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Graduates of the College of Business Economics Department pursue diverse careers; from positions in academia, to domestic or international economic organizations, to working as economic consultants. |
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Graduate Program |
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UNLVs economics department offers a Master of Arts (MA) in applied economics. Students who obtain the MA will demonstrate a masters level understanding of economic theory and will work competently with data and interpret clearly the results of empirical studies. Over the course of the program, MA students develop and hone their abilities to solve problems. Communicating the results of economic analysis is a valuable skill in the business world and the program provides students the opportunity to develop their writing and presentation skills. The program produces students with a set of skills that both businesses and policy makers value. MA students in economics are attractive candidates for different employers -- government agencies, marketing research firms, corporate research and financial departments, and consulting firms. Students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in economics or finance also benefit from the MA in economics. The department welcomes both full and part-time students. Ambitious students can complete the program in one year.
The program requires that students complete 30 credits in Masters level classes. The UNLV MA program provides students individualized attention over the course of the program, culminating with a professional paper and presentation. The core of the program includes the basic theory of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and math for economists. To develop empirical skills, students must take two courses that use statistical analysis to examine interesting economic problems. In addition to these core classes, students must also complete three elective courses. Each semester, the department will offer up to two elective courses, which include courses in labor economics, environmental economics, industrial organization, urban and regional economics, forecasting, and other applied topics. Additionally, students may elect to take up to two MA courses from related fields of study. For example, students interested in finance may take courses offered by the finance department. The departments graduate coordinator must pre-approve all courses outside the economics department. Finally, the department will work with students interested in internship opportunities with local employers and government agencies.
The Program
The program culminates with the presentation of a professional paper. Over the course of study, students must write and present a number of short papers. For the professional paper, students will typically expand one of these short papers into a more complete analysis. To develop students research skills, the program requires that students participate in a three-course, six-credit sequence in research methods. In the first one-credit course, students, under the direction of a faculty member, read and discuss papers selected from professional journals. During this first course in research methods, students will learn how to undertake an economic analysis by analyzing published research. In the second two-credit research-methods seminar, students get their hands dirty by writing short policy briefs, replicating empirical studies, and writing research proposals. In the final three-credit research seminar, students write and present their professional papers. For the professional paper, students work closely with a faculty member and participate in a seminar that includes their fellow classmates.
Financial Awards
Finally, the department offers several fellowships and graduate assistantships. Fellowships and graduate assistantships are awarded to deserving candidates on a competitive basis.
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