The Department of Economics offers a Master of Arts in Economics and a Master of
Arts in Financial Economics.
The Master of Arts in Economics degree emphasizes applied economics. The program
has a firm commitment to economic theory, but the main focus is on economic
policy analysis. Students must complete a core set of requirements that focus on
economic theory and analytical tools. They must also complete a policy
practicum, which requires application of the tools of economic analysis to
specific subject areas and policy issues. The program is designed to enable
students to identify the economic content of a problem, to develop hypotheses,
to apply appropriate analytical tools and models, and to develop policy
alternatives. The ability to communicate clearly is emphasized throughout the
program.
The Master of Arts in Financial Economics degree provides advanced training in
economics and finance to students interested in careers involving quantitative
analysis in various areas of finance. The program provides a solid foundation in
micro- and macroeconomic theory to ensure that graduates have the conceptual
tools needed to develop sound research designs and understand the role of
financial markets and institutions within the economy. The program combines
existing courses in the M.A. program in Economics and the M.B.A. program in the
Maine Business School of The University of Maine. The ability to communicate
clearly is emphasized throughout the program.
Both programs offer the M.A. student preparation for a variety of career paths.
Students, along with their advisory committee, may design their program of study
for:
- Employment in business or government, or
- Continuing work on advanced degrees in economics, law, finance, business
administration, and other areas.
Students are required to work closely with their M.A. advisory committee on
matters of course selection and career preparation.
The Department offers a series of courses which reflect the wide scope of
contemporary economics and the various specializations of the faculty. From year
to year, the content of some courses will vary in accordance with changes in the
significance of policy questions at the state, national, and international
levels, and with faculty research interests.
Admission is based upon the requirements of the Graduate School, Graduate Record
Examinations (GRE) scores above the 50th percentile on the verbal, quantitative,
and analytical parts of the exam, minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, and one
semester of Calculus.
An undergraduate degree in economics is not required for admission. Applicants
without the required background may be accepted provisionally while meeting
these prerequisites, all of which are available at The University of Maine. The
applicant will be provided guidelines by the Graduate Coordinator.
For regular admission, applicants are required to have completed intermediate
level undergraduate courses in microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, and
economic statistics and have an acceptable undergraduate preparation in
mathematics.
For regular admission, applicants are required to have completed basic courses
in accounting, calculus, and statistics, and intermediate level undergraduate
courses in microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, and business finance.
Graduate School
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