THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
“In just one year, UChicago’s MA in Economics program delivers the renowned rigor and analytical depth that define Chicago Economics. Graduates acquire essential skills, keen insights, and research proficiency to propel their careers in industry or government—or to pursue a PhD.”
Core Requirements (9 courses total)
To fulfill the MAE degree requirements, students complete 9 graduate-level courses.
Preparation Course (Before Autumn Quarter) — 1 Total
Economics MA Math Camp (ECMA 30400) |
Foundation Courses (Autumn Quarter) — 3 Total
Microeconomics (ECMA 30100) | Macroeconomics (ECMA 33220) | Econometrics (ECMA 31000) |
Elective Courses (Winter & Spring Quarters) — 6 Total From the Following
Master's Level Coursework in the Department of Economics (ECMA courses) | Courses in the Harris School of Public Policy | Courses in the Chicago Booth School of Business | Undergraduate math & statistics courses (by petition) |
Standard Track
There is no formal thesis requirement or option in the Master of Arts in Economics. Instead, the program seeks to provide students with a guided research experience, tailored to their specific post-graduate plans. Students must meet their research requirement in one of two ways:
1. Complete one ECMA course that requires a paper that applies social science research methodologies to a problem or issue in economics. Students will be supplied with a list of courses containing this requirement at the beginning of each academic year.
2. Engage in an independent research project supervised by an instructional professor (ECMA 39700: Independent Reading and Research). For this option, please request the ECMA 39700 form which you will need to have signed by your project advisor.
Research Intensive Track
The Master of Arts in Economics Research Intensive Track provides students with the option to produce an independent thesis to meet the research requirement.
The Research Intensive Track option is intended for students with advanced mathematical and economics skills who are looking to engage in substantive academic research and take advantage of PhD level coursework during their time in the program. Students with the appropriate background and who are interested in pursuing a PhD in the future or applying for research-intensive industry jobs are encouraged to apply to this option.
Admission to the Research Intensive Track is highly competitive. Research Intensive Track students have the opportunity to apply during their MAE year to the Economics PhD program, with an extended deadline of March 15. For more information, visit the Apply page under RIT Extended Deadline - UChicago Economics PhD Program.
RIT Prerequisite Requirements
Applicants must have completed advanced coursework in multivariable calculus, linear algebra, probability, and statistics at the point of matriculation. Prior exposure to real analysis is required. A solid foundation in calculus-based microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometric theory is required.
RIT Application Requirements
Applicants to the Research Intensive Track must provide the same materials required of all MAE applicants, including the 5-10 page Economics writing sample. In addition, they must submit:
- A statement of research experience that establishes the applicant’s record of conducting research in economics.
- A journal length article in economics as part of their application such as an undergraduate honors thesis or an article submitted for publication.
RIT Program Requirements
Coursework Requirement
In the RIT track, students may take up to three economics Core PhD courses in their Autumn quarter. Grades of B+ or better are required to continue each sequence into Winter and Spring quarters. These sequences must be started in the Autumn quarter.
To satisfy the coursework requirements of the Master of Arts in Economics, RIT track, students must complete a total of 9 courses:
- A minimum of 3 Econ/ECMA courses in total drawn from:
- PhD level courses numbered ECON 30100 or higher (excluding ECON 30400)
- MA level courses numbered ECMA 30000 or higher
- 6 graduate elective courses from drawn from coursework in the Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, or the Chicago Booth School of Business (undergraduate math and statistics courses can also be counted by petition)
Note: Students admitted to MAE Research Intensive Track intending to complete PhD coursework must complete the Economics Math Camp (ECON 30400) prior to Autumn Quarter. Math Camp is usually held in late August or early September.
Research Requirement
The Master of arts in Economics Research Intensive Track students can meet the research requirement in one of the following ways:
- Complete an article-length MA thesis under the guidance of a member of the research faculty at the University of Chicago.
- Complete one ECMA course that requires a paper that applies social science research methodologies to a problem or issue in economics.
- Engage in an independent research project supervised by an instructional professor (ECMA 39700: Independent Reading and Research).
All coursework must be completed by spring quarter and students are expected to graduate this same quarter. In certain cases, they can extend their graduation further into the following academic year for administrative reasons or in order to complete their thesis. Students looking to extend their graduation should check in directly with the Student Affairs Administrator.
In order to successfully graduate, students must complete the following:
1. Apply to graduate on my.uchicago.edu by the deadline specified.
2. Complete their research requirement (ECMA 39700 projects and theses must receive a grade of at least B-).
3. Complete all required coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
4. Upload their thesis to the online thesis repository according to instructions if applicable.
OPT
Students who wish to extend their Visa status through OPT will need to complete a “Verification of Completion” form. This can be sent to the Students Affairs Administrator for completion and signing.
Whether you’re aiming to launch a data-driven career or pursue advanced academic research, MAE offers the training and placement support to get you there.
WHO OUR STUDENTS ARE
WHO THEY BECOME
* Data is based on the 2024 cohort in the predecessor program to MAE, MAPSS-Economics.
Professional Achievements
Boston University, Brown University, Columbia University, Harvard University, University College London, University of California- San Diego, University of Chicago, University of Connecticut, University of Minnesota, University of Texas-Washington, University of Washington-Seattle
Harvard University, London Business School, MIT, New York University, Northwestern University, Princeton University, Stanford University, UCLA, University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania
AllianceChicago, Amazon, AQR Capital Management, Arta Finance, Cornerstone Research, Counterfactual, Credit Suisse, Edgeworth Economics, IMF, Library of Congress, Man Numeric, NielsenIQ, PhoenixTree Capital, PGIM Fixed Income, Quantitative Economic Solutions, Susquehanna International Group, Techwish, U.S. Senate, Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc., Walleye Capital, Walmart
*Refers to placement of predecessor program, MAPSS-Econ
“Beyond the rigorous academic training in both economic theory and methods, what I valued most in the Econ MA program was that it connected me with great professors and brilliant peers. Even after leaving Hyde Park, the Chicago connection continues to inspire me wherever I go.”
Join UChicago’s legacy of free inquiry, analytical rigor, and bold economic thinking that has shaped generations of scholars and policymakers.
Participate in seminars, workshops, and networks that foster mentorship and collaboration.
Attend exclusive lectures, workshops, and seminars hosted by the Becker Friedman Institute, the Booth School, and more.
Join a thriving community of researchers, practitioners, and alumni across economics, policy, and business—both on campus and through partner events in Chicago and beyond.