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Masters Program in Economics
The Master of Arts degree in Economics can be pursued along one of three tracks. Option I is a 30-credit hour degree program that requires a thesis. Option II is a 36-credit hour terminal degree program (not intended to lead into the Ph.D. program) with flexible requirements. Option III is a 36-credit hour program intended to prepare students for the Ph.D. program. The degree can ordinarily be earned in four semesters of full-time course work.
A set of core courses including microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics is required of all masters students. Students specialize in a major field of their choice. The final requirement is that of passing a comprehensive examination in that field.
The department does not employ a rigid formula for admission. Instead, the admissions committee makes decisions after reviewing the applicant's undergraduate record, GRE scores, TOEFL scores if applicable, letters of recommendation, background, grades in economics courses, preparation in mathematics and statistics, and the applicant's statement outlining goals and objectives for studying economics at the graduate level. MA students are expected to have intermediate level training in economics (both macroeconomics and microeconomics) in their backgrounds. In addition, MA students are expected to have adequate mathematical backgrounds including at least one rigorous course in calculus and statistics. Any course deficiencies identified at the time of admission must be removed in the first semester of enrollment.
When you are ready to apply, some of the items will need to be sent to the Office of Graduate Studies; others will have to be mailed to the Graduate Advising Office in the College of Business Administration.
a. The Graduate Application form: Online here b. $45.00 Application fee (check or money order made payable to UNL). c. Two copies of official Undergraduate transcripts. d. Two copies of official Graduate transcripts.
International students should also include:
a. Financial resource certification form: available here b. TOEFL score sent from Educational Testing Service -or- IELTS score (www.ielts.org)
a. CBA Application: The form can be submitted online here, or printed out and mailed. b. Official GRE scores: Sent by the Educational Testing Service. Note: Applicants from Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, and Korea should submit paper-based GRE scores. c. Three letters of recommendation: Recommendation forms are available here (61k PDF). d. Statement of purpose.
The department awards three to four assistantships to new students each year. These appointments are either teaching or research assistantships and carry stipends that are competitive with those offered by other graduate institutions. Assistantships provide a full tuition waiver, stipend for up to two years and medical insurance.
Applicants desiring consideration for assistantships should indicate their preference on the CBA application for admission form. No separate application for financial aid is required. Preference in financial assistance awards is given to Ph.D. applicants, but M.A. applicants are considered as well.
For your convenience, here are the UNL institution code and Department codes you will need for the GRE, TOEFL, and TSE exams:
Assistantship decisions for the fall semester are typically made in February and March. Recipients are notified on or about April 1. Duties of first-year recipients of assistantships will likely include assisting professors with their instructional duties.
In addition to assistantships, the department traditionally gives two competitive awards to Ph.D. students. The McConnell Dissertation Fellowship provides full support for two semesters to a student who is in residence and in the completion year of the dissertation. The Bingham Teaching Fellowships are one-year supplemental stipends and are given in recognition of outstanding teaching abilities and performance.
International applicants will be required to submit evidence of spoken English ability to be considered for teaching assistantships.
For more information on financial assistance, consult our FAQ page on financial assistance.
For additional information on the Economics Graduate Program, please contact the program director:
