Economics (M.A.)

The Finance Concentration in the Master of Arts (M.A.) is offered by the Jones College of Business at MTSU. The focus of this program is on decision analysis and applied research and students are offered preparation for careers in private business and public service.

The mission of the graduate program in economics is to provide students with advanced studies in economic theory and research methodology. The department's approach to these degree programs is global, interactive, and innovative. The Master of Arts in Economics requires completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours (10 courses) if a thesis is written or 33 semester hours (11 courses) if a thesis is not written. Candidates must successfully complete a written comprehensive examination that may be taken no more than twice. For the major in Economics, the comprehensive examination covers the three core areas: macroeconomics, microeconomics, and econometrics. Economists are in high demand for more than just their economic knowledge. Their training in strategic thinking, analysis of complex data, and other skills enhanced by their economic training are in need in many organizations and governments.

There are many career fields that can be pursued, and here are a few examples:

• Economics Instructor
• Business Journalist
• Accountant
• Financial Planner
• Financial Analyst
• Data Analyst
• Management Consultant
• Economist
• Actuary

If you live in one of these states: AL; you may be able to attend MTSU at in-state rates under the Academic Common Market program.

News Briefs

Visiting speaker on ethics in East-Asian economies

• Dr. Shinya Fujino visited with MTSU Economics students. His interactive seminar, Ethics, Bribery, and Fraud in Japanese Corporate Society, focused on understanding the features of East-Asian economies including Japan, China, and Korea in areas such as fraud, money laundering, and more. Dr. Fujino is a lecturer in the Department of Economics, Reitaku University, and a special researcher at its Business Ethics and Compliance Research Center. He graduated from Kyoto University School of Economics, completed the Kyoto University Business Administration School (M.B.A.), and earned his Ph.D. at Reitaku University Graduate School.

The professors' passion for student learning still burns

• Gabriel Fancher received both his M.A. in Economics and his M.B.A. from Jones College of Business, and today he is program director for MTSU's Political Economy Research Institute. Fancher says he was lessed to learn under so many great professors." His studies included connecting the economic ideas of the past to the prevailing ideas of today. He was introduced to healthcare economics and since then has learned a great deal about current healthcare issues. Fancher adds that his M.A. degree increased his ability to view financial problems in their national/international context. "Economics is such a broad study and such a beautiful science, but many students do not ever see that beauty because of poor teaching." Observing that MTSU students won't experience that, he describes the faculty: "Their passion for student learning still burns, and I am thankful to have studied under these people."

Economics, M.A.

One of the department's major goals is to promote graduates in the job market and to conduct mock interviews to help students have a professional and polished presence. Faculty are encouraging more and more graduate students to take advantage of this opportunity. Examples of career potentials include

• Accountant
• Banker
• Budget analyst
• Equity portfolio manager
• Environmental economist
• Financial advisor
• Financial analyst
• Financial examiner
• Government worker
• Higher education professional
• Human resources specialist
• Insurance representative
• Labor-management relations practitioner
• Market/program analyst
• Politician or political staffer
• Purchaser
• Revenue agent
• Statistician

Employers of MTSU Economics graduates include

• American College of Management and Technology
• Auburn University
• Baldwin-Wallace College
• Bethel College of Tennessee
• FedEx
• Liaoning Normal University
• Marshall University
• Missouri State University
• Regional Economic Model, Inc.
• Southern Community Bank
• Tennessee Regulatory Authority
• Tennessee Valley Authority
• U.S. State Department
• Vanderbilt University

MTSU’s Career Development Center

• MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.