Program Overview
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The M.S. in Economics program requires 30 semester hours (10 graduate classes) of course work. The program can be completed full-time in one and half years (3 semesters), or part-time allowing for maximum flexibility. Courses are delivered in person one night each week at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City in Uptown Charlotte or at the Main Campus in northeast Charlotte.
Our program is organized into three curriculum components:
- Core curriculum in economic theory and quantitative methods
- Research project or Master’s thesis
- Concentration selected from one of the five described below:
Quantitative Methods in Economics
This concentration is designed for students who want to study quantitative methods in detail. It’s an ideal option if you are interested in applying quantitative modeling and methods for economic analysis or pursuing an Economics Ph.D. after completion of the M.S. in Economics program.
Quantitative Financial Economics
This concentration is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in portfolio management or financial risk management, and can also provide an excellent foundation for students who wish to pursue additional graduate study leading to a doctoral degree in Economic or Finance.
Urban Economics and Real Estate
This concentration is designed for students who are interested in applying economic analysis to the area of real estate finance or pursuing an Economics or Real Estate Ph.D. after completion of the M.S. in Economics program.
Financial Management
This concentration is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in corporate finance or financial planning.
Applied Economic Analysis
This concentration is designed for students who wish to pursue a specialized course of study.
Students in this concentration must complete 12 credit hours of elective courses chosen from among 5000 level and higher ECON courses, 6000 level and higher FINN courses, or courses approved by the program director.
Early Entry
Get a jump start on grad school with our exclusive Early Entry program for outstanding UNC Charlotte undergraduates. Students admitted to the M.S. in Economics Early Entry program will have acceptance into the master’s program and can double count twelve of their graduate credits towards the completion of both their undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Benefits of Early Entry
- Acceptance to the M.S. in Economics program - without an additional application after graduation - if the student performs satisfactorily in graduate-level classes
- Jumpstart on graduate work: Begin taking graduate-level classes while an undergrad
- Double count up to 12 hours of graduate coursework
- Take up to 15 hours of graduate work while an undergrad
- Cost-effective: Early Entry students are charged undergraduate tuition and fees for all courses taken until the bachelor’s degree is complete
- Possible GMAT/GRE waiver.
Questions? Contact Kimberly McLaurin, Assistant Director of Graduate Programs Enrollment, for further information.
Accelerated Master’s Program
Academically talented high school seniors and UNC Charlotte undergraduate freshmen are encouraged to apply for the Accelerated Master’s Program to begin work toward both undergraduate and graduate degrees in their freshman year.
DUAL DEGREE MASTER’S PROGRAM IN ECONOMICS
Dual degree programs allow you to earn degrees across two academic disciplines. Dual degree programs are collaboratively offered across colleges or departments at UNC Charlotte and may include other higher education institutions in the United States or abroad.
UNC Charlotte/Belk College of Business Dual Degree Programs
Applied Econometrics Certificate
Individuals who can answer problems using data are in high demand in in both the corporate world and the public sector. In the business world, those with econometrics training work in financial analysis, forecasting, market research, logistics and quality control. Econometrics training is also useful for government jobs. Policymakers need hard evidence on which to base their decisions; data must be collected, analyzed, and presented in a convincing way. State and Federal Government departments, such as the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, regularly seek graduates with econometric skills.
The Graduate Certificate in Applied Econometrics provides students with a strong foundation in applied econometrics, a skill set that is increasingly in demand. In addition, students considering graduate study in economics have the opportunity to explore material prior to formally committing to a full graduate degree program.
The Graduate Certificate in Applied Econometrics requires completion of 12 credit hours of 6000-level courses in econometrics. Transfer credits are not accepted into the Graduate Certificate in Applied Econometrics program.
What is Econometrics?
Econometrics is the application of statistical methods to economic problems. For example, econometrics can be used to determine which factors predict whether a borrower will default on a loan and can be used to forecast trends.