2011-2012 Archived Catalog Information

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ECONOMIC POLICY

The Master of Science in Economic Policy (MSEP) is designed for students preparing for careers in government, business or academia, as an administrator, analyst or consultant. It is for those who are interested in understanding the economic basis and the economic effects of public policy decisions and who want to acquire quantitative skills for public policy analysis. Students completing the program will typically pursue (1) a private or public-sector career in government budget or tax analysis, (2) a career in government consulting or government relations or (3) a Ph.D. in economics or public policy. Public policy practitioners and analysts will find the program valuable in analyzing current and proposed public policy initiatives. Those working in business or the financial sector will be able to analyze the effect of public policies on their industry and the economy.

Admission Requirements

Students may apply for admission in the fall semester or in the spring semester part-time upon the approval of the graduate program director. To be admitted, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and must submit, along with the application, a statement of professional goals, two letters of recommendation, transcripts of previous academic work, and GRE scores (GMAT scores may be substituted). International students must also submit TOEFL scores and a statement of financial resources. In certain cases, an interview may be required. Candidates must also have completed undergraduate courses in Principles of Economics and in Principles of Statistics. Candidates may take these courses at Suffolk University prior to being admitted into the program. 

Degree Requirements

The degree requires the successful completion of eight required courses, one elective course and an internship (or the completion of eight required courses, EC 785, and one elective course for students who are already working or have relevant work experience). Full-time students with the appropriate background can complete the program in three semesters. The program is offered in the evening and students may enroll on a part-time basis. A full-time course load is 12 credit hours per term.

All courses carry 3 credit hours unless otherwise indicated. The faculty will advise students as to which courses they should complete each semester. The program must be completed in no more than five years.

All degree, curriculum, and course descriptions are subject to review and revision.

Curriculum

Required Courses

EC 700 Quantitative Foundations of Economic Analysis (1 credit) *required for those who have not taken calculus at the college level

EC 710 Macroeconomics

EC 720 Applied Microeconomics

EC 721 Public Economics: Tax and Budget Policy

EC 723 Economics of Regulation

EC 724 Cost-Benefit Analysis and Impact Evaluation

EC 733 Public Choice

EC 750 Applied Econometrics

EC 760 Applied Time Series Methods 

EC 785 Topics in Economics

Elective Courses

EC 730 International Trade Theory and Policy

EC 790 Internship (students with full time work experience are not eligible to take this course)

GVT 623** Political Survey Research

GVT 637** Public Policy and Business

GVT 763 International Political Economy

PAD 713* Budgeting and Financial Management

PAD 827* Financing State and Local Government

*Offered by the Sawyer Business School.

**Offered by the Department of Government.