Economics Department 4400 University Drive, MSN 3G4, Fairfax, VA Phone: ; Web: economics.gmu.edu

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1 Economics Department 4400 University Drive, MSN 3G4, Fairfax, VA Phone: ; Web: economics.gmu.edu November 5, 2012 TO: FROM: College of Humanities and Social Sciences Curriculum Committee Philip R. Wiest, Associate Chair Christopher J. Coyne, Director of Graduate Studies RE: MA in Economics Program Modify application requirements Modify degree requirements The Economics Department requests approval to modify the application requirements and degree requirements for the MA in Economics program in the following ways: Application Requirements: We now require ECON 535 Applied Econometrics as a required core course for MA ECON students. A prerequisite for this course is a semester of statistics. This modification would align the program application requirements with the prerequisites for a required core MA ECON course. Degree Requirements Five core courses: We will be establishing a separate course number for the PhD section of Mathematical Economics (ECON 830 proposed) which can be used as a substitution for ECON 630 for PhD students seeking the MA as secondary degree. Degree Requirements Comprehensive exam: For PhD in economics students seeking the MA as secondary degree, they can satisfy this MA requirement by passing both PhD qualifying exams. The MA comprehensive exam covers both micro and macro material, while the PhD qualifying exams cover this material in two separate exams. Either one of the PhD qualifying exams will count as the MA comprehensive exam requirement on the MA degree evaluation.

2 Program Approval Form For approval of new programs and deletions or modifications to an existing program. Action Requested: Type (Check one): Create New (SCHEV approval required except for minors) B.A. B.S. Minor Inactivate x M.A. M.S. M.Ed. x Modify (check all that apply) Ph.D. Title (SCHEV approval required except for minors) Undergraduate Certificate* Concentration (Choose one): Add Delete Modify Graduate Certificate* x Degree Requirements Other: x Admission Standards/ Application Requirements Other Changes: College/School: College of Humanities and Social Sciences Department: Economics Submitted by: Philip R. Wiest, Associate Chair Ext: pwiest@gmu.edu Effective Term: Fall 2013 Please note: For students to be admitted to a new degree, minor, certificate or concentration, the program must be fully approved, entered into Banner, and published in the University Catalog. Justification: (attach separate document if necessary) Program Title: (Required) Title must identify subject matter. Do not include name of college/school/dept. Concentration(s): Admissions Standards / Application Requirements: (Required only if different from those listed in the University Catalog) Degree Requirements: Consult University Catalog for models, attach separate document if necessary using track changes for modifications Courses offered via distance: (if applicable) TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED: *For Certificates Only: Indicate whether students are able to pursue on a Full-time basis Part-time basis Approval Signatures see cover memo Department Date College/School Date Provost s Office Date Philip R. Wiest, Assoc. Chair Interdisciplinary Council Use Only If this program may impact another unit or is in collaboration with another unit at Mason, the originating department must circulate this proposal for review by those units and obtain the necessary signatures prior to submission. Failure to do so will delay action on this proposal. Unit Name Unit Approval Name Unit Approver s Signature Date For Graduate Programs Only Graduate Council Member Provost Office Graduate Council Approval Date For Registrar Office s Use Only: Received Banner Catalog revised 6/7/12

3 Economics Department 4400 University Drive, MS 3G4 Fairfax, Virginia Phone: Fax: Economics, MA Program Approval form Attachment Modification of Application Requirements and of Degree Requirements Application Requirements Justification: We now require ECON 535 Applied Econometrics as a required core course for MA ECON students. A prerequisite for this course is a semester of statistics. This modification would align the program application requirements with the prerequisites for a required core MA ECON course. at least one semester of calculus (MATH 113 or equivalent) before enrolling in any graduate courses. Students entering the master s program should be familiar with basic statistics as well. at least one semester of calculus (MATH 113 or equivalent) and at least one semester of statistics (OM 210, or STAT 250 and 350, or equivalent). Degree Requirements Five core courses Justification: We will be establishing a separate course number for the PhD section of Mathematical Economics (ECON 830 proposed) which can be used as a substitution for ECON 630 for PhD students seeking the MA as secondary degree. In place of core courses ECON 535, 611, 612 and 615, students admitted to the PhD in economics can substitute ECON 637, 811, 812, and 715. In place of core courses ECON 535, 611, 612, 615, and 630, students admitted to the PhD in economics can substitute ECON 637, 811, 812, 715, and 830. Degree Requirements Comprehensive Exam Justification: For PhD in economics students seeking the MA as secondary degree, they can satisfy this MA requirement by passing both PhD qualifying exams. The MA comprehensive exam covers both micro and macro material, while the PhD qualifying exams cover this material in two separate exams. Students must pass one comprehensive exam in applied economic theory. This exam is offered twice each year. Students admitted to the PhD in economics must pass one qualifying exam which will count as the comprehensive exam for the MA. Students must pass one MA comprehensive exam in applied economic theory. This exam is offered twice each year. Students admitted to the PhD in economics who are seeking the MA as secondary degree must pass both the PhD micro and the PhD macro qualifying exams, which will satisfy the requirement for the MA comprehensive exam.

4 Application Requirements All applicants for graduate study at George Mason University must meet the admission standards specified in the Admission chapter of the University Catalog. Included with their application, all applicants must submit the materials required by the university listed on Application Requirements. Below are clarifications and additions for applicants to this program. Applicants to the MA in economics should also submit: Goals statement that explains their interest in the program Two letters of recommendation GRE scores (general exam required; subject exam optional) In addition to holding an undergraduate degree, not necessarily in economics, applicants should have satisfactorily completed intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics and at least one semester of calculus (MATH 113 or equivalent) and at least one semester of statistics (OM 210, or STAT 250 and 350, or equivalent) before enrolling in any graduate courses. Students entering the master s program should be familiar with basic statistics as well. Successful applicants have earned a GPA of 3.00 in the last two years of undergraduate work and in all economics courses as well as satisfactory scores on the GRE (subject exam in optional). The average incoming MA student has a GPA of 3.4 and GRE scores of 580 verbal and 740 quantitative. The admissions committee places a great deal of emphasis also on the quality of grades received in economics courses as well as courses taken in science and mathematics. Application Deadlines Fall: March 01 All applicants are strongly advised to submit applications and all supporting documentation by the programs' posted deadline dates. Applicants with international academic credentials should apply 30 days before the program deadline date. The department accepts MA students for the fall semester only.

5 George Mason University Economics, MA Print this Page Banner Code: LA-MA-ECON Web: economics.gmu.edu The master s degree in economics strengthens students knowledge of economic theory and improves their skills in applying the theory to economic problems. Graduates are qualified to read and judge other research and conduct their own research, either individually or as members of government or business teams. They are also prepared to write policy analysis articles. Students who plan to pursue a PhD in economics should apply directly to the doctoral program. This program of study is offered by the Department of Economics. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog. Application Requirements Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Admission chapter of this catalog. For information specific to the MA in economics, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental web site. Degree Requirements Five core courses (15 credits) In place of core courses ECON 535, 611, 612, and 615, and 630, students admitted to the PhD in economics can substitute ECON 637, 811, 812, and 715, and 830. ECON Survey of Applied Econometrics Credits: 3 ECON Microeconomic Theory Credits: 3 ECON Microeconomic Theory II Credits: 3 ECON Macroeconomic Theory Credits: 3 ECON Mathematical Economics I Credits: 3 Five elective courses (15 credits) Students choose their electives from economics courses in any of the fields offered by the department. Students

6 may substitute up to 6 credits of courses outside economics in closely related fields with prior written approval of the MA director. Students have the option of writing a thesis for 6 credits in lieu of 6 credits of elective courses. Comprehensive Exam Students must pass one MA comprehensive exam in applied economic theory. This exam is offered twice each year. Students admitted to the PhD in economics who are seeking the MA as secondary degree must pass one both the PhD micro and the PhD macro qualifying exams, which will satisfy the requirement for the MA comprehensive exam. 6 credits of thesis (optional) Once enrolled in ECON 799, students are required to maintain continuous registration until the thesis is submitted to and accepted by the University Library. The continuous registration policy is specified in the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog. ECON Master's Thesis Credits: 1-6 Total: 30 credits