Joint B.A./M.A. Program in Economics

Students at USF have the opportunity to enroll in a 4 + 1 program in which they obtain both a Bachelor's degree in Economics and a Master's degree within five years. Students can obtain one of two Master's degrees: an M.A. in Economics, or an M.A. in International and Development Economics (IDEF). The M.A. in Economics (ENCF) emphasizes mastery of core economic theory. The M.A. in International and Development Economics is a degree that emphasizes training in empirical research methods related to poverty and growth in developing countries.

Students in the five-year program begin to take graduate-level courses when they achieve senior-level standing at the University. Students graduate with the B.A. and officially matriculate into the M.A. program upon completion of College graduation requirements, including 128 units of credit within which graduate courses will substitute for undergraduate courses in satisfying the B.A. requirement. The total units required for the Joint B.A./M.A. Program in Economics is 152 units.

Admission to the 4 + 1 Program

Students joining USF as a freshman can apply for admission to the 4 + 1 program from any major if they fulfill the following requirements:

• sophomore standing, and
• obtain a 3.5 GPA in Principles of Microeconomics, Principles of Macroeconomics, Calculus I and Calculus II. (Students joining USF with AP units will be evaluated individually.)

Transfer students can apply for admission to the 4 + 1 program from any major if they fulfill the following requirements:

• obtain a 3.5 GPA in Principles of Microeconomics, Principles of Macroeconomics, Calculus I and Calculus II, and
• obtain a 3.5 GPA in 2 (8 units) economics upper division courses taken at USF.

Note: Maintenance of a 3.2 GPA while in the program is required.

Students who graduate from the M.A. in Economics program will be prepared for a number of career options, including work as an economic or public policy analyst, or in appied research in a government institution or firm. Students who graduate with an M.A. in International and Development Economics may pursue a number of careers related to policy making and research in developing countries. The BA/MS program in the Department of Economics also makes excellent preparation for a Ph.D. program in economics or a related field.

I. Required Undergraduate Economics Courses

• ECON - 111 Principles of Microeconomics
• ECON - 112 Principles of Macroeconomics
• ECON - 120 Economic Methods
• ECON - 311 Intermediate Microeconomics
• ECON - 312 Intermediate Macroeconomics
• ECON - 320 Econometrics or 620
• ECON - 318 Game Theory *
• ECON - 415 Mathematics for Economists (or 615)*
• MATH - 109 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I *
• MATH - 110 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II *,and one other advanced math course such as Math 130, 211, or 300 (ENCF)*

*These courses are normally taken as part of the undergraduate program, but may be taken after matriculation into the M.A. program. The students who elect this option must still complete 128 units, and must substitute 20 units of other upper-division or graduate courses in Economics in the undergraduate program.

II. Required Masters Program Economics Courses

• ECON - 601 Microeconomics: Theory and Applications
• ECON - 602 Macroeconomics: Theory and Applications
• ECON - 627 Applied Econometrics for International and Development Economics (M.A. in IDEF only)
• ECON - 623 Field Research Methods (M.A. in IDEF only)
• ECON - 690 Graduate Seminar

III. Elective Economics Courses

• For the M.A. in Economics, four classes must be taken from Economics 600-level courses. Other units may be taken in related areas such a mathematics or administration. In addition students must successfully pass the Comprehensive Exam. The total number of units required for the M.A. degree in Economics is 152.
• For the M.A. in International Development and Economics, four other classes must be taken from the Economics 670 series. The total number of units required for the M.A. degree in International and Development Economics is 152.