Requirements
A student must earn 30 credit hours in economics, including at least 21 hours of 600- or 700-level courses. Up to 9 credit hours of 400-level courses may apply to the 30 credit hour requirement. Graduate credit will not be granted for 300-level courses. A student must have a B average (3.0 GPA) for all courses completed at UH Mānoa applied toward the degree, and a B average for all 600-level and 700-level courses.
The MA program builds on rigorous economic theory and econometrics classes from the PhD program, making MA students exceptionally well trained.
As a capstone experience for the degree, the individual project allows students to apply the theory learned in classes towards a problem in which they have a particular interest. The project helps students to develop critical thinking skills and use a variety of economics tools and models. A student may also choose to write a master’s thesis in lieu of the individual research project. Students en-route to the PhD and who complete the PhD core may substitute a passing grade on either of the PhD qualifying exams for the individual research project requirement for a master’s degree.
A student who completes the MA degree may apply to the PhD program. By taking appropriate courses, a student should be able to earn both MA and PhD degrees within five years.
