MS in Economics - Degree Requirements

To earn your MS in Economics, you'll need to complete at least 36 semester hours of coursework. Here's how those hours break down:

  • Core Courses (15 hours) – Build a strong foundation with essential economics courses.
  • Economics Electives (9 hours) – Customize your learning with courses that match your interests.
  • Remaining 12 hours – Choose one of the following options:
    • A minor (at least 6 hours)
    • 6 hours of supervised Research Problems in Lieu of Thesis
    • 6 additional hours of graduate-level economics courses

To graduate, you'll also need to pass comprehensive exit exams in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics—proving your expertise in these key areas. Have questions? Reach out to an advisor to explore your options!

Sample Coursework for MS in Economics

To complete your MS in Economics, you'll take 36 graduate hours, including at least 6 hours in a minor field. Here's a breakdown of what your coursework might look like:

Required Courses

  • Advanced Macroeconomics (ECON 5330)
  • Advanced Microeconomics (ECON 5340)
  • Mathematical Economics (ECON 5600)
  • Multivariate Regression Analysis (ECON 5640)
  • Advanced Econometrics (ECON 5650)

Economics Electives (9 hours) – Choose from courses like:

  • International Trade (ECON 5850)
  • Econometric Analysis of Panel Data (ECON 5655)
  • Time Series Econometrics & Forecasting (ECON 5660)

(Additional elective options are available—talk to your advisor to explore more!)

 Thesis or Additional Coursework

  • 6 hours of supervised Research Problems (in Lieu of Thesis) or
  • 6 additional hours of graduate-level Economics electives

 Minor (6 hours)

Your minor can complement your economics studies with fields like:

  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Management
  • Mathematics
  • Decision Sciences

Want to personalize your coursework? Reach out to an advisor to find the best fit for your goals!

Sample 2-Year Schedule for MS in Economics

As a full-time student, here’s a typical course plan to keep you on track for graduation:

 First Fall Semester

✅ ECON 5600 – Mathematical Economics
✅ ECON 5640 – Multivariate Regression Analysis
✅ Economics Elective

 First Spring Semester

✅ ECON 5340 – Advanced Microeconomic Theory
✅ ECON 5650 – Advanced Econometrics
✅ Economics Elective

 Second Fall Semester

✅ ECON 5330 – Advanced Macroeconomic Theory
✅ Economics Elective
✅ Economics Elective / Minor Course / Thesis Option

 Second Spring Semester

✅ Economics Elective
✅ Economics Elective
✅ Economics Elective / Minor Course / Thesis Option

💡 This schedule allows flexibility to customize your coursework based on your interests. Whether you choose a minor, additional electives, or a thesis option, you’ll gain the skills needed for a strong career in economics!

Need help planning? Talk to your advisor to personalize your schedule!

Currently Offered Graduate Courses Include: 

CERTIFICATE in Economics

The Advanced Data Analytics in Economics certificate is designed for graduate students who want to enhance their resumes with high-level quantitative research and data driven decision-making skills. By completing three out of five specialized courses, students master techniques such as linear and non-linear regression models, panel data analysis, and time series forecasting,

Choose three courses from among:

  • ECON 5645 Empirical Linear Modeling
  • ECON 5650 Advanced Econometrics
  • ECON 5655 Econometric Analysis of Panel Data
  • ECON 5660 Time Series Econometrics & Forecasting
  • ECON 5670 Applied Econometrics

Our Focus 

Marketable Skills for the MS in Economics

This degree helps you build valuable skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include strong interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skills, all of which are either central or complementary to your major.

The marketable skills goal is to help you clearly articulate your skills to potential employers. The marketable skills for this program were developed by UNT faculty and approved by employers, internship providers, chambers of commerce, workforce development boards, and other industry professionals.

For more details on the initiative, check out UNT’s Marketable Skills Information, and the Texas’s Higher Education Coordinating Board.