Economics (M.S.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus, Online

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 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 by choosing electives in their area of interest.

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.

Accreditation

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

Course Delivery Format

The Ness School of Management and Economics generally delivers graduate courses in the thesis track in a face-to-face format. The school delivers its business-economics curriculum-option courses in flexible formats, including traditional on campus, evening, weekend, blended, online synchronous, and online asynchronous courses.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science	Thesis	30 Credit Hours
	Non-Thesis	30 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

Thesis

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

Non-Thesis

Electives Credits: 24

Total Required Credits: 30 (Thesis & Non-Thesis)

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: 90-91 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 9.5
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 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 .