Which is better a Master’s of Arts, MA, or a Master’s of Science, MS Degree?
All new economics graduate students are admitted to the Master’s of Science (MS), nonthesis, Program. Students who wish to transfer to the Master’s of Arts (MA), thesis, Program must petition the Economics Graduate Program Committee. The MS Program better prepares students for positions in businesses, governments, and nonprofits. The additional courses in the MS program allow students to develop skills that employers value. Writing a thesis is beneficial for students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. especially those who already have strong math backgrounds. However, for potential Ph.D. students in Economics or Finance who have limited math backgrounds taking additional math courses may be more important than completing a thesis. Students who have an ongoing interest in a particular area of economics and who can only spend a limited amount of time taking classes should consider the MA program.
