B.A., B.S.
Students must complete a minimum of 36 semester
credit hours in Economics courses. At least 18 semester
credit hours in Economics must be completed at the
University of Utah. There are six (6) required courses: ECON
2010 (Principles of Microeconomics, 3 semester credit
hours); ECON 2020 (Principles of Macroeconomics, 3 semester
credit hours); ECON 3620 (Mathematics for Economists, 3
semester credit hours); ECON 3640 (Probability & Statistical
Inference, 3 semester hours; ECON 4010 (Intermediate
Microeconomics, 3 semester credit hours); and ECON 4020
(Intermediate Macroeconomics, 3 semester credit hours).
Students must also choose two upper division courses from
“focus area” groups 1, 2, or 3 (Econometrics, Thought,
History). These two courses must not be from the same group.
Four additional upper division (3000 or above) elective
courses (12 credit hours) in Economics are also required,
for a total of 12 courses (36 hours) in Economics. All
courses for the major must be taken for a letter grade and
completed with a C- (1.7) or better, and students must have
a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in
Economics.
:
In addition to the Economics credits, a minimum of 12
semester credit hours is required from related areas of
study, all of which must be upper division (3000 and above).
All courses from Anthropology, Family and Consumer Studies,
Geography, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology and
Gender Studies are eligible, as are all upper-division
classes from Business, Humanities, Sciences, and Ethnic
Studies. Courses taken for allied credit do not double-count
for general education (HF, FF, SF/AS) credit.
ECON 2010 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
ECON 2020 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
ECON 3620 Mathematics for Economists (3)
ECON 3640 Probability & Statistical Inference (3)
ECON 4010 Intermediate Microeconomics (3)
ECON 4020 Intermediate Macroeconomics (3)
Total Hours: 18
Choice of two of the following; cannot be in the same group:
Group 1:
ECON 4650 Econometrics (3)
Group 2: Thought
ECON 5050 John M. Keynes (3)
ECON 5060 History of Economic Doctrines (3)
ECON 5080 Marxian Economics (3)
Group 3: History
ECON 5400 Middle East Economic History (3)
ECON 5410 European Economic History and Development (3)
ECON 5430 Asian Economic History and Development (3)
ECON 5460 Latin American History and Development (3)
ECON 5470 American Industrialization and Economic
Development (3) Total Hours: 6
Choose 4 upper division (3000 or above) Economics
Electives - total of 12 semester credit hours. Total Hours:
12
College Requirement of Allied Credit: Total Hours: 12
-----------------
Note: Prerequisites are strictly enforced
There are three (3) required courses: ECON 2010, ECON 2020,
and one course from the group ECON 4010, 4020 (economic
theory), 5050, 5060, 5080 (economic thought), 5400, 5410,
5430, 5460, 5470 (economic history).
Students must also complete three (3) additional upper
division electives (total 9 credit hours). All minor courses
must be taken for a letter grade and completed with a C-
(1.7) or better, and students must have a cumulative grade
point average of 2.0 in Economics courses.
Required
ECON 2010 (3)
ECON 2020 (3)
ECON History or Theory or Thought (3)
Electives
Economics Hours (9)
Teaching Major, Minor, Certification.
Please refer to Education in the Colleges section for
information on teaching major and minor course requirements
and state secondary teacher certification.
Graduate Program
Degrees. M.A., M.S., M.Phil., Ph.D.
For additional information, see the Graduate Information
section of this catalog.
The Economics Department cooperates with the College of
Business in the M.B.A. and Ph.D. in business administration
programs, and with the University Statistics Committee on
the granting of the M.Stat. degree. An emphasis option in
health-services administration is available with the M.A.
and M.S. degrees.
Master’s Degrees
The M.S. or M.A. degree in economics is oriented toward the
preparation of professional economists who might work in a
variety of contexts, either in the public or private
sectors. To this end, two qualitatively different degree
programs are offered. One program is oriented toward a
broad, general training in economics. The other program is
oriented toward applied analytical and research work in
economics. Both programs have a common core and the same
admission requirements, but the applied program requires a
strong quantitative background and a GPA of 3.5 or better.
Also, the required course curriculum consists of theory and
quantitative courses. The qualitative difference is
recognized by the awarding of a special letter from the
department (in addition to the master’s degree) certifying
that the student is equipped to do advanced analytical and
applied research using the latest research tools. In what
follows, the admission requirements are outlined, the common
core is explained, and each program is discussed.
Admission. The admission requirements for a
master’s degree in economics are:
1. Completion of all work required for a bachelor’s
degree.
2. GPA of 3.0 or better.
3. Successful completion of ECON 4010 (Intermediate
Microeconomic Analysis), ECON 4020 (Intermediate
Macroeconomic Analysis), and ECON 4650 (Principles of
Econometrics).
4. Acceptable scores on the Graduate Record Examination
(GRE).
5. Three academic letters of reference.
All students wishing to enter the master’s program must
apply to the program regardless of their academic
background. Students who do not have a background in
economics and/or who are academically weak (GPA below 3.0)
may be admitted by the Graduate School in a non-matriculated
status. This status usually requires the student to take
specific courses determined by the Master’s Committee at the
time of the application review. These courses do not count
toward the master’s degree. Upon completion of these courses
with grades of B or better, the student may apply for
regular admission into the program.
Students do not become degree candidates until an
Application for Admission to Candidacy for the Master’s
Degree has been approved by the Graduate School. To avoid
delays in being advanced to candidacy, upon acceptance into
the program the student is encouraged to register with the
appropriate departmental advisor who must approve all course
work offered toward the degree.
There is a common core consisting of ECON 6610,
(microeconomics), ECON 6620 (macroeconomics), and ECON 6630
(applied econometrics). Students transferring credits will
be evaluated on an individual basis. The prerequisites for
the core are ECON 4010 (Intermediate Microeconomics), ECON
4020 (Intermediate Macroeconomics), and ECON 4650
(Principles of Econometrics). Students who have not taken
these classes or their equivalents must take them as
indicated earlier in this section.
General Program. The objective of the general
program is to provide broad, general training in economics.
The admission requirements are outlined in the preceding
paragraphs. The student, however, has a high degree of
flexibility in designing his or her program of study. Upon
admission into the program, the student is assigned a
faculty advisor. Together, the student and advisor design
the student’s 30 semester hours (minimum) of course work,
including three hours for the research project. The student
may elect to write a master’s thesis (which carries 6 credit
hours).
To continue in the program in good academic standing, the
student must maintain a B average or better and demonstrate
progress toward the degree. Normally, for a full-time
student (three courses per semester) the program requires at
least three semesters of work. Part-time students require
five semesters of work. Class scheduling problems could
extend the time required for completion of all work. Other
problems requiring an extended time for completion will be
evaluated by the student’s advisor. A recommendation will be
made to the Master’s Committee, which will then rule on the
student’s petition for an extension of time. In any case,
the maximum completion time allowed is four years. Maximum
credit allowed per semester is 16 hours.
Applied Program. The objective of the applied
program is to provide highly technical and analytical
training in economics for the public or private sector. To
be admitted into this program, the student must have a GPA
of 3.5 or better before being matriculated and must have a
strong mathematical and statistical background. Students who
meet these requirements or indicate an intention to acquire
such a background can petition the Master’s Committee to
enter the applied program.
The applied program consists of courses in economic
theory, econometrics, and mathematics. The student, in
consultation with his or her advisor, will elect either to
write a thesis demonstrating superior research ability or to
take more course work in certain applied economics courses
or appropriate courses outside of the department
(particularly in computer applications) and complete a
research project in applied economics.
In addition, qualified students are encouraged to seek
and complete a research internship requiring a minimum of
six hours per week of work for fifteen weeks. The Master’s
Committee will cooperate with the internship-granting agency
or firm to determine the appropriate credit (a maximum of
three credit hours) and supervision arrangements.
As is evident from the requirements, the applied program
is not designed for every student. Upon successful
completion of all the requirements, the student will receive
a special certificate from the Department of Economics
testifying to his or her superior research and analytical
abilities. This certificate is awarded separately from the
master’s degree. Its basis is the recommendation from the
faculty of the Master’s Committee, the student’s faculty
advisor and the internship supervisor.
Thesis Option. Students who choose the thesis
option must fulfill the following requirements for a
master’s degree.
1. Successful completion, with at least a 3.0 average, of a
minimum of 24 hours of approved graduate course work in
economics (and other acceptable areas)
2. Successful completion of the University’s language
requirement of one language at standard proficiency (not
required for M.S. candidates).
3. Successful completion of the master’s thesis, for which 6
credit hours are granted.
4. Successful oral defense of the thesis, which includes an
examination of all work taken in the Master’s Program.
Project Option. Students who select the project
option must fulfill the following requirements for a
master’s degree.
1. Successful completion, with at least a 3.0 average, of a
minimum of 27 hours of approved graduate course work in
economics (and other acceptable areas).
2. Successful completion of the University’s language
requirement of one language at standard proficiency (not
required for M.S. candidates).
3. Successful completion of a research project (see details
below), for which three credit hours are granted.
4. Successful oral defense of the research project, which
includes an examination on all work taken in the Master’s
Program.
The research-project format is common to both the applied
and general degree programs and receives three credit hours.
The basis of the project can be a research paper written for
a previous course. Normally, the instructor for that course
will be the student’s faculty advisor for the research
project. The Master’s Committee will also supervise the
project.
Students register for ECON 6955 (three credit hours) for
the semester in which they expect to defend their project.
Also note that students must register for ECON 6980 for any
semester in which there is no other registration. This
includes the semester in which a project defense actually
occurs, for those who did not finalize their project during
ECON 6955.
M.Stat. (Econometrics). The department participates
in the University Master’s Program in Statistics. The M.Stat.
(Econometrics) degree program provides training in applied
statistics relating to problems in economic theory and
forecasting.
For detailed course requirements see the Graduate Study
at the University of Utah bulletin.
Ph.D. Degree. The Ph.D. degree program prepares
students for professional careers in teaching, research,
business, and government. The program provides a broad
mastery of both theoretical and applied fields of economics.
Both orthodox and heterodox approaches to economics are
integral parts of the program. The department attempts to
provide students receiving financial aid with teaching
opportunities.
Admission. The requirements for admission to the
Ph.D. program are:
1. The completion of all work required for a bachelor’s
degree.
2. GPA of 3.0 or better or its equivalent.
3. The successful completion of intermediate microeconomic
and macroeconomic theory.
4. Acceptable GRE scores.
5. Three academic reference letters.
6. A brief statement of personal academic goals.
Foreign students must demonstrate their proficiency in
English, usually by taking the TOEFL examination. A master’s
degree in economics is not a requirement. Preparation in
mathematics through calculus, statistics, and linear algebra
is strongly recommended. It may be necessary for students
not fully prepared for a graduate program to take remedial
courses. Students who lack the proper background in theory,
statistics, and mathematics must take courses to remedy
these deficiencies prior to their first year of study. These
courses are usually offered during the summer term.
Requirements. The Ph.D. program consists of four
parts:
I. the core program
II. methodology seminars
III. fields of specialization and electives seminars
IV. dissertation research and candidacy.
The requirements for the doctorate are formulated in terms
of mastery of these four components. Overall, students must
maintain a 3.0 GPA in their graduate course work.
Part I: Core Program. Entering students must be
proficient in college algebra, introductory calculus, and
statistics. All Ph.D. students are expected to be full-time
during their first year, registering for 12 credit hours per
semester. The core areas taken in the first year consists
of: Microeconomic Theory (ECON 7005 and ECON 7006),
Macroeconomic Theory (ECON 7007 and ECON 7008), Quantitative
Methods (ECON 7001 and ECON 7002) and Political Economy
(ECON 7003 and ECON 7004). There are three qualifying exams
that are given during the summer following the first year
covering Micro, Macro and Political Economy. Students are
allowed to retake qualifying exams once.
Part II: Methodology Seminars. The research
methodology requirement consists of two advanced seminars:
Econometrics (ECON 7590 or ECON 7800), and either History
(ECON 7400) or Doctrines (ECON 7600).
Part III: Fields of Specialization and Elective
Seminars. Before the second year, the student selects
fields of specialization. These add depth and application to
the student’s economic training. Students take two
two-semester fields or four one-semester fields or any
combination that results in a total of four courses. Prior
knowledge of a field at an advanced undergraduate level is
recommended. Such knowledge may be obtained through course
work or directed reading. A comprehensive examination is
taken upon completion of each field. If the examination is
failed, it may be retaken once.
Field offerings will be determined by graduate student
survey from the following options:
Two-Semester Fields
Development
Econometrics
Economic History
International History of Thought
Money and Macro
Gender
One-Semester Fields
Health Economics
Industrial Organization
Labor
Natural Resource and Environmental Economics
Public Economics
Altogether the methodology, field and electives seminars
must total 24 credit hours (equivalent to 8 courses).
Finance, available from the Finance Department, counts as
a two-semester field.
Part IV: Dissertation Research. Students in their
third year participate in a yearlong dissertation workshop.
During the dissertation stage, students enroll for
Dissertation Research, ECON 7970. A minimum of fourteen
credit hours of ECON 7970 is required. The Dissertation
Workshop counts toward the 14 credit hours of required ECON
7970. Dissertation research begins with a formal defense of
the student’s dissertation topic and ends with a final
defense. Upon completion of the Dissertation Workshop, the
student selects a thesis topic and forms a dissertation
committee.
Assistantships and Financial Aid. The Department
awards graduate assistantships and endeavors to provide some
financial support for as many students as possible. A
tuition waiver is included in the assistantship award.
Assistantships are awarded initially on the basis of
academic record. The Department generally does not award
assistantships to students beyond their first three years.
The Department does occasionally hire fourth-year or other
unfunded students to assist in faculty research, teach
courses, staff the computer lab, or provide grading
assistance.
Graduate student financial aid is awarded on the basis of
merit. Student without departmental funding or sufficient
personal sources of financial support to complete the
program are discouraged from enrolling. Good performances in
the Ph.D. program do not guarantee future financial support
for previously unfunded students. The department chair or
Ph.D. Committee can also withdraw funding as a result of
poor performance as a research assistant or teaching
assistant.
Graduate students are eligible for fellowships offered by
the University. One of these is the University Graduate
Research Fellowship. Two others are the Marriner S. Eccles
Graduate Fellowship in Political Economy and the Howard-Karsten
Graduate Fellowship; both are limited to U.S. citizens.
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Economics 
