Master of Arts in Economics
Earn an MA in Economics on the way toward your PhD
While UMass Amherst’s graduate program in economics is primarily designed for doctoral candidates, an MA in Economics can be awarded along the way.
Here, you’ll take core courses in both macro- and microeconomics, as well as political economy, economic history, econometrics, and mathematical methods.
You’ll also be able to hone your degree by choosing electives that suit your career goals and interests in areas such as game theory and strategic interactions, international finance, labor economics, and comparing economic development and systems around the world.
The Economics Department has a variety of seminar groups designed to promote graduate student research, such as the Analytical Political Economy Workshop and the Environmental Working Group.
As an MA in Economics candidate, you have the option to submit a thesis, but it is not required.