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Economics Accelerated Graduate Pathways
Getting to Graduate School Faster

Economics Accelerated Graduate Pathways

The Economics Department offers two Accelerated Graduate Pathways (AGP) where students can combine both undergraduate and graduate degree programs to earn their degree more quickly. The Accelerated Graduate Pathways are competitive programs suitable for qualified and motivated individuals.

How It Works

Undergraduate students with a background in mathematics and an interest in pursuing a Master’s degree in Economics may apply to complete certain graduate coursework while earning a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Economics. Eligible students can apply for conditional admission to the M.A. in Economics program upon reaching 60 credit hours and may begin the program after completing at least 75 credit hours. Students are expected to finish their B.A. or B.S. degree in Economics in the fall semester of their senior year.

Start with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics

Take 4 graduate courses while earning your bachelor’s degree by fall of your senior year.

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    Economics Major (B.A.)


    The Economics B.A. emphasizes an analytical yet humanistic approach and empowers you to apply economic analysis techniques to various problems and fields, from education to journalism to financial services.

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    Economics Major (B.S.)


    The Economics B.S. focuses on a mathematical approach to economics and helps students obtain the knowledge needed for graduate study or for employment in research positions that use formal mathematical modeling or statistical analysis.

Finish with a Master's Degree in Economics

Start your graduate program in fall of your senior year and graduate by August of the following year at the latest.

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    Economics M.A. Degree


    The Economics M.A. provides a rigorous quantitative and analytical skills for those interested in finding a career in the public/private sector or pursuing a Ph.D. degree in economics.

Admissions Information

Earn 60 credit hours: Students will be eligible to apply for the master's program once they have earned 60 credit hours as an undergraduate student. They will be able to start taking graduate courses after completing at least 75 credit hours and are allowed to take up to four graduate courses before earning their bachelor’s degree.

Have a 3.2 GPA: The admissions requirements include a 3.2 cumulative GPA or a 3.0 cumulative GPA with 3.5 or higher in the most recent 30 credit hours. This requirement will help identify undergraduate students who demonstrate success in their overall undergraduate coursework and, therefore, are likely to have the academic preparation and the discipline needed to successfully complete the graduate coursework.

Take required courses for the B.A.: Applicants must also have completed three required courses for the B.A. degree in Economics — ECON 1030, ECON 1040, MATH 1350 — to make adequate progress toward their bachelor’s degree.  Student performance in these core courses will help evaluate the promise for success in the M.A. Economics courses. Also, once admitted to the program, this ensures that the students will have sufficient time to complete four foundational graduate courses — ECON 5000, ECON 5030, ECON 5040, and ECON 5870 — before completing their bachelor’s degree.

Take required courses for the B.S.: Applicants must also have completed four required courses for the B.S. degree in Economics — ECON 1030, ECON 1040, MATH 2301, and MATH 2302 — to make adequate progress toward their bachelor’s degree. Student performance in these core courses will help evaluate the promise for success in the M.A. Economics courses. Also, once admitted to the program, this ensures that the students will have sufficient time to complete four foundational graduate courses — ECON 5000, ECON 5030, ECON 5040, and ECON 5870 — before completing their bachelor’s degree.

In addition, applicants must submit three letters of recommendation including at least one letter from a faculty member in their B.A. or B.S. in Economics program.

 

Careers with a Master's Degree in Economics

Students who complete the program may earn their M.A. in Economics in less than a year after finishing their bachelor’s degree. The M.A. in Economics equips students with rigorous quantitative and analytical skills, preparing them for careers in the public or private sector or for further study in Ph.D. programs. View Information about recent job and Ph.D. program placement of former students.

Matt Geiger in his graduation regalia on Court Street in Athens Ohio