Master of Arts in Economics

The MA program in economics is specifically designed to provide students with a strong theoretical foundation, solid quantitative skills, and the critical thinking tools necessary to succeed in a world-class doctoral program or advance through the ranks of their chosen professions. In addition, the program’s diverse curriculum and distinguished faculty members help prepare students to become ideal candidates for prestigious and challenging jobs in international, government and private institutions. The program opens numerous opportunities for prestigious and creative jobs in research centers and departments, both in government and private institutions. AUC graduates of this program have also made valuable additions to several UN and international development institutions.

All students must take the following four courses (12 credit hours): 

• ECON 501/5221 - Advanced Macroeconomic Theory (3 cr.) 

• ECON 502/5211 - Advanced Microeconomic Theory (3 cr.) 

• ECON 518/5281 - Econometrics (3 cr.) 

• ECON 525/5201 - Research Workshop (3 cr.) 

Three Additional Courses (9 credit hours) 

A maximum of three hours of 5000-level courses or 4000-level courses in related fields other than economics may be taken for graduate credit with the approval of the director of graduate studies and the department chair. 

Thesis Track 

Thesis (6 credit hours) 

An M.A. thesis is not allowed to be submitted for examination until the student has made a presentation of a major part of it at the department seminar. 

Non-Thesis Track 

Within the non-thesis track, students must complete at least one concentration field (6 credit hours). 

The MA in economics offers four concentration fields: 

1. Middle East Economic Development (6 credit hours) 

1. ECON 511/5252 - Economic Development in Middle East Countries (3 cr.) 

2. ECON 512/5254 - Economic Growth & Development (3 cr.) 

2. Competitive Strategy and Valuation (6 credit hours) 

1. ECON 519/5213 - Project Evaluation (3 cr.) 

2. ECON 520/5215 - Competitive Strategy and Game Theory (3 cr.) 

3. International Economics (6 credit hours) 

1. ECON 505/5231 - Advanced International Trade (3 cr.) 

2. ECON 517/5233 - International Finance (3 cr.) 

4. Financial Economics (6 credit hours) 

1. ECON 504/5241 - Financial Economics (3 cr.) 

2. ECON 528/5242 - Financial Econometrics (3 cr.)

Applicants to the master’s program in economics should have a considerable background in economic theory. An applicant whose bachelor’s degree is in a discipline other than economics may be admitted provisionally, but in such cases the applicant must complete additional undergraduate courses. The prerequisite for full admission to the master’s program in economics is the completion of ECON 4061 and ECON 4081 with a grade of B or better; i.e., a student must complete ECON 4061 and ECON 4081 before enrolling in any 500-level course. 

For admission, the department accepts the following minimum Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores: 150 verbal, 150 quantitative and 3.0 analytical (which is equivalent to 450 verbal, 600 quantitative and 3.0 analytical for exams taken prior to September 1, 2011). Prior to full admission, students must have reported their GRE scores. Students applying for a master’s in economics can choose either a thesis or a non-thesis track option. Total credit hours for completion of the master’s degree for either track is 27 credit hours.

AUC offers a variety of fellowships, academic scholarships and work-study opportunities to assist students in financing their graduate studies. Below is a list of fellowships and scholarships available at the graduate level:

• African Graduate Fellowships 

African, non-Egyptian students 

• Dr. Ahmed and Ann M. El-Mokadem Fellowship 

Egyptian nationals 

• University Fellowships 

All nationalities 

• Engaged Scholars Fellowship Program 

Egyptian nationals 

• MAL/MUN Fellowships 
• Ryoichi Sasakawa Endowed Young Leaders Fellowships Fund (SYLFF) Program 

All nationalities

For more information and for applications