The MA program in Economics integrates economic theory, quantitative methods, and practical applications and it offers three specializations: Finance, Business Management, and Public Economics.
MA in Economics
Our faculty is internationally recognized for their excellence in teaching and conducting path-breaking research in areas such as finance, entrepreneurship, leadership, international economics and trade, econometrics, environmental studies, and social networks. Some of our outstanding students have been admitted to PhD programs at top-ranking universities. Our graduates have gone on to jobs with excellent companies around the world.
Our privileged location in NYC provides students with almost unlimited opportunities. You can hop on a subway to meet an alum working on Wall Street or in the NYC Department of Finance for a quick coffee, which may lead to another subway ride to an internship interview.
Our program is not only academically rigorous but also significantly less expensive than other comparable programs in NYC, particularly if you qualify for in-state tuition. We understand the financial burden of pursuing higher education, and our affordable tuition is designed to make our program accessible to all deserving students.
The department has both Economics and Business faculty and, therefore, offers an array of business course offerings. For example, you can take a course in Entrepreneurship, which is a rarity in traditional Economics MA programs.
In the same vein, the college hosts the Zahn Innovation Center to boost your next big idea
Admissions
To apply to the MA in Economics program
Complete the application form and process the application fee. Then proceed to mail all supporting documents
- 2-page Statement of Purpose
- Two letters of recommendation (at least one letter should be academic)
- Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Resume/CV
- TOEFL/IELTS tests and scores
- GRE score (not required)
All application materials should be submitted online via the Apply Yourself website. Nothing should be mailed to the program director or to the department directly. All supporting documents such as official transcripts, application fee, and any other supporting materials should be mailed to the Office of Admissions at:
WILLE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, ROOM 101
160 CONVENT AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10031
For more information on how to apply, please visit the CCNY’s Graduate Admissions official website or read the FAQ section above for further inquiries.
Requirements
We primarily consider grades in undergraduate coursework.
Typically applicants will have completed the following coursework:
- Introductory and Intermediate Microeconomics
- Introductory and Intermediate Macroeconomics
- Calculus
- Statistics
Students that have not completed the above required courses might be accepted conditionally. Those students will have to take the rest of the required courses at the undergraduate level within the school. In consultation with the MA Director they might simultaneously take a few graduate courses. Conditional admission depends on many factors including overall GPA, recommendation letters, personal statement, and performance in the bachelor’s degree.
All applicants from countries in which the official language is not English are required to submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores [500 (pBt), 61 (iBt)].
Minimum GPA: 3.0 or above.
GRE not required for admission
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FAQS
How can I apply for the MA in Economics program?
Submit transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a 2-page Personal Statement. More details on course offerings and degree requirements can be found at the Economics MA Bulletin, department page, and CCNY Graduate Admissions page.
When are the deadlines for admissions applications?
Spring: November 20th
Fall: May 15th
Fall Extended: June 1st
How quickly can I complete the degree?
If you take three courses each semester, you can complete the MA degree in four semesters (less than two calendar years).
How much time can I take to complete the degree?
You can complete the degree on a part-time basis with one or two courses per semester.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. A variety of subsidized loans and graduate assistantships are available. Many students work as teaching assistants. Please see the Financial Aid page. Please click here to learn more about the Colin Powell School Graduate Fellowship.
Do you require submission of test scores?
Generally, NO. For international students, all applicants from countries in which the official language is not English are required to submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores [500 (pBt), 61 (iBt)].
Do you offer job placement services?
CCNY has an active Professional Development Institute that organizes career fairs, supports professional development like resume and cover letter writing, and generally acts as a clearing house for employers and potential employees. We also have a network of CCNY MA Economics alumni in NYC and around the world, and a strong Economics and Business Alumni association who can provide advice and help find opportunities.
Where do alumni of the MA in Economics program find employment?
Alumni from the program have gone on to work at various government agencies and in the private sector. Some have pursued doctoral studies in economics. Please check the departmental alumni and MA Alumni Stories pages.
Do you have an internship program?
The MA in Economics program does not offer an in-house internship program, but the Career and Professional Development Institute keeps an active list of employers who seek interns during the summer, as well as the fall and spring semesters. Employers regularly contact CCNY with open positions.
Sounds good. But there are several other MA in Economics programs. What competitive advantages do you offer?
While quantifying all those advantages comprehensively is a difficult task, there are some unique advantages to getting your MA in Economics at the CCNY Department of Economics and Business:
Being in NYC, you’ll have almost unlimited opportunities. You can hop on a subway to meet an alum working on Wall Street or in the NYC Department of Finance for a quick coffee, which may lead to another subway ride to an internship interview.
The program is also significantly less expensive than other comparable programs in NYC, particularly if you qualify for in-state tuition.
The department has both Economics and Business faculty, and so presents an array of business course offerings. For example, you can take a course in Entrepreneurship — a rarity in traditional Economics MA programs.
In the same vein, the college hosts the Zahn Innovation Center, to boost your next big idea.
You will have an opportunity to take related courses in another department at CCNY, such as in Public Administration or Computer Science (with MA advisor’s approval).
CCNY is part of CUNY, an extended network of colleges all within NYC. You will have opportunities to access an extended array of courses, taking up to three classes at other colleges within the CUNY system, such as Baruch College or Hunter College.
Can someone who does not have a Bachelors in Economics apply to the MA in Economics program?
Yes. Such students may be admitted conditionally if they do not have certain standard Economics courses as part of their background (see #14 below). We look at the overall profile of the student to ascertain if they can succeed in the program. One key indicator is quantitative proficiency, such as whether a student has taken courses in calculus.
Is there a GPA requirement?
No, we look at the whole student.
What math preparation is necessary for the master’s program?
Applicants are expected to have taken at least one semester of calculus and one semester of statistics.
What are the terms of conditional admission?
During the first semester you would need to take any undergraduate courses that are either missing from your required preparation, or else that you took but did not meet our grade requirements. (This could be from one to three courses, depending on your individual circumstances). Meanwhile, you would also take an elective graduate course. You must earn a grade of B+ or higher in those courses to continue in the program. This is a grade level required of all admitted students with respect to undergraduate economics requirements.
Due to USCIS rules, currently international students with conditional admission need to complete their pre-requisite courses successfully before starting at CCNY, as SEVP regulation prohibits the issuance of a Form I-20 based on conditional admission.
Is it difficult to succeed as a conditionally admitted student?
Our data show that approximately 95% of our conditionally admitted students succeed in meeting the requirements and continue studying in our program.
Can I take other classes outside the department?
Yes! We encourage interdisciplinary study. Students may include electives in the degree programs for Public Service Management, International Relations, Sustainability in the Urban Environment, Data Science, Mathematics, and others.
Can I finish this program if I work full-time?
Absolutely YES. The majority of our students work full-time and all classes are held in the evening.
Are there online* courses?
Not yet, but there are some hybrid courses, where some of the teaching and learning takes place online.
What Economics courses are offered in the summer?
Summer courses depend on student interest and vary from year to year.
What is your transfer credit policy?
We decide this on a case-by-case basis.
Contact Us
Any Questions?
We’re here to help! Whether you’re a student, alumni, or community member, feel free to contact us for more information. Reach out to the Economics and Business Department Chair, Faculty Advisor, or Administrative Specialist.
Department of Economics and Business
MA in Economics
North Academic Center, Room 4/120C
160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031
p: 212.650.5230
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30am -5.00pm
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