MA in Economics

The learning goal of the master (MA) program in Economics is to equip students with in-depth understanding of the economic concepts and the functioning of the modern global economy. To achieve the goal, the program offers both theoretically and practically oriented curriculum in which economic theories, institutional framework, and analytic tools are introduced. The program assists in enhancing professional and highly technical skills needed at leading institutions as well as agencies in developing and emerging countries faced with consistently changing economic circumstances.

In order to accomplish the objectives stipulated in the IUJ Graduate School Regulations, as well as the mission of GSIR, International Development Program (IDP) defines the degree requirements and learning objectives which are necessary to MA in Economics as follows:

Degree Requirements

• Enrollment Requirements
  Students are required to enroll for a minimum of two years (six terms) on a degree candidate basis. However, as an exception, students recognized to have achieved distinguished academic performance may meet the requirements within an enrollment period of one to two years.

• Course/Credit Requirements
  Students are required to complete a necessary number of credits of core required courses, core elective courses, and elective courses in accordance with the requirements designated by IDP. These amount to at least 40 credits for students opting to write an MA Thesis, or 44 credits for those choosing to write a Research Report.Credits will be given to students who have completed all activities related to the assessment specified in the course syllabus and have a final evaluation score of 60 points or above (out of 100).
• MA Thesis/Research Report Requirements
  Students are required to complete and submit an acceptable MA Thesis or Research Report under the guidance of supervisors.

• Final Examination Requirements
  Students who opt to write a Thesis are required to pass a final oral examination conducted by a thesis examining committee. For those selecting the Research Report option, no oral examination is required. The examining committee will determine how to conduct the final examination and the students are required to pass the exam.

• GPA Requirement
  Students are required to obtain a total GPA of at least 2.5 out of 4.0.

Learning Objectives

The students in the degree program of MA in Economics are required to:

Knowledge

• Have in-depth knowledge in micro and macroeconomic theories and their application to the real world issues;
• With in-depth knowledge of statistics, econometrics and other data analysis skills, and their application in performing empirical researches;
• Have global and disciplinary knowledge, understand how economics relates to the other social sciences, and understand the world around them both within economics and beyond: and
• Capable to apply advanced research methods in economic studies, including conducting data analysis and reporting.

Skills

• Demonstrate ability to apply economic concepts to understand and explain economic and other social phenomena;
• Equipped with critical thinking skills for analyzing economic problems and evaluating government policies;
• Equipped with adequate mathematical and statistical skills for performing statistical analysis of data and interpreting statistical evidence;
• With effective communication skills for formulating economic arguments, providing insight and advice to both government and private sector stakeholders on economic and public issues; and
• Equipped with co-operative skills to work as a team member or leader, and prepared to navigate in varied and new situations.

Attitudes

• Enthusiastic and great initiative to think in logical, critical, and creative ways;
• Keen on applying analytical skills to understand economic and public issues;
• Constantly make contributions to economic policy evaluation and formulation;
• Appreciate other academic disciplines that help shape the understanding of the world; and
• Keen on apply the knowledge of economics to solving real-world situations.