Concentration
options provide a framework by which graduate students may organize
their program to achieve individual goals. The following concentration
options are available:
1. General Economics
Students
have the option to design (in conjunction with the Graduate Advisor)
their own elective course work. Some students use this option to
prepare for a Ph.D. program at a highly ranked graduate Economics
department. Others prepare for careers as economists in government or
the private sector. Students must choose a minimum of twelve (12)
graduate credits from graduate Economics offerings over and above the
core courses. Other credits may be chosen from related areas such as
mathematics or business administration. Additional opportunities also
include directed research, a master's thesis, study abroad,
internships, or a combination of the above. All students must also
complete a research project in which they demonstrate mastery of
economic analysis.
2. Financial Economics
This
concentration option provides students with the opportunity to study
domestic and international financial markets, as well as the principles
for financial decisions by bankers, investment managers, and corporate
financial managers. The required courses in the area are:
- ECON - 650 Money, Banking, and Financial Institutions
- ECON - 651 Monetary Economics
Students
must choose three additional graduate Economics courses. We recommend,
but do not require, that a student choose from the following:
- ECON - 616 Special Topics in Mathematics for Economists
- ECON - 655 Options and Futures
- ECON - 660 Industrial Organization
- ECON - 671 International Finance
A
maximum of two of these courses may be met by M.B.A. courses when
approved by the Economics Graduate Advisor. Students must also complete
a research project in the field of financial economics (ECON 690).
3. International Economics
To specialize in international economics students must take the required courses:
- ECON - 670 International Trade
- ECON - 671 International Finance
Students
must choose three additional graduate Economics courses. We recommend,
but do not require, that a student choose from the following:
- ECON - 651 Monetary Economics
- ECON - 672 Economic Development
- ECON - 673 Development Microeconomics
- ECON - 674 Development Macroeconomics
- ECON - 676 Natural Resource Economics and Development Policy
- ECON - 677 International Political Economy
Students must also complete a research project in the field of international economics (ECON 690).
4. Telecommunications Economics and Policy
The
growth of the information sector, the convergence of computers and
telecommunication, and the globalization of the economy are resulting
in a growing dependence on telecommunications.
The
Telecommunications Economics and Policy program is designed to prepare
graduates for Information Age careers in telecommunications planning,
analysis, and policy. Internships, guest speakers and site visits are
included in the program.
The
University of San Francisco is located near the heart of some of the
world's leading centers for the development of new information
technologies and services. In addition, USF is located on the Pacific
Rim and has strong ties with Asia and the Pacific. Students must choose
(in conjunction with their faculty advisor) a minimum of five (5)
courses from the following set. Please note that a minimum of 24 credits
must be taken among graduate economics courses.
- ECON - 670 International Trade
- ECON - 674 Development Macroeconomics
- MBA - 616 Systems in Organizations
- MBA - 651 Telecommunications Technology and Management
- MBA - 652 Telecommunications System Planning
- MBA - 653 International Telecommunications
- MBA - 654 Telecommunications Policy
- MBA - 659 Special Topics in Telecommunications
Students
must also complete an interdisciplinary research project in the area of
telecommunications applications, economics, or policy:
- ECON - 698 Directed Readings and Research
- MBA - 698 Directed Study
In
addition, students decide (in conjunction with their faculty advisor)
their remaining elective course work, depending on individual
interests. Students are also encouraged to seek an internship.
