, ANIKA KHAN 96 VICE PRESIDENT, ECONOMIST WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC I’m a senior-level economist for a major financial-services company, which means I’m responsible for providing analysis to our bank clients on issues affecting the national economy. On a daily basis, I’m using the quantitative research methods, macroeconomic fundamentals and econometrics tools I learned in the M.S. in Economics program to help our clients look beyond the basic data to identify and solve problems.
Problems fascinate you. The bigger the better. You see the meaning behind the numbers, and you’ve got the intellectual skill to identify the solution. Maybe you want to work in a big corporation - to be the one the CEO turns to when an expert opinion is needed. Or maybe you’re drawn to public service and to issues around policy and development. Then again, maybe you see yourself in front of a class, developing tomorrow’s leaders through teaching and research. Whatever your goal, the M.S. in Economics program at UNC Charlotte will help you hone your research skills and sharpen your analytic abilities in the heart of a thriving business region.
M.S. in ECONOMICS
FLEX YOUR INTELLECTUAL MUSCLES.
CHARLOTTE AT A GLANCE: • 2nd largest financial center in the U.S., with more than $2.3 trillion in assets. • 19th largest city in the U.S. • Home to eight Fortune 500 headquarters and more than 625 global companies. • The Charlotte region attracts nearly 100,000 newcomers each year.
A CITY ON THE RISE. A UNIVERSITY WITH VISION. Charlotte is a vibrant city, a modern and forward-looking business center that has transformed from a regional business hub to the second-largest financial services center in the United States. Home to the global headquarters of eight Fortune 500 companies, the region has also seen strong growth in the energy, healthcare and retail/distribution industries. Because Charlotte is a major commercial center, it’s also a place where policy implications and applications are examined in the context of the corporate landscape to predict turning points in the market. Just as the city has evolved, so has UNC Charlotte. With innovative academic programs and research centers in its eight colleges, the university actively collaborates with local business leadership to incorporate emerging business trends, ideas and innovations into its academic programs. Strategic vision, relentless drive and unbridled optimism have branded both the Charlotte region and UNC Charlotte as models of innovation and progress.
WHERE AMBITION MEETS OPPORTUNITY. The Belk College of Business is North Carolina’s urban research business school. Since its founding in 1970, the Belk College has led the way in developing innovative programs that are responsive to the needs of the business community. In 2011, UNC Charlotte opened its state-of-the-art Center City campus in the heart of Charlotte’s vibrant business core. Home to the Belk College’s professional graduate programs, the distinctive new campus will strengthen ties with industry and serve as a hub for Charlotte’s future business leaders.
UNC CHARLOTTE CENTER CITY
A BUSINESS SCHOOL WHERE IT’S ANYTHING BUT BUSINESS AS USUAL.
The Belk College of Business has been educating future business leaders since the mid-1960s. Although UNC Charlotte is a relatively young university, the economics department has a long tradition of producing graduates who are in high demand and has forged strong partnerships with the profession. With more than 2,700 undergraduate students, nearly 700 graduate students, and 79 full-time faculty members, the Belk College is one of the largest business programs in the Carolinas. In addition to the M.S. in Economics program, the Belk College offers graduate programs in accounting, business administration, mathematical finance, and real estate as well as a Ph.D.
in business administration (major in finance) and interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs in organizational science and informational technology. Students in the Belk College benefit from an active alumni network and the college’s strong connections to regional business and civic partners, including the Charlotte Chamber, the Charlotte Business Journal and the Arts & Science Council. The Belk College has become a resource for the Charlotte business community through spotlight programs such as the Babson Capital/UNC Charlotte Economic Forecast, the Center for Real Estate and the NEXT Speaker Series, which features nationally recognized business figures.
NATHAN HANS UNC Charlotte has done a great job of making the M.S. in Economics program accessible to working professionals. Having the flexibility to take classes in the evening at UNC Charlotte’s Center City campus has made getting my master’s degree possible. Even better, I’m able to directly apply what I’m learning in the classroom to my current position, which has helped me to distinguish myself in the workplace and advance in my career.
YOU’RE SPECIALIZED. SO ARE WE. Our comprehensive program combines economic analysis with advanced quantitative methods to prepare you for analytical and management positions in a variety of industries. Program graduates have pursued careers in finance and banking, economic and business forecasting, macroeconomics and monetary policy, public finance and cost/benefit analysis, as well as economic modeling and simulation. Some have even gone on to pursue their doctoral degree in Economics or Finance. The M.S. in Economics program is structured for both full- and part-time students. Some of our students attend full-time and finish in 12-16 months. Working professionals who attend part-time usually take 24-30 months to complete the program. Attending UNC Charlotte also makes good financial sense. In keeping with the tradition of the UNC system, we offer very affordable tuition rates for North Carolina residents. Out-of-state students also realize a tremendous economic value. Scholarships and assistantships are available for outstanding candidates. In short, the UNC Charlotte M.S. in Economics program is a top-quality graduate education with an outstanding return on your investment.
GAIN FROM THE KNOWLEDGE OF TRUE EXPERTS. DR. JENNIFER TROYER
DR. ROB ROY MCGREGOR
Professor of Economics
Professor of Economics
Dr. Troyer teaches courses in health economics and econometrics in the Belk College of Business and serves as chair of the Department of Economics. Throughout her career, Dr. Troyer has made significant policy contributions in the area of health economics. Her analysis of nursing home quality has been cited in testimony before Congress, and she has also received prestigious Federal research grants from the National Institutes of Health and the Administration on Aging. Additionally, Dr. Troyer has been named one of Charlotte’s “40 under 40” promising leaders by the Charlotte Business Journal.
Dr. McGregor is the director of the M.S. in Economics program in the Belk College of Business. His research focuses mainly on the monetary policy decision-making process of the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), and his work has been published in a number of leading journals. He received the Belk College’s Distinguished Scholarship Award in 2007. Dr. McGregor teaches courses in macroeconomics, monetary and financial theory, econometrics, and forecasting.
DR. JOHN CONNAUGHTON
DR. STEVEN CLARK
Babson Capital Professor of Financial Economics
Associate Professor of Finance
Dr. Connaughton is the director of the Babson Capital /UNC Charlotte Economic Forecast, which has provided information and insight on the economic health of North Carolina to business and political leaders and the media for more than 30 years. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today, and he appears frequently on National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service. Dr. Connaughton has authored economic impact studies for a wide range of industry and regional organizations, sports teams and cultural institutions.
Dr. Clark’s areas of expertise include securities and derivatives markets, asset pricing, financial risk management, and applied probability. His research has been featured in Review of Derivatives Research, Review of Futures Markets and the Journal of Risk and Insurance. Dr. Clark was the 2011 recipient of the Belk College award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching.
JEROME LINDSEY UNC Charlotte’s M.S. in Economics offers a unique focus on economic forecasting. As a student in the program, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Dr. John Connaughton, who is considered one of the top regional economists in the state. I’m not only gaining significant insight into the forecasting process, I’m also seeing first-hand how the business community uses our research to make decisions. Seeing the connection between theory and application has been extremely valuable.
EDUCATION BEYOND THE CLASSROOM. Access to opportunities outside the classroom is just as important as knowledge gained in class. At the Belk College, we know employers look for more than just a diploma. That’s why we’ve developed a number of professional development programs to help you advance in your career.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SEMINARS
CAREER COACHING
NETWORKING
FACULTY MENTORSHIP
Expand your knowledge base by attending the Belk College’s regular professional development seminars. Topics range from building your network and successfully marketing yourself to interviewing, negotiations and business etiquette. In addition to the College’s professional development seminars, the Department of Economics hosts a monthly speaker series featuring well-known academics.
Build your personal and professional connections through a variety of networking programs, including guest speakers, panel discussions and social events for students and alumni. Student organizations also provide professional network building and leadership opportunities.
Define your professional development plan in one-on-one career counseling sessions. You and your career coach will explore personal and career development topics such as personal branding, managing your internship or job search, networking strategies and professional performance techniques.
If you’re interested in a career in academia, working closely with faculty will help you build connections in the academic community and establish your research portfolio.
, CHRIS PARRISH 97 SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONAL RISK MANAGER BANK OF AMERICA By far, the quantitative skills I gained in the M.S. in Economics program have been the most relevant to my career. In banking as well as other industries, management expects more data and tools at their disposal to make decisions. Financial models, forecasting, risk analysis – they are all so critical to businesses today. My experience at UNC Charlotte helped me to both build and master these complex business applications.
APPLY TODAY. MSECON.UNCC.EDU/BETHEEXPERT
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ADMISSIONS
M.S. in ECONOMICS
UNC Charlotte seeks a diverse group of students for the M.S. in Economics program. Applications are evaluated on a number of factors, including past academic performance, GRE scores, work experience, and references. Admission Requirements
Deadlines
• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, with a satisfactory GPA. • Three professional or academic recommendations. • A statement of purpose describing the applicant’s experience and objectives in undertaking graduate study. • A resume or a description of work experience. Please note that work experience is not required. • A satisfactory score on the quantitative portion of the GRE. The GMAT may be substituted for the GRE with the permission of the program director. • Undergraduate coursework that includes: Calculus, Econometrics (or equivalent), Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory, Intermediate Microeconomic Theory, and Mathematical Economics. (Students missing some of these courses may be admitted conditionally.)
The M.S. in Economics program admits students throughout the year on a rolling basis. Priority will be given to early applications. For application deadlines, visit graduateschool.uncc.edu.
International Students In addition to all the requirements listed above, international students must submit proof of proficiency in English in one of the following: • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score is 557 for the paper-based test, 220 for the computer-based test, or 83 for the Internet-based test. • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum overall band score is 6.5. • MELAB (Michigan English Language Battery): Minimum score is 78.
• International students should refer to the International Admissions website for deadlines and additional admissions information. • The application process is managed by the UNC Charlotte Graduate School and UNC Charlotte International Admissions Office. Application questions: Allison Brinkley | Admissions Counselor email: abrinkley@uncc.edu phone: 704.687.7267 Program questions: Dr. Craig Depken | Program Director email: cdepken@uncc.edu phone: 704.687.7484
CURRICULUM GUIDE
M.S. in ECONOMICS
The M.S. in Economics program features a curriculum that is flexible yet thorough in its approach to theoretical training and applied coursework. Students in the M.S. in Economics program have the flexibility to pursue the program full- or part-time. The program is comprised of 30 graduate credit hours: the Core Courses (12 hours), Concentration Courses (12 hours) in either Quantitative Methods in Economics, Financial Management, Quantitative Financial Economics or Applied Economic Analysis, and a thesis or research project (6 hours).
Preparatory Courses The following courses are required for graduate study in Economics. With the director’s permission, students may enroll conditionally in the M.S. in Economics program while they complete preparatory courses at UNC Charlotte. Course Title Credit Hours • Calculus............................................................................... 3 • Econometrics (or equivalent) .............................................. 3 • Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory............................... 3 • Intermediate Microeconomic Theory................................ 3 • Mathematical Economics................................................... 3
Core Courses (12 credit hours) Course Title Credit Hours • Advanced Macroeconomic Theory.................................... 3 • Advanced Microeconomic Theory .................................... 3 • Graduate Econometrics...................................................... 3 • Advanced Business and Economic Forecasting ................. 3
Concentrations (see “Concentrations” insert for details) Thesis or Research Project (6 credit hours) Thesis Students who choose the thesis track must write and defend their thesis in consultation with their thesis advisor. Research Project Students who choose the non-thesis track must complete the Research Methods course sequence (Research Methods I and Research Methods II).
CONCENTRATIONS
M.S. in ECONOMICS
The M.S. in Economics offers concentrations in Quantitative Methods in Economics, Financial Management, Quantitative Financial Economics, and Applied Economic Analysis. Each concentration is comprised of 12 credit hours.
Quantitative Methods in Economics (12 credit hours)
Applied Economic Analysis (12 credit hours)
Provides students with the opportunity to acquire specialized skills in applying quantitative modeling and methods in their areas of interest and expertise. This concentration is also excellent preparation for students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree.
An individualized study concentration designed for students who wish to pursue a specialized course of study.
COURSES – Advanced Microeconometrics, Financial Econometrics, plus two of the following: Financial Economic Theory, Game Theory and Experiments, Monetary and Financial Theory, Applied Computational Economics, or an approved elective.
Finance Management (12 credit hours) Prepares students for careers in corporate finance or financial planning.
COURSES – Financial Management, Investment Management, and Advanced Corporate Finance, plus one of the following: Multinational Financial M anagement, Monetary and Financial Theory, or an approved elective.
Quantitive Financial Economics (12 credit hours) Designed for students interested in pursuing careers in portfolio management or financial risk management. This concentration is also excellent preparation for students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree. COURSES – Financial Economic Theory, Financial Econometrics, and Derivatives I: Financial Elements of Derivatives, plus one of the following: Risk Management and Fixed Income Derivatives, Monetary and Financial Theory, or an approved elective.
AREAS OF FOCUS – Macroeconomics and Monetary Policy, Finance and Banking, Environmental Economics, International Trade and International Finance, Economic Modeling and Simulation, Urban Economics, Public Finance and Cost/Benefit Analysis, or Economic and Business Forecasting.
Dual-Degree Master’s Program The Belk College of Business in partnership with Copenhagen Business School (CBS) offers a dual-degree master’s program in which a student may earn the Belk College M.S. in Economics with a concentration in Quantitive Financial Economics and an MSc in Economics and Business Administration with a concentration in Applied Economics and Finance from CBS. This is a full-time program in which students spend one year at UNC Charlotte and one year at CBS in Copenhagen, Denmark. All courses are taught in English. For more information, visit msecon.uncc.edu.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
M.S. in ECONOMICS
UNC Charlotte and the Belk College of Business offer a variety of need- and merit-based financial awards for students entering the M.S. in Economics program. For additional information and applications, visit msecon.uncc.edu.
Tuition
PART-TIME – Most North Carolina residents attending part-time take 6 credits (2 classes) per semester and pay approximately $21,000 in tuition and fees. FULL-TIME – Most full-time North Carolina residents pay between $16,000 (12 months) to $18,000 (17 months) in tuition and fees based on their course load. OUT-OF-STATE – Out-of-state domestic and international students pay between $28,000 (12 months) - $33,000 (17 months).
In-State and Out-of-State Tuition Waivers A very limited number of tuition waivers are made available each year. These waivers are awarded competitively using the same application required for assistantships. For information on criteria used to determine residency for tuition purposes and military tuition benefits, visit graduateschool.uncc.edu.
Graduate Assistantships Full-time students may work 20 hours per week in the Belk College of Business. All full-time students admitted by March 15 will automatically be considered for graduate assistantship awards. No additional application is required.
Scholarships A number of graduate scholarships are available each year. Applications must be submitted by March 15. Contact the Program Director, Dr. Rob Roy McGregor, for additional information.
Loans Graduate students are guaranteed Stafford Loans by the federal government, regardless of income, if they are U.S. citizens or permanent residents (FAFSA required).