Program Information

The Department of Economics offers programs that train students in the theory, analysis, and application of Economics. A Master of Science in Economics (MS) degree is offered, with three optional concentrations from which to choose. If a concentration is not selected, the General Economics track is the default program.

General Economics is designed to provide tools for in-depth analysis of economics in the general setting of economics. Students may choose among all field courses to gain a greater breadth of economic training.

The Econometrics and Data Analytics concentration offers students the opportunity to focus on econometrics courses along with cutting-edge courses in information technology, including data analytics, data mining, blockchain technology, and artificial intelligence.

The Financial Economics concentration aims to blend the core of economics with a specialization in finance to enable students to take full advantage of the integration of the two disciplines. Students may choose among a set of course offerings in the Department of Finance.

The International Economics concentration gears the economics program to an international dimension of business in an environment of globalization. Students may select global-focused courses from the finance and management disciplines.

For a detailed description of each of these concentrations, see the College of Business section in the FAU Graduate Catalog.

Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits to earn the M.S. degree. For students that choose not to pursue the thesis option (this is more common), all credits will be earned through graduate coursework. If students choose to pursue the thesis option, a minimum of 24 credit hours of graduate coursework and completion of the 6 credit thesis is required. Note: Students must maintain a 3.00 cumulative GPA throughout their time in the M.S. Economics Program.

Students scoring slightly below minimum admission requirements are recommended to submit supplemental information. Supplemental documents, letters of recommendation, and/or writing samples should be submitted directly to the Graduate Advising Office. Applicants are becoming increasingly more dynamic and competitive, and the Department of Economics strongly encourages applicants to schedule a meeting with the Program Advisor to demonstrate their promise within the program.

These 4 core classes are required for all students pursuing M.S. Economics degrees. Additional requirements for the General Economics program and three optional concentrations are as follows:

General Economics

Econometrics and Data Analytics Concentration

Financial Economics Concentration

International Economics Concentration