This program prepares students for positions as economists in the private, public and non-profit sectors, as well as for academic positions. The department offers a balanced graduate program that combines studies in economic theory, quantitative methods, and specialized fields. There are four fields of concentration: development economics, financial economics, international economics, and monetary economics. Course work required for each field is available in the department office.  Graduate economics courses are scheduled in the late afternoon to accommodate both full-time and part-time students.

The monetary and financial economics specialization includes studies in portfolio selection, risk management, asset pricing, financial markets and corporate finance.  The finance courses offer current professionals an opportunity to build upon practical experience through financial modeling, improved quantitative skills and practical readings.  Individuals without experience in the financial area receive the training which is necessary to analyze financial decisions made by firms as well as valuation decisions made by investors.

The international economics specialization trains students in applying economic/analytical tools to business and public policy problems that arise through foreign trade, investment, development assistance, and capital flows.  Courses examine the dramatic changes that are occurring in the world economy, including such matters as the growth of multinational enterprise, new exchange rate practices accelerated global inflation, altered development prospects, and new conflicts between the forces of interdependence and national sovereignty. This option is structured particularly for students who plan to pursue careers in multinational business, international banking, or international public administration.

The development economics specialization provides students with the training to evaluate economic policy, analyze country risk, and aid in human development.  The emphasis of the development field is upon the responsible use of economic analysis to promote increased growth and greater economic equality.Current literature and case studies are used throughout.  This option prepares students for careers in the development field in the business, government and non-profit sectors. 

Graduate economics courses are scheduled in the late afternoon to accommodate both full-time and part-time students. Unlike many other MA programs in economics, students who only plan to complete the MA program have the option of choosing a specialization in financial and monetary economics or international and development economics.

The financial and monetary economics specialization includes studies in portfolio selection, risk management, asset pricing, financial markets and corporate finance. The finance courses offer current professionals an opportunity to build upon practical experience through financial modeling, improved quantitative skills and practical readings. Individuals without experience in the financial area receive the training which is necessary to analyze financial decisions made by firms as well as valuation decisions made by investors.

The international and development economics specialization is structured particularly for students who plan to pursue careers in multinational business, international banking, international public administration, and government, private sector and NGO development careers.  The international economics courses train students in applying economic/analytical tools to business and public policy problems that arise through foreign trade, investment, development assistance, and capital flows. Issues examined include the dramatic changes that are occurring in the world economy, including such matters as the growth of multinational enterprise, new exchange rate practices, accelerated global inflation, altered development prospects, and new conflicts between theforces of interdependence and national sovereignty.The economic development courses provide students with the training to evaluate economic policy, analyze country risk, and aid in human development. The emphasis of the development field is upon the responsible use of economic analysis to promote increased growth and greater economic equality. As a part of the field, students learn techniques of stabilization policy and methods to sustain economic growth. Current literature and case studies are used throughout.

Students who do not have adequate training in economic theory may be required to take ECGA 5011 [Introduction to Economic Analysis] in addition to the 30 credit MA program. MA candidates must maintain a 3.0 [B] average in their course work and pass a three-hour written certification examination based on the course work in ECGA 6010 and ECGA 6020. Students are exempt from the MA certification if they pass the Ph.D. certification examinations in economic theory. Full-time students usually complete the MA within a 12-month period.

An interdisciplinary MA in International Political Economy and Development (IPED) is offered in cooperation with the departments of political science and sociology. For details, please refer to the IPED website (www.fordham.edu/iped).