Overview
Master of Arts Program in Economics Readies Students for a Professional Career or an Advanced Degree
Northeastern's Master of Arts program in economics combines analytical tools with policy applications to lay the groundwork for a solid foundation in economic theory and quantitative methods. The program offers qualified students the chance to apply for paid positions as practicing economists for three- or six-month periods while pursuing their degrees. Approximately 10¿20 students enter the program each year, so although the program supports a full slate of core courses and electives, the relatively small number of students preserves a sense of community among the classes.
On-the-Job Learning and Academic Training Provide a Winning Combination for Success
The Department of Economics offers students a graduate-level cooperative education program as part of its Master of Arts degree. The co-op option gives qualified students a chance to combine their graduate education pursuits with actual work experience in the field of economics. Students must meet academic criteria and pass a rigorous internal interview process in order to be recommended to the prospective employers who will make the final hiring decisions. The co-op project usually starts after the end of the spring semester and continues until the end of the fall semester, when the student returns to complete academic requirements for the degree.
Students Prepare for Business and Government Positions with Specialized Ph.D. Programs in Applied Economics
Public- and private-sector employers are always looking for Ph.D.-trained economists, regardless of the economic climate of the world. Northeastern's doctoral program in applied economics is small and highly focused on blending theory, practice, and policy in two specialized fields¿industrial organization and labor economics. Industrial organization economics evaluates market performance and determines the appropriate policy responses to employ when markets are not performing well. The field of labor economics analyzes theoretical and empirical issues such as discrimination, labor legislation, life-cycle analysis, intergenerational earnings mobility, and employment and training policies. The Ph.D. program can be entered by students holding either a bachelor's or master's degree.
Academics at Northeastern Are Supplemented by Active Seminars, Forums, and Social Activities
The Department of Economics holds an active seminar series each year, inviting visiting faculty, researchers, and policy analysts to make presentations and hold workshops for students. Prominent guest speakers come to Northeastern to take part in Economic Policy Forums to discuss contemporary economic policy. Special events, such as panel discussions, are held often throughout the year, and social activities are planned to give students and faculty members the chance to interact outside of the classroom.
Northeastern's Mission Is to Instruct, Encourage, Enable, and Prepare Students for Understanding Economic Issues
Northeastern's degree programs are designed to prepare students for successful careers in applied economics, to help students become policy-literate and more informed, and to provide students with appropriate analytical skills to lay the foundation for lifelong learning. The Department of Economics has designed academic programs with a mission to help students attain a better understanding of the global, national, and local economic issues that they will be faced with now and in the future. By focusing research toward enlightening the public about these issues, the department attempts to encourage independent intellectual inquiry while developing a platform for research activities. Rigorous undergraduate and graduate degree programs using hands-on research assignments and employing state-of-the-art educational technology emphasize the relationship of theory to practice. Degree programs place strong emphasis on students' independent learning experiences, extensive student-professor interaction, and ensuring a friendly, supportive environment for learning.
Northeastern University Offers Intellectual Stimulation in a Beautiful, Economically Exciting Setting
Northeastern University is located on Huntington Avenue, which is also known as Boston's "Avenue of the Arts" because it is home to many of Boston's top cultural institutions. In addition, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the trendy shops of Newbury Street, sporting events, and some of Boston's best dance clubs are all within walking distance of the campus. Boston's public transit system, the "T," can take students anywhere else in the city. Students from around the world are drawn to Northeastern because Boston is a vibrant center of economic opportunities and intellectual stimulation. With so many organizations located so close to the university, students have ample opportunity to make connections in the field of economics and find exceptional career options available upon graduation.
