While students from any major may apply, applicants are expected to have some knowledge of economics, preferably at least one undergraduate economics class. The M.A. program requires 42 credits of course work. All degree candidates must take 24 credits of work in the required courses, as described below. The remaining course work encompasses electives, and a final project, internships, independent studies, or study abroad. These should be chosen in consultation with an advisor, and related to the student's career objectives.
Many students opt to focus their studies on a particular region, policy issue, or business sector.
The M.A. program is based upon a cohort system, in which each entering class must take the same sequence of courses for the first half of the program. The curriculum for this sequence of eight courses is designed as a single unit. All eight required courses will be offered in both fall and spring semesters, with electives concentrated in the summer. Besides allowing class members to get to know each other well, this system ensures that students have adequate background for higher level courses, and allows the faculty to plan the required core courses as a coherent group. The first courses in the fast-track core are ITRN 500 and ITRN 503.