University of Oklahoma - Department of Economics Applied Masters Program

Department of Economics Masters Program - Applied Track

Masters - Applied Economics Track
This track provides rigorous training in economics and is designed for students seeking jobs in either the private or public sectors. The first year coursework of this program coincides with the first year coursework of the Ph.D. program, so this track is also appropriate for students who might wish to purse a Ph.D. degree. Please note that students can only begin the Applied Track during the fall semester.

Previous Coursework
Applicants usually have a bachelor's degree in economics but this is not a prerequisite. Some course work in economics including both intermediate micro- and macroeconomics is required prior to starting the program. All applicants need a good working knowledge of mathematics and basic statistics. At least two semesters of calculus and one semester of basic statistics or their equivalents are required. A previous course in linear algebra is highly recommended.

Application Requirements
The Department of Economics evaluates each applicant individually in order to select for admission those applicants who have the aptitude, scholarship, and analytical skill necessary to successfully complete an advanced degree. In order to form an opinion about an applicant's aptitude, scholarship, and analytical ability we require the following information.

1. Transcript of all undergraduate and graduate coursework.

2. Scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) aptitude test. (To insure that these scores are current, the exam must have been taken in the last two years.)

3. 3 letters of recommendation.

4. Scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for applicants from non-English speaking nations.

The Graduate College of the University of Oklahoma has specific admission requirements of:
• a “B” average or better over the last 60 hours of undergraduate study or the last 12 hours of graduate study;
• (for non-native English speaking applicants) a TOEFL score of 550 or higher.

The Department of Economics does not have specific admission requirements (e.g. minimum GRE scores). Rather, an admissions committee comprised of three members of the graduate faculty recommends admission on the basis of GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and prior academic record. All these sources of information are helpful in the evaluation of an applicant's ability to pursue an advance degree. Consequently, applications will not be considered unless all information is available.

For a list of first year classes, see the M.A. Handbook. There are no required courses for the second year of the program. Rather, students must take a minimum of four courses (12 hours). Course selections must be approved by the Graduate Program Director, and can include noneconomics electives.

All students must enroll in ECON 5940 - Research in Economic Problems (2 hours), for which they will write a master’s paper. A faculty supervisor for the paper must be arranged before a student can enroll in ECON 5940.

The Core Examination
The purpose of the core examination is to assure that the student has a firm foundation in economic analysis prior to taking advanced courses. The Economics Department Core Examination is given during the week prior to the beginning of classes for fall semester in the student's second year. The exam has three portions. The first portion consists of microeconomic theory and tests over the material taught in ECON 5123 and ECON 6213. The second portion consists of macroeconomic theory and tests over material taught in ECON 5163 and ECON 6313. The third portion consists of statistics and econometrics questions and test over the material taught in ECON 5153 and ECON 5213. Grades are M.A. Pass and Fail. All parts must be passed at the M.A. Pass level.

In the event that the student fails to pass any or all portions at the M.A. Pass level, a retake opportunity is provided. The retake exam is given in the next semester, during the week prior to the beginning of classes for the spring semester. The student need only retake those parts in which a grade less than M.A. Pass was received. Only one retake is provided. If the student fails to obtain a M.A. Pass on the second effort, that student is required to leave the M.A. program.

The Comprehensive Examination
This Comprehensive Examination tests over the course material that the student has covered in their formal coursework, with emphasis given to those courses taken in the second year of their academic study. The Comprehensive Examination must be taken no later than the first semester after the student has completed their coursework. If the student fails, he or she may repeat the examination one more time during the following semester or later.

Advising
All M.A. students in the Applied Economics will be advised by the Graduate Program Director (GPD). In no circumstances will a student will be allowed to alter their course curriculum without the permission of the GPD and all elective course selections are to be approved by the GPD. Among other responsibilities, the GPD is responsible for the administration of the Core and Comprehensive Examination.

Applying to the Program
To apply to the master’s program, you must complete a graduate application to the University. In addition, please print out and fill out our department’s MA Application form, making sure to indicate whether you wish to apply to the Applied Track or the Managerial Economics track. Your completed application along with application fee should be sent to:

Office of Admissions and Records
University of Oklahoma
1000 Asp Avenue
Norman, OK 73019-4076

Supporting materials for Applied Track applicants (GRE scores, letters of recommendation) can be sent directly to the Economics Department.

Academic Misconduct
All graduate students are expected to be familiar with what constitutes academic misconduct. Misconduct or plagiarism in the writing the master’s paper or any other paper is a very serious offense and will be punished accordingly. For information about what constitutes misconduct and plagiarism as well as the University’s procedures for academic misconduct, click here.

Contact Information
Dr. Cynthia Rogers, Phone (405) 325-5843, Email: crogers@ou.edu