Jun 15, 2025  
USC Catalogue 2024-2025 
    
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USC Catalogue 2024-2025

Economics (MA)

The Department of Economics will not admit outside applicants to its MA in Economics program. Enrollment in this degree program is reserved for students currently in the department’s PhD in Economics program. 

If a student enrolled in the doctoral program does not already have a master’s degree, the department strongly recommends that such a student work toward satisfying the degree requirements for the MA in Economics. This involves a minimum of 32 units of course work, which a student can meet while working to complete their doctorate. 

Required Courses: 16 Units

Students are required to take ECON 601 , ECON 602 , ECON 609  and ECON 611 . Successful completion of these four courses will satisfy 16 units of the program’s 32-unit requirement. 

Electives: 16 Units

Students are encouraged to explore the diverse collection of courses offered by the Department of Economics and USC. Stipulations concerning elective courses are as follows:

  • Only 400-level, 500-level and 600-level course work can be applied toward degree requirements. 
     
  • At least 8 of these 16 units must be ECON courses.
     
  • At least 8 of these 16 units must be in courses that are 500-level or higher.
     
  • No more than 4 units of ECON 590  may be applied to the degree.

All elective courses (ECON and non-ECON) must be approved by an academic adviser. It is important that students receive approval prior to enrolling in elective courses.