicant earned below a B. The letter of intent should be roughly 500 to 750 words long.

Accelerated Master’s Program

The program offers an accelerated master’s degree to eligible undergraduate SDSU students who maintain an overall undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. These students may begin their graduate studies while they complete their undergraduate degree. Up to twelve (12) graduate level credits may apply to both the undergraduate degree and the graduate degree as major requirements or electives with approval from the student’s academic advisor, department head/school director, and college dean. 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. Students must follow SDSU Policy 2:22 Use of Graduate Credit for Undergraduate Degree Requirements.

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework. For additional information, refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .