Economics (M.A.)

Economics (M.A.) | Graduate

Our graduate program in Economics provides a solid foundation in applied economic analysis. Designed for students and career professionals who wish to apply economic theory and analysis to solve problems faced by global organizations, our graduates are prepared to address pressing challenges like global poverty and socioeconomic and racial wealth gaps.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Economics at Howard’s Graduate School provides students with a solid foundation in applied economic analysis, microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, and econometrics. Our M.A. in Economics program is designed for students and mid-career professionals who wish to apply economic theory and analysis to solve problems faced by global businesses and organizations and to address pressing societal challenges like global poverty and closing racial wealth gaps. Our program prepares students to pursue further study at the doctoral level or for careers as leading economists, consultants, statisticians, or research analysts in local and global policy organizations, government agencies, and financial institutions. You'll benefit from Howard’s premier location at the center of policymaking in Washington, DC, and have access to a network of top-ranked economic institutions, consulting firms, think tanks, and government agencies, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the Federal Reserve. You may choose from four distinct fields of specialization: growth and development, urban economics, labor economics, and international economics, and may select between the thesis or non-thesis program of study options. You'll also benefit from the close mentorship of faculty who are committed to your professional development and are at the forefront of economics research spanning fields including public finance, household economics, environmental economics, international economics, development economics, econometrics, behavioral economics, and labor economics. The Department of Economics is affiliated with research centers like the Center on Race and Wealth, the Center of Excellence in Housing and Urban Research and Policy, and the Center for Urban Progress.

Program Snapshot

      ❱  30 credit hours
      ❱  Full-time
      ❱  On-campus format
      ❱  Degree: M.A.

Application Deadlines

Spring 2025 entry: 
      ❱  Nov. 15, 2024 (final deadline)

Fall 2025 entry: 
      ❱  Dec. 1, 2024 (early deadline)
      ❱  Feb. 15, 2025 (priority deadline)
      ❱  Apr. 15, 2025 (final deadline)

Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible. Applicants have until the final deadline to apply. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle. 

Transfer credits accepted (reviewed by program director)

• Degree Classification: Graduate
• Related Degrees: M.A.

Application for Admission

• Online GradCAS application
• Statement of purpose/ Statement of academic interest (500-1,000 words)
• GRE scores not required 
• Official transcripts sent to GradCAS
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent 
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Autobiographical statement (500-750 words)

GRE Required?

• No 

GRE Preferred Minimums    

• GRE Verbal Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Quantitative Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Analytical Writing: N/A

GPA Required Minimums    

• Overall GPA minimum: 3.0
• Undergrad GPA minimum: 3.0

Prerequisite Courses 

No expiration date for course prerequisites. Special admission with some conditions will be considered on an individual basis.

• Intermediate Economic Theory (6 semester credit hrs of Intermediate EconomicTheory)
• Economics (12 semester credit hrs of any Economic courses)
• Mathematics for Economists or Differential Calculus (a course or 3 semester credit hrs of Mathematics for Economists or Differential Calculus)
• Statistics (6 semester credit hrs of Statistics)

Reference Requirements    

Evaluator type accepted:

• Professor (Required)
• Supervisor/Manager
• Coworker
• Other

Evaluator type not accepted:

• Friend
• Family Member
• Clergy