NOTE: this list is subject to change. Students must consult the UofM Catalog or their academic advisor to ensure they are taking the correct courses.

33 credit hours of graduate coursework consisting of the following:

Economics Core (21 credit hours)

1. ECON 6315 
2. ECON 6810 
3. ECON 7125 
4. ECON 7300 
5. ECON 7310 
6. ECON 7320 
7. ECON 7810 

Elective Courses (12 credit hours)

• Choose 4 graduate level courses (i.e., 7000 or 8000 level) offered by the Economics department (courses starting with prefix ECON). Exception: ECON 7100 is not eligible.
• Graduate level courses offered by other related departments or colleges at the graduate level may be eligible. Any such courses must be approved by the MA coordinator.
• Maximum 1 elective course (3 credit hours) may be taken at the 6000 level, with the rest at the 7000 or 8000 level.
• Courses in the MBA Core curriculum are not eligible.

The student must fulfill one (1) of the following requirements:

• Comprehensive Exam:
  
  
  • Consists of three components: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Econometrics, each individually administered and graded.
  • Passing the comprehensive exam requires passing two out of the three component exams.
  • Students may take each component of the exam as soon as they complete the appropriate coursework:
    • Microeconomics: ECON 7300 and 7310/8310;
    • Macroeconomics: ECON 6315 and 7320/8320;
    • Econometrics: ECON 7810/8810.
  • Students are allowed one retake of each component.
  • Students who fail the comprehensive exam may be terminated from the program. 
    
    
• Thesis:
  
  
  • Must register for at least 3 but no more than 6 credit hours of thesis credit.
  • Must register for thesis credit each academic semester until the thesis is completed.
  • Must be written under the guidance and evaluation of a committee of at least 3 faculty members and must be presented in a thesis defense.
  • Must follow the Thesis/Dissertation Preparation Guide
  • Must file an approved Thesis/Dissertation Proposal Form with any necessary human or animal subjects approvals before any research is undertaken.
  • With the approval of the program coordinator, a candidate may choose to write a thesis under the guidance of a faculty member in lieu of 1 or 2 elective courses (3 or 6 hours).

Academic Path

• We prepare you for the best PhD programs in the world.
  
  
• Recent graduates have attended PhD programs in economics at Stanford University, Cornell University, University of California-Santa Barbara, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Colorado-Boulder.
  
  

Professional Path

• We prepare you for top jobs in the private sector, such as consulting, data analytics, and finance in Memphis as well as other major cities like New York and Washington D.C.
  
  
• Through our partnership with the National Association for Business Economists (NABE), you can earn the Certified Business Economist (CBE) designation in addition to your MA degree.

The MA in Economics is a STEM-designated degree according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. International students completing the program may apply for three (3) years of work in the United States through the extended OPT program. 

The requirements and course descriptions are all listed on the UofM's Online Catalog.

It is very important that you review our instructional page on how to utilize the online catalog before visiting the catalog's website.

• Submission of an online Graduate Application, and any associated fees, through the Tiger Tracks Portal.
  
  
• A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
  
  
• Official Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities.
  
  
• GPA Requirements
  • Undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 on the US 4.0 scale.
    
    
• GMAT Scores
  • five years or less - if applicable.
  • GRE/GMAT Test Scores-if applicable
    
    
• Math Prerequisite
  • MATH 1830
  • MATH 1910
  • Or its equivalent
    
    
• Letters of Recommendation
  • 2 letters of recommendation from faculty who have taught you in economics or mathematics classes.
    
    
• Students with the necessary pre-qualifications may have the prerequisite waived by the program coordinator. (Test score waivers are considered upon submission and review of all required documents. 

 International Students - must submit all of the above + additional International Students specific requirements.