Main navigation
- Programs
- Subjects
- Universities
- Destinations
- Advice
The Master of Arts in Applied Economics program at UIC caters to students seeking either a foundation for doctoral studies or career advancement requiring this specialized training. Our curriculum delivers intensive instruction in economic theory and statistical methods, accommodating students with varying mathematical backgrounds - particularly those who may not meet the prerequisites for direct entry into a PhD program. Notably, we've compressed this intensive curriculum into three consecutive semesters (including summer), allowing completion in just ten months. This accelerated format significantly lowers expenses and lets students transition to doctoral programs or professional roles after only one academic year. Alternatively, qualified candidates with appropriate prior coursework may bypass summer classes and commence studies in the fall.
Our program design accommodates learners from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. While maintaining analytical rigor, our core theory and statistics courses minimize mathematical prerequisites and avoid heavy emphasis on proofs or derivations. Advanced students with strong mathematical preparation can opt for PhD-level courses as substitutes for standard MA classes, allowing them to tackle material at a higher mathematical level and better showcase their capabilities to graduate programs and potential employers.
In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements: Baccalaureate Field An undergraduate degree in economics is not required. Prior academic work must include one semester of calculus and statistics. Applicants are encouraged to take at least one more semester of calculus and intermediate microeconomic theory. Grade Point Average At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate study.
Minimum English Competency Test Score: TOEFL 80, with sub scores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Test); 60, with sub scores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Writing 21 (revised Paper-Delivered Test), OR, IELTS 6.5, with sub scores of 6.0 for all four sub scores, OR, PTE-Academic 54, with sub scores of Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, and Writing 56.