Master of Arts in Economics

The Master of Arts in Economics (MAE) is a transformative one-year program offering extraordinary access to the faculty and resources that only Chicago Economics can provide. The program is designed for a versatile group of students and can be tailored to those interested in entering industry as well as those who are looking to pursue a PhD after their Master’s. Applicants considering this highly selective program are expected to have substantial mathematical and economics experience. Students complete three master’s level Economics courses (microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics) and six graduate electives drawn from master’s level courses in the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics and master’s and PhD level courses in the Harris School of Public Policy and the Chicago Booth School of Business. 

Students in the MAE do not produce a traditional thesis, though a research component is an important and required component of the program. Students interested in completing a thesis and PhD level coursework in Economics should apply to the Research Intensive Track. 

All applicants, whether or not they intend to pursue the Research Intensive Track, must have completed advanced coursework in multivariable calculus, linear algebra, probability, and statistics at the point of matriculation. Prior exposure to real analysis is recommended. A solid foundation in calculus-based microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometric theory is required.