Economics
M.A. in Economics
Advance your career through the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business’ M.A. in Economics. Designed for aspiring economists, this program provides the analytical and quantitative skills necessary to succeed in academic, corporate or public sector roles within a community committed to shaping the future of economic thought and application.
M.A. in Economics
Program Overview
The M.A. in Economics program is designed to prepare students for careers in economics and/or finance in the private and public sectors, and to provide advanced work for those interested in going on to pursue a Ph.D. in economics, finance or a related field. This coursework-only degree typically takes two to three semesters to complete, and an accelerated (4+1) program option allows undergraduate UT students majoring in economics or finance to complete the program with only two additional semesters of coursework.
Applied Economic Analysis Concentration
This concentration consists of 15 credit hours of approved electives, of which at least six must be at the 500-level or above. Any 400-level courses applied to the degree must be approved and taken for graduate credit.
Students have the flexibility to select courses that best complement their career goals. Elective courses are available in economics, agricultural and resource economics, computer science, political science, statistics and public policy. These courses cover many areas, including data science, programming, machine learning, statistical analysis, policy analysis, environmental policy and sustainable development. Courses not on the current list can be taken with approval from the program director.
Financial Economics Concentration
This concentration consists of 15 credit hours of coursework in finance. Of these, there are six credits in required courses and nine credits of electives. Up to nine credit hours can be at the 400-level. Any 400-level courses applied to the degree must be approved and taken for graduate credit.
- FINC 525 or course selected in consultation with the program director and/or guidance committee
- FINC 457, FINC 555 or course selected in consultation with the program director and/or guidance committee
- Nine credit hours of electives selected in consultation with the program director and/or guidance committee; any 400-level (with instructor permission) or 500-level finance (FINC) course that appears in the graduate catalog can be used to satisfy elective requirements
Why Study Economics?
Through theoretical models and empirical skills, professional economists are uniquely equipped to evaluate public programs and business strategies, study and understand human behavior and markets and offer effective solutions to policy makers, businesses and households.
Haslam’s M.A. in Economics program teaches quantitative skills and provides experience working with data, but further grounds economics work with emphasis on human behavior, helping you ask the right questions and understand the important tradeoffs. The program also focuses on drawing causal inferences from data, rather than just uncovering correlations and associations.
Acquire marketable skills
The program focuses on advanced theoretical and applied skills that are valued by employers in both the private and public sectors.
Expand your job opportunities
Many professional jobs related to economics and finance require advanced training.
STEM designation
The STEM-designated, Optional Practical Training program affectively allows international students to work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation before needing a work visa.
return on investment
Average starting salaries in economics or finance are about $20k higher for those with a master’s versus a bachelor’s degree, and the gap widens with time in the workforce.
Prepare for a FURTHER EDUCATION
An M.A. in Economics can set you apart when applying to top Ph.D. programs while providing a stronger foundation for doctoral study. Ph.D. programs in economics and finance are considerably more quantitative than most undergraduate programs, and an MA helps bridge that gap by giving you more advanced training before you take the next step.
Launch your career
The program’s accelerated timeline puts you on a path to starting a successful career in less than a year.
Your Path Starts Here
The program’s core curriculum delivers the theory and quantitative expertise expected of professionals working in economics and finance with a focus on applications and computer skills development.
Students pursuing the program’s applied economics concentration are given flexibility to enhance their skillset in different ways. Many take courses to acquire additional data, coding and analysis skills, while others elect to prepare for a career in public policy or take advanced coursework to prepare them for further graduate studies.
Students pursuing the financial economics concentration will develop skills in valuation, security pricing, risk analysis and asset management.
M.A. in Economics career path
An M.A. in Economics opens doors to many career paths across industries. Graduates can excel in roles that leverage their analytical expertise and understanding of economic principles. Below, explore potential career options, the roles they entail and how to pursue them.
What do economic analysts do?
Economic analysts study data and trends to understand economic conditions and provide insights to organizations. They analyze market dynamics, government policies and financial models to help businesses and governments make informed decisions.
How do I become an economic analyst?
Economic analysts need a strong foundation in economics and quantitative methods, which an M.A. in Economics focusing on data analysis, econometrics and applied economics provides. Internships and research experience are also highly valuable.
How much do economic analysts make?
Economic Analysts typically earn between $65,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on their experience, industry and location.
Economic Analyst
What do financial consultants do?
Financial consultants provide expert advice to individuals or organizations to help them achieve their financial goals. They assess financial statements, create strategies and offer solutions for investment, budgeting, and risk management.
How do I become a financial consultant?
Earn an M.A. in Economics and gain certification in financial planning or analysis, such as CFP or CFA, and develop strong interpersonal skills and gain experience through internships or entry-level finance roles.
How much do financial consultants make?
Financial consultants earn an average annual salary of $75,000 to $120,000, with potential for higher earnings based on performance and client base.
financial consultant
What do policy advisors do?
Policy advisors develop and evaluate public policies for governments, NGOs or think tanks. They conduct research, analyze policy impacts and make recommendations to improve societal outcomes in areas like healthcare, education and economic development.
How do I become a policy advisor?
Pursue an M.A. in Economics with a focus on public policy or development economics. Build expertise in policy analysis and gain experience through internships with government agencies or research institutions.
How much do policy advisors make?
Policy advisors typically earn between $70,000 and $95,000 annually, depending on their level of expertise and organization/company.
Policy Advisor
What do data scientists do?
Data scientists use statistical and computational techniques to analyze large datasets, uncover trends and solve complex problems. They work across various industries, including technology, finance and healthcare.
How do I become a data scientist?
Complement your M.A. in Economics with skills in programming (Python, R) and machine learning. Pursue certifications or courses in data analytics and gain hands-on experience through projects and internships.
How much do data scientists make?
Data scientists typically earn between $90,000 and $130,000 annually, with higher salaries in specialized industries or roles.
data scientist
Curriculum
What You’ll Learn
The M.A. Economics prorgam offers two concentrations — applied economic analysis and financial economics — and requires 30 credit hours of coursework, including 15 credit hours of required coursework and 15 credit hours within a concentration.
Fall Semester
3 Hours
ELECTIVES**
3-6 Hours
Summer Term (if necessary)
ELECTIVES**
0-6 Hours
Spring Semester
ELECTIVES**
6-9 Hours
*This intensive, three-week course begins on or around August 1.
**To fulfill the statistics minor, it is recommended that students select one additional course from the IGSDSP list as one of their electives.
M.A. IN Economics Admissions
Applications
To be considered for admission to the M.A. in Economics program, candidates must submit a completed application through the online application portal administered by the Haslam.
As part of the application, candidates must include:
- Academic transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Professional resume or CV
- Three letters of recommendation*
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Graduate Admission Test (GMAT) scores***
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International Language Testing System (IELTS) scores, if the native language is not English
- $60 application fee
***Requirement is waived for University of Tennessee-Knoxville undergraduate economics and finance majors provisionally admitted to the 4+1 program.
M.A. IN Economics Admissions
Key Dates
- May 15: Application deadline for domestic students
- February 1: Application deadline for international students
- February 1: Priority deadline for domestic and international students to be considered for program-specific graduate assistantships, fellowships and scholarships
M.A. IN EConomics Admissions
Graduate school admission requirements
UT’s Graduate School sets admissions requirements that must be met before applicants can be considered for any degree program. These requirements are:
- For those requiring English certification, either a total score of 80 on the TOEFL or a 6.5 overall band score on the IELTS
- Applicants must have obtained a bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency, recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); a non-U.S. degree must be equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. and must be granted by a recognized or accredited foreign institution
- U.S. degree holders must have earned a minimum of 2.7 out of a possible 4.0 or a minimum of 3.0 during the senior year of undergraduate study; if you have completed previous graduate coursework, you must have earned a minimum of 3.0 out of a possible 4.0
- Applicants with non-U.S. degrees must have earned a minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or other equivalent to a ‘B’ average; if you have completed previous graduate coursework, you must have earned a minimum of 3.3 out of a possible 4.0 or other equivalent to a ‘B+’ average
M.A. IN EConomics Admissions
Program admission requirements
Although a bachelor’s degree in economics or finance is not required, applicants must have taken appropriate coursework in preparation for the graduate program. It is strongly recommended that applicants have completed or plan to take the following courses (or their equivalent if coming from a different institution) prior to enrollment:
- Economic theory: intermediate microeconomic theory (ECON 311) and intermediate macroeconomic theory (ECON 313)
- Data analysis: introduction to statistics (STAT 201) and introduction to econometrics (ECON 381); students interested in the applied economic analysis concentration are further encouraged to take one or more additional courses in data science or data analysis
- Mathematics: Calculus I & II (MATH 141 & 142); alternatively, a one-semester course in mathematical economics (ECON 482)
- Finance (financial economics concentration only): Financial management (FINC 306), financial statement analysis (FINC 420) and investment and portfolio management (FINC 425)
- Additional coursework in economics, statistics and mathematics is of course desirable
Students may be admitted to the M.A. program and later be admitted into the Ph.D. program. Such a change in admission status is at the discretion of the department.
M.A. in Economics
Tuition & Funding Opportunities
Tuition & Fees
An up-to-date schedule of graduate tuition and fees can be found at One Stop Student Services. For the 2024 academic year (Fall + Spring semester), in-state tuition was $13,620 and out-of-state tuition was $32,108.
In addition, beginning Fall 2025, it is anticipated that there will be a special program fee of $3,000 per semester. This fee will be charged for each of the first two semesters in the program.
Funding Opportunities
Learn about federal student loans and other need-based financial aid for graduate students at One Stop Student Services. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15 to be considered for federal aid.
Applicants admitted to the program are automatically considered for funding. Highly qualified candidates are offered a scholarship and/or the opportunity to aid in the teaching and service missions of the economics or finance departments in exchange for an hourly wage. In special cases students may be awarded with a graduate assistantship. Graduate assistants receive a stipend, a waiver of university tuition and fees and are provided student health insurance for the semester awarded.
The Graduate School further provides fellowships and awards.
Need More Information?
Have questions about the program or need help with your application? Complete the form and our team will get back to you as soon as possible. We’re here to support you every step of the way!