The Master of Arts in Economics at Old Dominion University exposes students to modern economics and the analytical skills needed to succeed in today’s job market. The program is flexible —full-time and part-time— and delivers a solid foundation in economic theory coupled with cutting edge statistics and analytical methods.
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SHEV) has recently approved a fully online delivery format for ODU’s Master of Arts (M.A.) in Economics. For more information, please contact Jay Walker, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Economics, Graduate Program Director, MA in Economics.
Program Highlights
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The program focuses on providing students with analytical skills geared toward business and policy analysis.
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Classes are taught by research-active faculty and are offered at time to accommodate both full-time and part-time students.
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The program is a STEM-designated degree according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. International students completing the program may apply for 3 years of work in the United States through the extended OPT program.
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Students will be prepared to earn the Certified Business Economist (CBE) designation from National Association for Business Economists (NABE).
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Financial Quantitative Analysts
Develop quantitative techniques to inform securities investing, equities investing, pricing, or valuation of financial instruments. Develop mathematical or statistical models for risk management, asset optimization, pricing, or relative value analysis.
Urban and Regional Planners
Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
Economists
Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.
Data Scientists
Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.
Alumni Careers
Requirements
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- Submission of at least one letter of recommendation
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- Average undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0
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- Prerequisite coursework completed in calculus, statistics, and economics
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- Submission of unofficial transcripts (official transcripts required upon admission)
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- International applicants: IELTS, TOEFL, or approved English proficiency examination results
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- The GRE/GMAT is not required for applicants with an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.3
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International student English language proficiency requirements:
- For students whose native language is not English, a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, 79 on the internet-based TOEFL, or 6.5 on the IELTS. Other tests are acceptable in meeting this requirement, for full information regarding English proficiency requirements visit here: https://www.odu.edu/admission/proficiency.
- For students who are unable to meet the testing requirements there are alternative methods of proving sufficiency. We can grant provisional acceptance pending successful completion of two university or college level English courses at a regionally accredited U.S. institution. Another alternative is completion of the Monarch English Transition (MET) Program where a student would matriculate at ODU and complete the English competency courses on our campus. Full information regarding the MET program is available here: https://ww1.odu.edu/elc/courses/met.
For Admission to the Economics Program
The Application Package: The Old Dominion University Graduate Application is done online. Questions about the online process should be directed to gradecon@odu.edu or by calling (757) 683-3685. The system will prompt the applicant to complete all components needed to apply to the Master of Arts in Economics program. Applications to the MA program are accepted on a rolling basis in the Fall and Spring semesters, though Fall semester matriculation is preferred. It is recommended that prospective international students submit their applications at least three months prior to the start of their intended semester as there can be delays in the visa issuance process. Priority consideration for assistantships for fall semester admits is given to those who submit applications on or before March 1. Priority consideration for assistantships for spring semester admits is given to those who submit applications on or before August 1.
Cost of Attendance
We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance.
Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
Financial aid is available to graduate students at Old Dominion University. Financial aid may be available in the form of University fellowships, tuition grants, and research assistantships. The Department of Economics offers a limited number of graduate assistantships each semester and the awards are allocated on a competitive basis.
In addition to the financial aid offered by the University, graduate students may be eligible for aid and student loans administered by other agencies. For information about Work-Study programs, scholarships, and student loans, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.
For information and forms concerning applications, contact:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone: (757) 683-3685
Email: gradadmit@odu.edu
For information concerning financial aid, contact:
Office of Financial Aid
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone: (757) 683-3683
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