MA in Economics course guide – Course structure, curriculum, & eligibility

Choosing the right course for advanced studies after completing your undergraduate degree is a crucial decision. It should ideally be based on your academic interest and career expectations. An MA in Economics is ideal if you have a keen interest in the world economy and want to contribute to its overall growth. The course is designed to enable students to shape the future of policy-making. They gain expertise in economic theory, market analysis, economic policies, and international economic trends. Here we share a detailed MA in Economics course guide. An advanced degree in economics is the perfect stepping stone to a lucrative career path. These include research, academia, finance, and government.

Eligibility criteria for MA in Economics

Students wanting to gain admission into MA Economics courses must meet certain specific criteria. Listed below are the eligibility criteria for MA in Economics courses:

• A Bachelor’s degree in either Economics, Mathematics, Finance, or any other related or relevant domain of study. Students are required to have completed a 10+2+3 undergraduate degree from a recognized university/institution. An equivalent qualification recognized by the Association of Indian Universities is also acceptable. 
• Some universities or educational institutions may require students to meet some specific requirements as part of the eligibility criteria for an MA in Economics. These include a minimum GPA score or some mandatory coursework as a prerequisite for admission.
• There may be entrance exams specific to some university or national-level exams in certain countries. Examples include PUCET PG, CUET PG, or JMI Entrance Exam.
• Some universities may give preference to prior work experience, which may affect the admission of students. 

MA in Economics course structure

The MA in Economics program lasts 24 months and is divided into 4 semesters. The general MA in Economics course structure is divided into core subjects, electives, project work, dissertations, and practical workshops. Further, part-time and online course options are available for the convenience of working professionals. Upon completion of the program, students are encouraged to participate in research projects for advanced understanding. They can also take up internships or fieldwork opportunities for further skill enhancement. 

The core curriculum of the MA in Economics

As stated above, the MA in Economics course structure is divided into core subjects and electives. Some of the key core subjects include Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Mathematical Economics, and Econometrics. These courses help build quantitative and analytical skills in students. 

In addition to these, the course curriculum of MA in Economics programs focuses on specialized topics for advanced learning. These include international economics, public policy, development economics, and financial economics. Furthermore, students are allowed to pursue courses in statistical software training such as R, STATA, and Python, data analysis, and economic research methodologies. The final year of the two-year program emphasizes project work or final thesis. This enables the students to apply theoretical learning to find solutions to real-world economic problems.     

The table below provides an overview of what an online MA in Economics degree entails:

Skills Developed Through MA in Economics

The MA in Economics degree is designed to equip students with the prerequisite skills for assuming key roles in their respective domains. Some of the key skills that students develop during the program include:

• Quantitative research: Students learn how to quantify economic activities with the help of data and other modern tools. These include input-output analysis, econometrics, and linear programming.  
• Critical thinking: This is a fundamental skill that enables students to objectively analyze data and information before making a decision.   
• Data analysis: This involves a detailed study of statistical case studies and experiments. Students are encouraged to interpret statistical results and their potential implications. 
• Policy analysis: This includes understanding, assessing, and influencing public policies. Students learn in detail how legislation impacts society in general.
• Advanced economic modeling: Students learn through analysis of case studies, peer collaborations, and real-world application of economic theories to practical scenarios.  
• Problem-solving: Students are encouraged to think critically and find creative solutions that work effectively toward solving real-time economic issues.
• Effective communication: Students in MA Economics courses are required to convey economic concepts. Additionally, they need to present research findings and write reports. For this, they must have effective written and verbal communication skills, which the course imparts them with.

Career opportunities after MA in Economics 

Students graduating with an MA in Economics degree are eligible to apply for rewarding career roles. Some of the potential career opportunities after an MA in Economics are shared below for your reference. Note that some of the high-demand sectors are financial institutions, international bodies, government agencies, and consulting firms.

Job roles and salary range-

In case you don’t wish to tread on the career path immediately after graduation, you can choose to pursue higher studies after an MA in Economics. The degree lays the perfect foundation for advanced courses like a PhD or further specializations in public policy or finance. 

Pursue online MA in Economics with Online Manipal

A Master’s degree in Economics is designed to enable students to shape the future of policy-making in the country. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of economic theory and practical analysis. Additionally, a host of career opportunities after an MA in Economics degree opens up for course graduates. The best part is that the degree can now be pursued online from the comfort of your home. 

Online Manipal offers the perfect opportunity for online learners to gain expertise in advanced economic concepts. The online MA in Economics degree is offered by Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) on the Online Manipal platform. The university is accredited NAAC A+ and the first to have been awarded this status in Rajasthan. Additionally, all online degrees are UGC-entitled and hold equivalent relevance to campus programs. The degrees are also evaluated by the World Education Services, enjoying wide recognition worldwide. 

Conclusion

The MA in Economics course guide revealed that the course helps build a robust foundation in economic theory and practical application. The degree holds immense value in opening up multiple rewarding career prospects. Additionally, it facilitates intellectual growth in the domains of economics and related industries. The program is designed to offer advanced analytical skills, a foundation for higher studies, and global job opportunities. Students also gain insights into economic policy and research. Sign up for an online MA in Economics with Manipal University Jaipur on the Online Manipal platform.