Handbook of Graduate Studies

IV. THE M.A. PROGRAM

IV.1  The student may choose either Plan A or Plan B

A.   Under Plan A, the student completes at least 15 credits of advanced course work plus 9 credits of thesis research (Grad 5950 or Grad 396), maintaining at least a "B" average (3.0), and writes a thesis (a substantial work of original scholarship which demonstrates mastery of the fundamental elements of the field). The student must assemble an advisory committee of three faculty members; the major advisor has primary responsibility for supervision of the thesis.

B.  Under Plan B, the student completes at least 24 credits of advanced course work, maintaining at least a "B" average.  Of these 24 credits, 6 may be earned in advanced undergraduate courses, provided they are not open to sophomores. Each student also has the option of including up to 6 credits in a related field, subject to approval of his or her advisory committee.  Three of the credits in a related field may be among the allowed undergraduate courses. Plan B students must also complete a Master's paper (see details under “The M.A. Final Examination” below).

A.  The core courses are

• Mathematical Economics: Econ 5301 (or 6301)
• MicroeconomicTheory: Econ 5201 (or 6201)
• Macroeconomic Theory:  Econ 5202 (or 6202)
• Econometrics: Stat 3025 and Econ 5311 (or Stat 5301, and Econ 6311, 6312)

B.  If a student has taken graduate courses at another university before coming to UConn, (s)he may substitute higher level courses (shown in parentheses) for the core courses.    Students admitted directly into the Ph.D. program who choose to earn an M.A. degree may also substitute higher level courses to meet the M.A. core course requirements.  Waivers of core course requirements may be granted in special circumstances by the DGS, based on the merits of the case and in consultation with the student’s advisory committee, and the appropriate faculty member.  Course waivers do not count towards meeting the 24 credits requirement for the M.A. degree.  Up to six credits of advanced course work completed or to be completed at other institutions may be approved for transfer to UConn (subject to conditions described in the Graduate Catalog).

IV.3 THE M.A. FINAL EXAMINATION

A. Under Plan A, the M.A. final examination will consist of an oral defense of the M.A. thesis.

B. Under Plan B, the M.A. final examination will consist of successful completion of a substantial applied research paper (3750-5000 words, in standard professional style, demonstrating original work). More Details...

C. For students in the Ph.D. program who wish to earn an M.A. degree, passing the Ph.D. prelims in Micro and Macro shall count as passing the Final Examination for the M.A. degree under Plan B.
D. Under both plans, the decision as to whether a student has passed or failed the M.A. Final Examination rests solely with his or her advisory committee.  A report on the Final Examination (http://www.grad.uconn.edu/forms.html) shall be sent to the Graduate School.

IV.4  NORMAL PROGRESS

A.   This section provides guidelines defining normal progress for completion of degrees by full-time M.A. students in the Department of Economics.  For those not making normal progress as defined here, continuation in the graduate program, and eligibility for financial aid are in jeopardy.

B. Normally, students should register in the Fall term for Econ 5202, Econ 5202, Stat 220 (the statistics prerequisite for Econ 5311) and Econ 5301. In the Spring term, students under Plan A register for Econ 5311 and Grad 5950, select an advisory committee and begin their thesis. Students under Plan B register for Econ 5311 and three electives, select an advisory committee and begin work on their M.A. paper. Students normally complete their master’s degree in two semesters, plus a final summer if necessary.