Academics
Graduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Applied Economics, M.A.
About the Program
The master of arts in applied economics is designed for students who want to improve their understanding of economics and finance, particularly those interested in or already working in:
1. Financial institutions and finance departments in business and government
2. Policy-oriented and community service occupations in the private and public sectors
3. Economic and financial consulting and advising
4. High school business, economics, and social studies education
The program’s orientation toward application as opposed to theory enhances opportunities for graduates in a broad range of occupations and institutions; however, the program has prepared students for continued education at the PhD level.
About the Economics and Finance Department
B207 Classroom Building
1300 Elmwood Ave
Buffalo, NY 14222
Phone: (716) 878-4606
Fax: (716) 878-6907
www.buffalostate.edu/economics/
Contact Faculty and Staff in the Economics and Finance Department
Admission Requirements
1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 (4.0 scale), or a master’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale).
2. Applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree but do not meet either of the above criteria may be admitted if they attain a minimum combined quantitative/verbal score of 1000 on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), attain a minimum score of 45 on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), or complete 6 credit hours of 500-level coursework at the college as an accepted premajor student with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5.
3. Three letters of reference.
4. A letter describing the applicant’s interest in the program.
In addition, all applicants should review the Admission to a Graduate Program section in this catalog.
Graduation Requirements: A minimum of 30 credit hours at the graduate level, including a minimum of 15 credit hours at the 600 level. Students also must complete required core courses and one of the following: a master’s project, a master’s thesis, or a comprehensive examination. A field of specialization is recommended but not required.
Program Requirements
Required Courses (12 credits)
ECO 505 History of Economic Thought
ECO 507 Applied Microeconomic Theory
ECO 508 Applied Macroeconomic Theory
ECO 524 Applied Econometrics
Suggested Content Specialty Courses
A. Economic Policy Analysis Courses
Select three courses from the following:
ECO 600 Labor Economics
ECO 610 Economics of Education
ECO 612 Urban Economic Analysis
ECO 650 Public Finance
ECO 660 Cost-Benefit Analysis
B. Financial Economics Courses
Select three courses from the following:
ECO 650 Public Finance
FIN 619 Risk Management
FIN 622 Capital Markets
FIN 630 International Finance
FIN 645 Estate Planning and Taxation
Other Elective Courses * (3–9 credits)
ECO 502 Workshop in Economic Education
ECO 510 Economics of Education
ECO 601 Engineering Economics (cross-listed as INT 601)
Master’s Project, Master’s Thesis, or Comprehensive Examination (3 credits)
Select one option:
ECO 690 Master’s Project
ECO 695 Master’s Thesis
Comprehensive Examination (0)
Total Required Credit Hours (30 credits)
* Selected under advisement
All courses are 3 credit hours unless otherwise indicated.
