Some students choose to follow the Master's degree with enrollment in a Ph.D. program, either at The University of Arizona or elsewhere. Many AREC graduates have excelled in premier doctoral programs throughout the United States. In most cases, the Master's program requires three or four semesters of coursework. Students complete a 12-credit core requirement including two courses in economic theory and two courses in econometrics. Students may select remaining coursework according to their interests.
Students choose specific courses in consultation with their academic advisor.
Under the research option, students traditionally write a thesis and take up to six units of research credit. As an alternative, students may complete three research units and write a technical paper. This paper may include one chapter of a thesis, with a detailed outline of remaining chapters, or be a lay or extension publication. Students pursuing the technical paper or non-research option are required to complete additional coursework. All M.S. candidates must pass a final oral examination.