About the M.S. Programs

The Master of Science in Economics program with a concentration in Financial Econometrics or Financial Economics in the Department of Economics at Texas A&M University is a STEM program that aims to provide rigorous training in economics, econometrics, analytical and quantitative skills for students in order to prepare them for immediate careers in business or government, or further study in top economics and finance Ph.D. programs. This terminal, professional Master’s degree program was rebuilt in 2011 after a two-years extensive design and review process, created in response to the increasingly high demand from students seeking a professional master’s degree in economics and employers looking for candidates with advanced training. Students are able to complete the program in 18 or 24 months. The Economics Department had previously operated a terminal Master’s degree program since 1931.

Most students are in the non-thesis option and complete 36 credit hours to receive their degree. Thesis option students must complete a total of 32 semester hours of graduate course credits, a thesis under the guidance of an Advisory Committee, and pass an oral/final exam in the final semester of their studies.

The course structure for the program includes a set of core courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and business finance, and required courses in behavioral, international, advanced econometrics, and institutions, and a capstone course that provides students with experience in carrying out an applied research project. Students are encouraged to participate in an internship in the summer of their first year.

To view the detailed curriculum, go to the Master of Science in Economics Curriculum.

The Department of Economics and the Department of International Affairs offer students the opportunity to receive both a Master of Science in Economics (MS ECON) and a Master of International Affairs (MIA) in a three year period. Students are provided with rigorous advanced training in economics, econometrics, analytical and quantitative skills, international policies, global economy, American foreign policy, and research methods. Students who have a disposition toward leadership will be better prepared for careers in business, government, and nongovernment organizations, and public service.

To view the detailed curriculum, go to the MS ECON & MIA Combined Degree Program.

Program Rankings

• MS ECON ranked #13 in the Nation by TFE Times for 2022 Best Master’s of Economics Programs
• MS ECON ranked #17 in 2019 – 2021 in the U.S.A. by Eduniversal Best Masters Rankings, #18 in 2018, and #20 in 2015 – 2017

Program Features

• World-class and highly ranked econometrics and applied microeconomics faculty
• STEM  discipline (Econometrics and Quantitative Economics with Code 45.0603)
• 2 concentrations: Financial Econometrics and Financial Economics
• 2 options: Thesis and Non-thesis
• 32 credit hours (a thesis and a final exam); 36 credit hours (no thesis, no final exam, but includes a Capstone course)
• 18 months or 24 months in length for MS Economics
• A new combined degree program with MS ECON and Master of International Affairs begins Fall 2022!
• 36 months in length for MS Economics & MIA
• Rigorous economics, econometrics, quantitative skills, SAS and other programming language training
• Career support from the Department, the College, and the University
• The world’s most powerful alumni network
• Affordable education with the highest return on investment (ROI)
• Successful placement on both industry side and academic side
• Merit-based scholarships available for both 1st and 2nd year M.S. students with outstanding academic records
• BS/BA ECON students can participate in a 5-year program to earn both Bachelor and Master degrees
• ECON Minor to Master’s program
• Accelerated Master’s program for non-major Bachelor students

Our Community

The Economics Department

Texas A&M’s Department of Economics enjoys a national and international reputation for the quality of its academic programs and faculty. Our young and active faculty are major players in the national and international research communities in the economics profession. The Department of Economics at Texas A&M University is home to around 1,200 undergraduates, 180 master students, and 60 doctoral students.

Texas A&M University

Opened in 1876 as Texas’ first public institution of higher learning, Texas A&M University is a research-intensive flagship university with more than 70,000 students-including over 14,000 graduate & professional students – studying in 133 undergraduate programs, and 268 graduate and professional degree programs in 17 colleges and schools and 2 branch campuses in Galveston, and Qatar. As one of the world’s leading research institutions, Texas A&M University has earned a reputation as a world-class leader in research, teaching, and public engagement, consistently ranking among the world’s top universities. Learn more about Texas A&M University.

Have Questions About the Master’s Programs?

For questions regarding Admissions, Curriculum, Course Registration, Degree Plans, and Graduation, contact Margaret Lomas Carpenter, ms-econ-program@tamu.edu.

For questions regarding Careers, Professional Development, Internships, Events, and Industry Visits, contact Paula Verdegaal, paulav@tamu.edu.