Economics (M.S.)
https://www.unh.edu/program/master-science/economics
Paul College’s STEM-designated Master of Science in Economics is a program like no other. Students can choose between two distinct paths — an Academic Track and an Industry Track — or customize their studies through a Mixed Track that blends elements of both.
The Academic Track provides a rigorous foundation in doctoral-level economic theory, econometric analysis, and research methods. It is ideal for students who aspire to become research economists or plan to pursue a Ph.D. in economics.
The Industry Track offers a uniquely interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates economic theory, data analytics, statistical modeling, and business applications. Students develop advanced technical skills while learning how to apply economic reasoning to real-world business challenges. Innovative courses such as Macroeconomic Consulting and Machine Learning for Economics exemplify the program’s distinctive hands-on approach.
Few master’s programs in the country match the interdisciplinary breadth and rigor of Paul College’s MS in Economics. Students gain expertise in economic theory and econometrics, learn to code in R and Python, and develop applied data skills using SQL, Power BI, and Tableau—all within one year. Graduates emerge uniquely prepared to help organizations interpret market conditions, define strategic problems, and drive data-informed decision-making. Professionals with this combination of economic insight and technical proficiency are in high demand across industries.
The program can be completed in 12 months. It begins with an intensive Mathematical Economics course taught during the first two weeks of the fall semester, followed by two semesters of coursework. Several industry-track courses are offered in 8-week terms, providing flexibility and an accelerated learning experience. A capstone project completes the program: industry-track students conduct a corporate consulting project in the spring, while academic-track students take a comprehensive exam in microeconomic or macroeconomic theory in early summer.
The program requires a minimum of 32 credit hours of coursework and a capstone experience. All students must complete three core classes.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| The Core | ||
| ECON 825 | Mathematical Economics 1 | 4 |
| ECON 926 | Econometrics I | 4 |
| ECON 976 | Microeconomics I | 4 |
| Industry Track | ||
| DS 801 | Business Intelligence 2 | 3 |
| DS 804 | Exploration and Communication of Data 2 | 3 |
| ECON 890 | Analytical Economics in Practice (Capstone) 2 | 3 |
| ECON 871 | Macroeconomic Consulting 2 | 3 |
| ECON 875 | Strategy Analysis: Games and Auctions 2 | 3 |
| ECON 865 | Machine Learning for Economics | 3 |
| or ECON 927 | Econometrics II | |
| Elective | ||
| Select one course from the following: 3 | 3-4 | |
| Big Data in Finance | ||
| Marketing Analytics | ||
| Business Forecasting | ||
| Text and Image Analytics | ||
| Econometrics III, Time Series Econometrics | ||
| Data Mining and Predictive Analytics | ||
| Academic Track | ||
| ECON 927 | Econometrics II | 4 |
| ECON 972 | Macroeconomics I | 4 |
| ECON 973 | Macroeconomics II | 4 |
| ECON 977 | Microeconomics II | 4 |
| ECON 988 | Graduate Economics Seminar (Fall and Spring) | 4 |
| Capstone - Comprehensive Exam | ||
| Mixed Track | ||
| ECON 871 | Macroeconomic Consulting 2 | 3 or 4 |
| or ECON 972 | Macroeconomics I | |
| At least 15 credits of classes (if ECON 972 is selected) or 14 credits of classes (if ECON 871 is selected) from either the industry or academic track. Students are recommended to take at least 5 credits of classes beyond the core during the fall semester and 8 credits of classes beyond the core during the spring semester. | ||
- 1
Course is offered in the first two weeks of the Fall semester and involves in-class and online learning. It provides the mathematical foundation needed for the fall theory and econometrics classes.
- 2
Course is scheduled on an 8-week term calendar and entails 32 hours of contact time.
- 3
Or another elective course with advisor approval.
Accelerated Master's Overview
Accelerated Master’s programs offer qualified University of New Hampshire undergraduate students the opportunity to begin graduate coursework in select graduate programs while completing a bachelor’s degree. Accelerated master's programs are designed to provide students with an efficient and cost-effective pathway to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree or graduate certificate, enhancing career opportunities and long-term earning potential.
Accelerated Master's Highlights
- Begin studying advanced topics while an undergraduate student with the opportunity to complete a master’s degree or graduate certificate early.
- Master’s degree program students: Earn up to 12* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
- Graduate certificate program students: Earn up to 8* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s degree and the graduate certificate.
- Students complete the bachelor’s degree, and then officially matriculate into the master’s or graduate certificate program to complete the remaining required graduate-level coursework.
*Some exceptions apply.
Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements
- A minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA is required.*
- A minimum of 90 undergraduate credits must be completed prior to enrolling in graduate (800-level) courses.
- Streamlined Graduate School Application (two letters of recommendation; most standardized tests and application fee are waived).*
*Some exceptions apply.
Accelerated Master's Requirements
- Students must attend a mandatory orientation session.
- Students must submit a special registration form each semester for dual-credit courses and note any DegreeWorks exceptions.
- Students may defer graduate matriculation for up to one year after earning their bachelor’s degree in most programs.
- See the Accelerated Master’s Catalog Policy and Accelerated Master’s Website for additional information and a list of programs. Note that some programs have additional requirements (e.g. higher-grade expectations) compared to the general policy.
Economics (M.S.) Accelerated Option
This graduate degree program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis in articulation with the following undergraduate program(s):
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Economics (B.S.) | ||
| Business Administration: Accounting (B.S.) | ||
| Business Administration: Finance (B.S.) | ||
| Business Administration: Information Systems and Business Analytics (B.S.) | ||
| Economics (B.A.) | ||
| Students select from the following approved 800-level courses that can be completed in the undergraduate senior year for dual credit: | ||
| ADMN 873 | Data Management and Visualization | 3 |
| ECON 871 | Macroeconomic Consulting | 3 |
| ECON 875 | Strategy Analysis: Games and Auctions | 3 |
| MATH 838 | Data Mining and Predictive Analytics | 3 |
| Other approved 800-level electives | ||
Additional Information
After matriculating into the master's program, students take a minimum of 20 additional credits to complete the master's program requirements.
Students will be required to earn a B- or better in graduate courses to earn credits toward their degree.
Program Learning Outcomes
Core Competencies- Utilize economic theory to formulate and solve optimization problems for consumer and firm decision making (e.g., marginal analysis).
- Apply statistical and econometric methods using programming languages to analyze and draw valid conclusions from data.
- Demonstrate an ability to formulate well-designed research projects.
- Apply principles of data analytics to store, manage, and visualize large datasets.
- Identify and demonstrate how economic theory, econometrics, and data analytics can be applied to decision making at an enterprise level.
- Apply advanced graduate-level microeconomic and macroeconomic theory to understand markets and the economy.
- Demonstrate an ability to comprehend and critique current scholarly research in macroeconomics and microeconomics.