BA/MA Program
The program gives outstanding, qualified undergraduate economics majors an opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College and a Master of Arts degree from The Graduate School. Because the program is very demanding, admission is highly selective. Students interested in the program should consult the Director of Undergraduate Studies early in their studies, certainly no later than fall quarter of the junior year. The program provides excellent preparation for further graduate study in economics or for professional positions in economic research.
Preparation
Potential candidates must carefully plan their first three years of undergraduate study in order to qualify for consideration. The following conditions must normally be met by the end of the candidate's junior year.
- An exceptionally high grade point average (of at least 3.8) in economics and other courses.
- Completion with strong grades of Economics 381-1,2 Econometrics or MATH 386-1,2 Econometrics for MMSS.
- Completion with strong grades of preparatory courses in mathematics. The MENU and MMSS programs are particularly well-suited for this preparation.
- MATH 320-1,2 Real Analysis or MATH 321-1,2 MENU: Real Analysis
- MATH 300 Foundations of Higher Mathematics or MATH 291-3 MENU: Intensive Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calculus
- MATH 226 Sequences and Series or MATH 281-2 Accelerated Mathematics for ISP: First Year
- MATH 250 Elementary Differential Equations
- MATH 240 Linear Algebra or equivalent course
- Calculus through MATH 230-2 Multivariable Integral Calculus or MATH 285-3 Accelerated Mathematics for MMSS: First Year or equivalent courses.
- Development of an idea or ideas for a potential thesis topic, and identification of potential thesis advisor(s).
Course Credits
In their final year, the candidate must satisfy The Graduate School's requirements of three quarters of full-time graduate study, which consist of at least three, but no more than four, courses each quarter bearing graduate credit. Graduate-credit courses are those listed by The Graduate School; they include most courses at the 300 level and above.
The Graduate School allows a maximum of three courses to count towards both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. The MA degree requires 9 units. At most, three units of these courses can be used to satisfy the 45 units required by WCAS to obtain an undergraduate degree.
Course Requirements
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
Core Courses |
|
| ECON 401 | Mathematical Methods of Economic Theory |
| ECON 410-1 | Microeconomics |
| ECON 411-1 | Macroeconomics |
| Either | |
| ECON 410-2 & ECON 410-3 |
Microeconomics |
| or | |
| ECON 411-2 & ECON 411-3 |
Macroeconomics |
Economic History or Development |
|
| One of those listed below | |
|
ECON 315-0
|
Topics in Economic History |
|
ECON 323-1
|
Economic History of the United States Before 1865 |
|
ECON 323-2
|
Economic History of the United States 1865 to Present |
|
ECON 324-0
|
Western Economic History |
|
ECON 325-0
|
Economic Growth & Development |
|
ECON 326-0
|
The Economics of Developing Countries |
|
ECON 327-0
|
Economic Development in Africa |
|
ECON 420-1
|
American Economic History |
|
ECON 420-2
|
European Economic History |
|
ECON 425-1
|
Development Economics |
|
ECON 425-2
|
Development Economics |
|
ECON 425-3
|
Development Economics |
Electives |
|
| Three additional approved Economics (300- or 400-level) courses, to be selected in consultation with, and approved by, the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Can include one unit of ECON 499-0 for students writing an independent thesis. | |
Notes
- Economics 401 Mathematical Methods of Economic Theory is an intensive, four-week mathematics course taught immediately prior to the fall quarter. It provides the proper mathematical background for graduate-level economics. The course addresses topics even mathematics majors may not have seen. The topics include linear algebra, multivariate calculus, convexity, constrained optimization, and some dynamics. This course is required for BA/MA candidates. Students will register for credit and grade in the fall quarter.
- An average grade of B (3.0) is required in courses taken for the MA degree, and candidates must have no incomplete grades on their records.
Thesis Requirements
A thesis is required, either an independent one for the MA or one for honors in Economics or MMSS that is administered through those programs under an Economics advisor. The thesis must be an original piece of economics research of journal-article length. The thesis must be submitted no later than four weeks before the end of the student’s final quarter and deemed acceptable by two graduate faculty readers. A final oral examination on the thesis is conducted by the faculty readers. Students writing an independent thesis must enroll in Economics 499, Independent Study, for the quarter in which the thesis is submitted. Students writing a suitable thesis for honors in their undergraduate degree must register for an additional graduate-level (300 or 400-level) economics course that is selected in consultation with, and approved by, the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
Additional Information
Undergraduates interested in this program should consult the Director of Undergraduate Studies early in their studies, certainly no later than the fall quarter of the junior year.
After obtaining the approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies, students submit a formal application to enter the program to The Graduate School.
Read additional information by The Graduate School on Bachelor’s/Master’s Combined Degrees. Topics include status as an undergraduate or a graduate student and implications for financial aid.