MAPSS-Econ

All applicants, whether or not they intend to pursue the Research Intensive Track, must have completed advanced coursework in multivariable calculus, linear algebra, probability, and statistics at the point of matriculation. Prior exposure to real analysis is recommended. A solid foundation in calculus-based microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometric theory is required. 

Applicants to MAPSS Econ must provide the same materials required of all MAPSS applicants; however, a writing sample for MAPSS Economics should be a 5-10 page paper in Economics, such as something written for a course. A more robust writing sample will be required of students applying to the intensive research track. 

Students enrolling in MAPSS-Economics must satisfy coursework and research requirements as outlined below. 

Coursework requirement

To satisfy the requirements of the MAPSS-Econ program, students must complete a total of 9 courses:

• Perspectives in Social Sciences Analysis
• A minimum of 3 Master's level ECMA courses
• The remaining 5 courses can be either 
  • In The Department of Economics: Additional ECMA courses
  • From Across the University (including Booth, Harris): Graduate level courses (MA, MBA, or PhD not cross-listed with Economics).

Participation in the Economics Math Camp (typically held in late August prior to the start of the Autumn Quarter) is not required.

Research component

There is no formal thesis requirement or option for MAPSS-Econ. 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 as follows:

1. Complete two ECMA courses that require 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. For one of these courses, students will have the option to engage in an independent research project supervised by an instructional professor (ECMA 39700: Independent Reading and Research).

*Please note that ECMA classes are taught both by instructors and research faculty

The Griffin Department of Economics has a team of 15 Instructional Professors (IPs) who provide academic support to students in the economics track. Our team of IPs has expertise across the multiple subfields within economics. Their profiles can be found here. IPs help students craft a course plan tailored to their specific professional interests, IPs also serve as mentors of “ECMA 39700: Reading and Research”, a course designed for students interested in pursuing a quarter long individual research project.

In addition, MAPSS has an exceptional career services team dedicated to assisting students with their post graduate academic and professional plans. 

International students on F-1 or J-1 student visas who complete the Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences (MAPSS) with this concentration may be eligible for employment benefits associated with their respective visa type. The MAPSS–Econ Concentration is listed as a STEM designated degree by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the purposes of the STEM OPT extension allowing eligible students to apply. However, approval for STEM OPT is at the discretion of U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services. To learn more visit our Office of International Affairs website.

Graduates of MAPSS-Econ go on to doctoral programs in Economics and a range of careers in government, non-profit, and the private sector. MAPSS-Econ provides the opportunity to evaluate the prospect of continued doctoral study in Economics.

1. Pre-doctoral positions - Recently, the path to graduate school has required a pre-doc stepping stone. These positions represent full-time professional research opportunities. Students choosing to pursue this track have placed into predoc positions at UChicago, Stanford, Harvard, NYU, Northwestern, UPenn, MIT, Princeton, and others in recent years.
2. PhD placement - A handful of our alumni do elect to enter into various PhD programs immediately after graduation. In recent years, our graduates have placed into programs at UCLA, UC Davis, UChicago, Cornell, University of Connecticut, University of Washington Seattle, and University of Minnesota. 
3. Industry - A large number of our graduates pursue post-graduate placement in professional roles. Our recent alumni have gone on to secure positions at World Bank, Bank of America, Department of the Air Force, Compass Lexecon, AQR Capital Management, AllianceChicago, Edgeworth Economics, Credit Suisse, International Trade Administration, Walmart, Library of Congress, and more.

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.

Applicants to the Research Intensive Track must provide the same materials required of all MAPSS applicants, including the 5-10 page Economics writing sample. In addition, they must submit:

• A journal length article in economics as part of their application such as an undergraduate honors thesis or an article submitted for publication
• A statement of research experience that establishes the applicant’s record of conducting research in economics
• Syllabi and exams for the most advanced courses completed in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, mathematics, and statistics 

The following coursework is required of MAPSS Economics Research Intensive Track. 

1. Students admitted to MAPSS-Economics Research Intensive Trackconcentration 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. 
2. Students must complete Perspectives in Social Science Analysis (MAPS 30000) in winter quarter. 
3. Students must complete 8 additional courses at the graduate level (with the exception of advanced undergraduate math, statistics, and computer science courses).
   1. 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.
   2. Students must complete a minimum of three courses in total (1 micro, 1 macro, and 1 metrics course), drawn from:
      • PhD level courses numbered ECON 30100 or higher (excluding ECON 30400)
      • MA level courses numbered ECMA 30000 or higher

Example Curriculum

Prior to Enrollment (September)
Course 1 - ECON 30400 (Math Camp)

Academic Year

Research Component

MAPSS-Economics Research Intensive Track students can meet the research requirement in two ways:

1. Complete an article-length MA thesis under the guidance of a member of the research faculty at the University of Chicago. 
2. Complete two ECMA courses with a paper writing requirement from a list to be specified separately.

Students must participate in the MA thesis workshop that meets weekly during the Autumn and Winter quarters.