Graduate Programs
Master of Arts in Applied Economics (worksheet PDF, Word)
The M.A. in Applied Economics program provides strong foundations in economic theory, quantitative methods, applications, communication skills, and research analysis. Students can focus their studies in general economics, agribusiness, or agricultural and resource economics by carefully selecting supporting and elective courses. Students can earn an M.A. in Applied Economics to specifically prepare for positions in private corporations and government service as management specialists, policy analysts, forecasters or economic consultants. Two options are offered in the degree--thesis and non-thesis. This degree can be completed by well-prepared students in two years or less.
Because core courses, which are prerequisites for more advanced courses, are offered only during the fall semester, students usually are only admitted for the fall semester. Students interested in obtaining a Ph.D., but with less preparation in applied economics, will often first choose to earn the M.A. in Applied Economics.
Each student's program must satisfy the following minimum requirements:
- Thesis Option
Each master's degree student choosing the thesis option is required to prepare a thesis acceptable to his/her advisory committee and the Graduate School. The major purpose of this requirement is to give the student directed experience in conducting independent research in the field of applied economics. Students electing this option must take a minimum of 21 of their 30 required credit hours in letter-graded (not pass/fail) courses, 15 credit hours of which must be at the 500 level, and up to 6 credits of non-graduate credit (400 level) may be used. - Non-Thesis Option
The non-thesis option may be selected if the student and his/her committee considers it preferable. Under the non-thesis option, the Graduate School requires that the student must complete at least 26 credit hours of letter-graded courses (not pass/fail), and up to 6 non-graduate credits (400 level) may be used. A special study (carrying a minimum of 4 credit hours of EconS 702, Special Problems or Directed Study) must be conducted. - Transfer Credit
Credit of acceptable quality (grade of 3.00 or higher on a 4.0 scale) earned in other recognized graduate schools may be applied toward the master's degree. Credits may be transferred only if appropriate to the student's program and if the courses presented for transfer are accepted by the student's advisory committee and the Graduate School. Transfer credits may not be substituted for residence requirements. - Credits Earned as an Undergraduate
Seniors who have at least a 3.0 grade point average in the last half of their undergraduate work at Washington State University may register for up to 6 credit hours of graduate study for use in a graduate degree program. This credit must be in excess of that required to complete the bachelor's degree. The approval of the major advisor and director of the school or program in which the course is offered, is required prior to registering for this credit. - Credits Earned as a Class 5B and 5C Student
A maximum of 6 semester hours appropriate to a thesis master's program or 8 semester
hours appropriate to a non-thesis master's program, which were earned at Washington State
University and not utilized to fulfill another degree requirement, may be applied toward a graduate
degree if approval is obtained from the Associate Dean of the Graduate School before enrollment
in the courses. - Residence Requirement
The residence requirement is one year (two semesters, or one semester and two summer sessions). - Seminar Requirement
All master’s students are encouraged to present a School-wide seminar on their research (thesis or project). The purpose of these seminars is to improve communication of research activities among interested members (students and faculty) of the School. The timing of the seminar is at the discretion of the student and the student's committee, but is normally done in conjunction with the student’s final examination. - Final Examination
A master's candidate must pass a final oral examination that covers both resident and nonresident course work and tests the student's ability to integrate material in his/her major field of interest. The examination also includes work presented in his/her thesis or special study.
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