Our MA program is different from those of most other departments. First, it is an MA program with a separate core curriculum. Second, we offer substantial flexibility in the choice of courses, rather than a set course menu. The MA program, therefore, provides a self-contained terminal professional degree. The structure of the program is similar to the PhD, but generally requires eight courses. In addition to a required core curriculum, a comprehensive exam is required.

Course Requirements

Candidates must complete a minimum of eight semester courses (32 credits). The following courses in micro- and macroeconomic theory and quantitative methods are required: CAS EC 501, 502, 507, and 508. A determination is made whether it is appropriate to opt out of EC 505 by taking the mathematics placement exam. EC 505 will count as one of the MA electives.

Comprehensive Examination

Candidates must pass a written comprehensive examination that tests general knowledge of economic theory and quantitative methods.

Grade Requirements

To be eligible for the MA degree, students are expected to attain an overall grade point average of 2.85 or higher.

(For exact program requirements, see the department rules and regulations, available on request; BA/MA students refer to the Undergraduate Programs Bulletin.)

Applicants to the BA/MA program are recommended to apply in the second semester of their sophomore year, and no later than October 1 of the first semester of their junior year.

This degree program is an intensive three-semester program combining a strong foundation in economics with the management skills appropriate for students interested in careers as policy analysts and decision-makers in government, nonprofit institutions, international organizations, and the private sector. The core of the program provides a foundation in economic theory and its application, quantitative methods, and the basic tools of management analysis. The MAEP permits in-depth specialization in two policy and management fields drawn from courses offered in both the Economics Department and Boston University’s School of Management. Up to four course credits can be earned through internship providing one-site working experience relevant to economics research and policy making.

Admission Requirements are the same as those for the MA in economics.

Course Requirements

Candidates must complete a minimum of twelve semester courses (48 credits). Requirements in quantitative methods and micro- and macroeconomic theory are the same as those for the MA in economics.

Comprehensive Examination

Candidates must pass a written comprehensive examination that tests general knowledge of economic theory and quantitative methods.

Grade Requirements

To be eligible for the MAEP degree, students are expected to attain an overall grade point average of 2.85 or higher. (For exact program requirements, see the department rules and regulations, available on request.)

This degree program is designed for those seeking a rigorous training in economics supplemented by training in the related disciplines of politics, international relations, public health, and infrastructure and environment. The economics core of this program is identical to that required of students taking the MA in economics. In addition, the MA GDE includes a set of economics elective courses that focus on various aspects of development issues and the global economy. Candidates for the MA GDE will also join students from the MA GDP program in taking courses in Governance and Political Economy, International Public Health, Infrastructure and Environmental Planning, and a capstone seminar. The program is intended for students interested in a career in the economic development of lower- and middle-income countries and in transition economies, including working as policy analysts and decision-makers in government, nonprofit institutions, international organizations, and the private sector.

Admission requirements are the same as those for the MA in economics.

Requirements of the Program

The program for the MA in Global Development Economics has five components:

• Three core courses in global development policy
• Four core courses in economics
• Four elective courses in economics
• A final capstone course
• Comprehensive examination

Course Requirements

Candidates must complete a minimum of twelve semester courses (48 credits). Requirements in quantitative methods and micro- and macroeconomic theory are the same as those for the MA in economics.

Comprehensive Examination

Candidates must pass a written comprehensive examination that tests general knowledge of economic theory and quantitative methods.

Grade Requirements

To be eligible for the MA GDE degree, students are expected to attain an overall grade point average of 2.85 or higher. (For exact program requirements, see the department rules and regulations, available on request.)

The Department of Economics participates in the MA in Global Development Policy, which shares some core courses with the MA in Global Development Economics. The MA GDP is designed for students who want to focus on the international relations, international health, and environmental aspects rather than the economics of global development. More information about the MA GDP can be found in the International Relations section of this catalogue.

Training in the related fields of management and economics is professionally desirable in an increasing number of areas. Boston University meets this need by providing a coordinated program leading to both degrees. Obtaining the two degrees separately would normally require six semesters in residence, but through careful course selection and by eliminating overlapping courses, the dual degree may be obtained in five semesters (80 credits). The entire program may thus be completed in two calendar years (two academic years and one summer for well-prepared students, two academic years and two summers for less well-prepared students).

Application

Applicants must apply to the Graduate School of Management stating their intention to apply to the dual degree program. Applications may be obtained from the School of Management Admissions Office, Room 110, 595 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is required, and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test is recommended. Applicants currently enrolled in either the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences or the Graduate School of Management may not apply beyond the end of the first semester of enrollment.

Course Requirements

Candidates normally register for three semesters in the Graduate School of Management (GSM) and two semesters in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GRS), but may cross-register and take courses in both Schools in any semester. Students must successfully complete a minimum of 40 credits in GSM and 24 credits in the Department of Economics; the other 16 credits may be taken in GSM, the Department of Economics, or, with prior approval, elsewhere in the University. Requirements in quantitative methods and micro- and macroeconomic theory are the same as those for the MA in economics. The minimum requirements for the respective degrees must be fulfilled in this dual degree program, with the exception of preapproved substitutions caused by overlapping courses.

Comprehensive Examination

See “Comprehensive Examination” in the MA in Economics section above.

See General Requirements for the PhD in this bulletin.

Course Requirements

Postbachelor doctoral students (MAPE/PhD) must complete 16 semester courses (64 credits) beyond the BA degree. Post-master’s doctoral students (PhD) must complete 14 semester courses (56 credits). If a post-master’s doctoral student passes the waiver exam for GRS EC 705, then 13 courses (52 credits) must be completed. All doctoral students are required to successfully complete the core courses by the end of the second semester: GRS EC 701 and 702, 703 and 704, 707, 708 as well as 705 if a waiver is not obtained.

Residency Requirement

Students must satisfy the PhD residency requirement outlined in General Requirements for the PhD.

Qualifying Examination

All students must pass qualifying examinations in microeconomics and macroeconomics by the end of their fourth semester.

Grade Requirements

Students must maintain an average of 3.14159 or better in the core courses in order to be in good standing in either the MA in political economy or the PhD program. (For the exact grade requirements and other program rules, see the department rules and regulations, available from the department on request.)

Dissertation

With the help of faculty advisors, a PhD candidate starts work on his or her dissertation by choosing a dissertation topic, usually by the sixth semester, and preparing for the proposal seminar. For the proposal to be accepted, the dissertation candidate must have two advisors and an independent reader, appointed by the director of graduate instruction, who have unanimously approved a thesis proposal.

Dissertation Defense

After the dissertation is written and has received preliminary approval by the candidate’s committee, the final oral examination is scheduled. The examining committee consists of two advisors, an independent reader, and two additional faculty members designated by the director of graduate instruction.

For more detailed information about the MA in political economy and PhD requirements, please visit the department’s website at www.bu.edu/econ.

Courses

• CAS EC 501 Microeconomic Theory
• CAS EC 502 Macroeconomic Theory
• CAS EC 505 Elementary Mathematical Economics
• CAS EC 507 Statistics for Economists
• CAS EC 508 Econometrics
• CAS EC 513 Game Theory
• CAS EC 515 Economics of Information
• CAS EC 517 Economic Models of Social Learning and Coordination
• CAS EC 521 Development Policy
• CAS EC 531 Market Structure and Industrial Organization
• CAS EC 536 Organizational Economics
• CAS EC 541 Topics in Monetary Theory and Macroeconomics
• CAS EC 542 Money and Financial Intermediation
• CAS EC 545 Financial Economics
• CAS EC 551 Economics of Labor Markets
• CAS EC 562 Public Economics II
• CAS EC 563 Race and the Development of the American Economy: A Global Perspective
• CAS EC 565 Economic Institutions in Historical Perspective
• CAS EC 566 History of Public Finance and the Rise of the State in Europe
• CAS EC 569 Public Finance Policy Issues
• CAS EC 571 Energy and Environmental Economics
• CAS EC 572 Public Control of Business
• CAS EC 581 Health Economics I
• CAS EC 591 International Trade
• CAS EC 595 International Finance
• GRS EC 699 Teaching College Economics I
• GRS EC 701 Microeconomic Theory
• GRS EC 702 Macroeconomic Theory
• GRS EC 703 Advanced Microeconomic Theory I
• GRS EC 704 Advanced Macroeconomic Theory I
• GRS EC 705 Introduction to Mathematical Economics
• GRS EC 707 Advanced Statistics for Economists
• GRS EC 708 Advanced Econometrics I
• GRS EC 709 Advanced Econometrics
• GRS EC 711 Advanced Topics in Econometrics
• GRS EC 712 Time Series Econometric
• GRS EC 716 Game Theory
• GRS EC 717 Inequality Advanced Topics in Microeconomic Theory I
• GRS EC 718 Advanced Topics in Microeconomic Theory II
• GRS EC 719 Advanced Topics in the Economics of Information
• GRS EC 721 Topics in Development Economics
• GRS EC 722 Topics in Economic Development II
• GRS EC 731 Market Organization and Public Policy
• GRS EC 732 Topics in Industrial Organization
• GRS EC 741 Topics in Macroeconomics and Monetary Theory
• GRS EC 742 Applied Macroeconomics
• GRS EC 744 Economic Dynamics
• GRS EC 751 Topics in Labor Economics I
• GRS EC 752 Topics in Labor Economics II
• GRS EC 761 Public Finance
• GRS EC 762 Topics in Applied Public Finance
• GRS EC 781 Health Economics
• GRS EC 782 Health Economics in Developing Countries
• GRS EC 791 International Trade
• GRS EC 792 International Finance

Dissertation Workshops

• GRS EC 901–996 Dissertation Workshops
• GRS EC 901, 902 Dissertation Workshop in Macro and Monetary Economics
• GRS EC 903, 904 Dissertation Workshop in Applied Microeconomics
• GRS EC 905, 906 Dissertation Workshop in Economic Theory

Directed Study

Directed study must be approved in advance of registration by the staff member concerned and the Committee on Graduate Instruction. Instructor and hours arranged. Variable cr.