M.A. in Economics

Hunter’s M.A. Program in Economics equips students with analytic tools that can be directly applied to business and public policy. The program integrates economic theory, quantitative methods and practical applications, and emphasizes elective courses in international trade and finance, economic development, financial economics, industrial organization, corporate governance, labor economics and public finance. Hunter’s M.A. recipients regularly move into interesting, well-paid positions in business, government and international organizations. They are equally prepared to enter PhD programs at top-ranking universities.

Hunter College offers an exciting master’s program in economics, taught by a distinguished faculty.

• Classes are held on weekday evenings, and the program can be completed over one academic year and two summers.
• Graduates are equipped with the statistical and analytical tools necessary for careers in data science, finance and public policy.
• Many graduates also transition to PhD programs in top-ranked economics and social science departments.

This program offers a fantastic opportunity to spend a year:

• Living in New York City
• Studying at a renowned public university
• Discovering the intellectual pleasures of economics
• Gaining significant professional advancement

• Economics is a unique social science that helps you think about society and everyday interactions in a whole new light.
• Economics emphasizes the most pressing global welfare and policy problems.
• Economists are highly employable. They have technical skills that are valued in a wide range of industries.

Why study economics at Hunter?

• Hunter College is a senior college in the City University of New York, the largest urban university in the U.S. It is located on the beautiful upper east side of Manhattan.
• The professors in the Department of Economics are accomplished academics with a broad range of specializations (behavioral economics, media, healthcare, development, crime, firms, labor).
• Economics masters students have extensive interaction with professors and opportunities to meet outside speakers and learn about the latest research in economics at regular seminars.
• Ours is a tried-and-tested rigorous program. Recent graduates have joined:
  • Major financial firms including Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley.
  • International organizations including the United Nations and the World Bank.
  • Top PhD programs including Princeton, Berkeley and Chicago.
  How do I apply?
  • Applications must be submitted through the Graduate Admissions website.
  • Formal requirements are listed in the Hunter College Course Catalog. If you have questions or would like to discuss your particular circumstances, contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Professor Karna Basu.
    • Applications must include a statement of purpose, all past academic transcripts and two letters of recommendation.
    • The GRE is not required for fall 2021 applicants.
    • Applicants should have successfully completed undergraduate courses in intermediate microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics, statistics, econometrics and calculus. (Ideally, students should also have completed multivariable calculus and matrix algebra. However, these are no longer formal requirements as the redesigned M.A. program includes mathematical methods.)
    What courses are recommended?

    Here is an outline of the M.A. program:

    • Summer: Math Camp (free course)
    • Fall: ECO 700 (Math for Economics), ECO 701 (Microeconomic Theory), ECO 721 (Econometrics I)
    • Winter: ECO 727 (Research Methods I)
    • Spring: ECO 703 (Macroeconomic Theory), ECO 722 (Econometrics II)
    • Research requirement: ECO 798 (MA Thesis — any semester) or ECO 797 (Research Methods II — summer)
    • In addition to the above, students must take three graduate electives.

    Depending on when you start taking M.A. courses, how quickly you wish to proceed and remaining undergraduate coursework, you may take the above courses in a “Full Time” or “Part Time” manner.

    Full Time – Year 1

    Fall	Winter	Spring	Summer
    ECO 700	ECO 727	ECO 703	ECO 797 or Thesis
    ECO 701	ECO 722
    ECO 721	Elective 2
    Elective 1	Elective 3

    Part Time – Year 1

    Fall	Winter	Spring	Summer
    ECO 700	ECO 703
    ECO 701	Elective 1

    Part Time – Year 2

    Fall	Winter	Spring	Summer
    ECO 721	ECO 727	ECO 722	ECO 797 or Thesis
    Elective 2	Elective 3

    Who can I contact for more information?

    For more information, contact the Director of Graduate Admissions, Professor Karna Basu.