Master of Science in Economics

Are you ready to transform your passion for economics into a powerful career asset? The Belk College of Business Master of Science in Economics at UNC Charlotte is your gateway to advanced knowledge, practical skills and unparalleled opportunities.

For more than 30 years, our M.S. in Economics program has been preparing graduates with the skills for success. Today, alumni of our nationally-ranked program are driving business as economists in various industries, including finance and public policy, or have started doctoral programs at prestigious universities across the United States.

Our comprehensive program combines economic analysis with advanced quantitative methods to prepare you for analytical, quantitative and research positions in a variety of industries. We have a strong track record of placing alums in Fortune 500 firms, Ph.D. programs and government jobs.

Why choose UNC Charlotte?

• International Dual Degrees
• Data-Driven Curriculum with Expert Faculty
• Alumni Network + Location

Not sure if you’re ready for a master’s program quite yet? Try our Graduate Certificate in Applied Econometrics which provides students with a strong foundation in applied econometrics, a skill set that is increasingly in demand. Additionally, students considering graduate study in economics have the opportunity to explore material prior to formally committing to a full graduate degree program.

In addition, students who apply and are accepted to the M.S. in Economics or the M.S. in Mathematical Finance programs can use certificate courses to help satisfy degree requirements.

M.S. in Economics Tuition Assistance

• The Belk College of Business offers a limited number of program-based funding opportunities.
• Those who apply before the Priority Deadline are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships.
• Those who wish to be considered for graduate assistantships should check the appropriate box in their application indicating their interest and apply before the Priority Deadline.
• Please note that funding opportunities are highly competitive, so it is uncommon for programs to offer them to students who apply after the Priority Deadline.
• Priority Deadline for Fall: March 1
• Priority Deadline for Spring: October 1

Our program is organized into three curriculum components:

• Core curriculum in economic theory and quantitative methods
• Research project or Master’s thesis

Concentration selected from one of the five described below:

• Quantitative Methods in Economics
• Quantitative Financial Economics
• Urban Economics and Real Estate
• Financial Management
• Applied Economic Analysis

Early Entry

• Get a jump start on grad school with our exclusive Early Entry program for outstanding UNC Charlotte undergraduates. Students admitted to the M.S. in Economics Early Entry program will have acceptance into the master’s program and can double count twelve of their graduate credits towards the completion of both their undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Benefits of Early Entry

• Acceptance to the M.S. in Economics program - without an additional application after graduation - if the student performs satisfactorily in graduate-level classes
• Jumpstart on graduate work: Begin taking graduate-level classes while an undergrad
• Double count up to 12 hours of graduate coursework
• Take up to 15 hours of graduate work while an undergrad
• Cost-effective: Early Entry students are charged undergraduate tuition and fees for all courses taken until the bachelor’s degree is complete
• Possible GMAT/GRE waiver.

Applied Econometrics Certificate

• Individuals who can answer problems using data are in high demand in in both the corporate world and the public sector. In the business world, those with econometrics training work in financial analysis, forecasting, market research, logistics and quality control. Econometrics training is also useful for government jobs. Policymakers need hard evidence on which to base their decisions; data must be collected, analyzed, and presented in a convincing way. State and Federal Government departments, such as the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, regularly seek graduates with econometric skills.
• The Graduate Certificate in Applied Econometrics provides students with a strong foundation in applied econometrics, a skill set that is increasingly in demand. In addition, students considering graduate study in economics have the opportunity to explore material prior to formally committing to a full graduate degree program.
• The Graduate Certificate in Applied Econometrics requires completion of 12 credit hours of 6000-level courses in econometrics.  Transfer credits are not accepted into the Graduate Certificate in Applied Econometrics program.