Master of Arts - Economics

Plan Description

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The UNLV Lee Business School Master of Arts Economics degree is a quantitative graduate program in economics with an emphasis on statistical data analysis, designed to be completed as quickly as within one calendar year. 

Mission statement.—Train students to become effective economic practitioners and business leaders by providing them with practical skills in advanced economic modeling, data analysis, and cutting-edge quantitative methods necessary to excel in today’s data-driven business and public policy environments.

Value proposition.—The program combines rigorous training in business economics with hands-on experience in statistical data analysis, giving students a competitive edge in the market for high-quality, in-demand jobs that require proficiency in analytics.

Given versatility of its curriculum, the program prepares students for diverse professional careers in industries such as commerce, finance, consulting, policy analysis, market research, corporate, and data science, where the ability to make data-driven decisions is in high demand. The program is also suitable for students interested in pursuing a PhD in economics, finance, or other business disciplines and wishing to tool up or remedy deficiencies in their preparation. Both full and part-time students are welcome.

The degree also has a Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Accelerated Program designed to allow high-achieving UNLV students to start on their MA in Economics while still an undergraduate student by allowing them to enroll in approved graduate-level courses in economics, using these credits towards their Bachelor’s degree while reducing the number of credits required for the Master’s, thus shortening time to degree.

For more information about your program, including your graduate program handbook and learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Directory.

Plan Admission Requirements

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Application Deadlines

Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website.

All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.

(a) Graduate College Admission Requirements

1. Completed application in the Application Portal and non-refundable application fee. 
2. Bachelor’s Degree – You must hold a four-year baccalaureate from a regionally accredited institution or an approved equivalent.
3. Grade Point Average – You must have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 (4.00=A) for the bachelor’s degree or a minimum 3.00 (4.00=A) for the last two years (60 semester credits). 
4. All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript from each postsecondary institution attended, showing all degrees and coursework, the dates awarded, and grades received. Official transcripts required upon admission.
   1. Credentials not in English must be accompanied by an English translation certified as true by a university official, an official representative of a United States embassy or consulate, the United States Information Service, the United States Education Foundation, or an approved professional translating service. Notarized copies of originals or translations are not considered official.

(b) Department Admission Requirements

Post-Bachelor’s Subplan

Applicants must:

1. Document a record of undergraduate coursework in (i) calculus or mathematical economics, or equivalent; and (ii) statistics or econometrics, or equivalent. 
2. Submit two letters of recommendation. These letters should speak to the applicant’s ability to succeed in the program.
3. Submit a statement of purpose explaining interest in the program.
4. Submit a current resume/CV.

It is highly recommended that applicants document the completion of undergraduate coursework in economic theory.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is optional.

Applicants with deficiencies in their undergraduate background may be admitted conditionally and be required to enroll in—and successfully complete—selected remedial/leveling courses as a condition for achieving full graduate standing.

Accelerated BA/BS-MA Subplan 

Only UNLV undergraduates who have been previously admitted to the Economics Department’s Accelerated Program may apply for this subplan.

In addition to:

1. Satisfying admission requirements for the Post-Bachelor’s Subplan;
2. Having been previously admitted to the Accelerated Program in Economics;

applicants to an Accelerated Subplan also must:

3. Have received a grade of B or higher in up to 3 approved graduate-level economics courses completed as an undergraduate.

Undergraduate students must meet the following criteria to be eligible for enrollment in the Accelerated Program in Economics:

1. A UNLV student with senior standing (90+ credits).
2. A minimum of 3.0 GPA.
3. Completion of the following courses with a minimum of 3.5 GPA and no grade lower than B before enrolling in approved graduate courses: ECON 302; ECON 303; ECON 262 or ECON 441; MATH 181 or equivalent.
4. Submission of the name of one reference, who must be a UNLV Economics Department faculty.
5. Submission of a completed “Request to Enroll in the Accelerated Program in Economics” form to the Graduate Coordinator (economics.gradcoord@unlv.edu).
6. Graduate Coordinator’s or Department Chair’s approval.

UNLV undergraduate students interested in the Accelerated Program in Economics should inquire information from the Economics Graduate Coordinator (economics.gradcoord@unlv.edu).

NOTE: Enrollment in the Accelerated Program in Economics while an undergraduate student does not imply an automatic admission to the MA in Economics. Students still need to apply to the Graduate College.

Students are accepted into a degree program as described in the Graduate Catalog. The faculty and corresponding sub-disciplines and sub-plans within the described programs are subject to change at any time.

Plan Requirements

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See Subplan Requirements below.

Subplan 1: Post-Bachelor’s

Subplan 2: Accelerated BA/BS-MA 

Subplan 1 Requirements: Post-Bachelor’s

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 Total Credits Required: 30 

Subplan 2 Requirements: Accelerated BA/BS-MA

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Total Credits Required: 21-27

Plan Graduation Requirements

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A “Satisfactory” grade (B or above) for the culminating experience and successful completion of all other degree requirements is required to qualify for graduation.

Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the Graduate College via the Grad Rebel Gateway.