Economics (MS)

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The Department of Economics will not admit outside applicants to its MS in Economics program. Enrollment in this degree program is reserved for students currently in the department's PhD in Economics program.

If a student enrolled in the PhD in Economics program does not already have a master's degree, the Department of Economics strongly recommends that such a student work toward satisfying the degree requirements for the MS in Economics. This involves a minimum of 32 units of course work, which a student can meet while working to complete their doctoral degree.

Required Courses: 16 Units

Students are required to take the following courses. Successful completion of these four courses will satisfy 16 units of the program’s 32-unit requirement.

ECON 601 Microeconomic Theory I Units: 4
ECON 602 Macroeconomic Theory I Units: 4
ECON 609 Econometric Methods Units: 4
ECON 611 Probability and Statistics for Economists Units: 4

Electives: 16 Units

Students are encouraged to explore the diverse collection of courses offered by the Department of Economics and USC. Stipulations concerning elective courses are as follows:

All elective courses (ECON and non-ECON) must be approved by the Program Adviser. It is important that students receive approval prior to enrolling in elective courses
Only 400-level, 500-level and 600-level course work may be applied toward degree requirements
At least 8 of these 16 units must be ECON courses
At least 8 of these 16 units must be in courses that are 500-level or higher
No more than 4 units of ECON 590 may be applied to the degree