MA Economics vs MS Economics

 

The Importance of Skill Sets

  • The comparisons below aren't meant to point out that one program is better than another. Rather, prospective students need to understand the skills set various graduate programs offer.
  • One program is NOT better than the other! We advise prospective students to assess their current skills against the demands and requirements of the next step or their career (either professionally or academically (i.e. PHD program). To begin your assessment, we recommend securing a copy of a job description or PHD requirements and researching it by studying trade publications, attending business seminars focused on industry trends, as well as setting up informational interviews with professional leaders in your area of business. Once you get the information, you should rate your skill set based upon the skills that are critical for your current job or the one you want. How well do you perform now, what will it require for you to keep pace or even ahead of industry demands, and what will it require for you to be an industry leader? Is a Masters in Economics aligned with the skill set you require?

 

 

MA Economics (30 Credits) vs MS Economics (45 Credits)
  • M.A. teaches the core theory of economics without going into depth in any specific area.
  • M.A in Economics, is a postgraduate academic program, offering training in economic theory, econometrics and / or applied economics.
  • A good starting point for people who have no ideas if economics is for them. It allow s a great deal of flexibility with classes and the possibility of extending it to an advanced certificate or switching to the M.S. degree.
  • Typically, the curriculum is structured around core topics, with any optional coursework complementary to the program focus. The core components are usually in Microeconomic Theory, Macroeconomic Theory and Econometrics.
  • After M.A. degree, students could go into financial industry in general (more sales side of the house). Possibly doing commercial loans & mortgages/insurance companies.
  • M.A. Economics consists of core courses and electives that must total 30 credits. Students can then obtain advanced certificates in six specializations.
  • A student could replicate the M.S. Program with the M.A. & advanced certificate, but the advanced certificate doesn't require everything the M.S. requires.
  
  • The M.S. is a field of specialization that places greater emphasis on quantitative skills and research methods. It prepares students for jobs that require a more advanced quantitative skills set
  • The M.S. program appeals to students who are interested in quantitative research. the M.A. allows students to become familiar with research. The M.S. teaches students how to the do the research.
  • M.S. Degree is closest thing a student can come to without doing a PhD because no research is required.
  • M.S. emphasizes advanced economic
  • Theory and skills. It is 45 credits and is less flexible than the M.A. degree.
  • The M.S. degree is ideal for people who want to teach economics (community and four year colleges) and who want to work for research based organizations or government agencies such as the Federal Reserve, Trade Commission, or the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • 1/2 of the M.S. program is Econometrics (statistical tools applied to economic problems) which includes:
    1. understanding the relationships between key economic variables
    2. predicting key economic variables
    3. formulating tests of economic theory
M.A_vs_M.ssss
easel.ly