Economics M.S.

Aug. 20, 2025

Next Start Date

Courses Required

$1,004

Cost Per Credit Hour

Reflects current academic year's tuition.
Military Discount Available

Total Credit Hours

Online Courses

Learning Format

Become a High-Level Quantitative Economist

The WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics Master of Science degree in Economics is a 30-credit-hour program, delivered fully online, that can be completed in one year. The flexible format allows students to maintain momentum in their career while pursuing their degree.

Our M.S. Economics graduates are high-level quantitative economists with the ability to analyze complex policy issues using modern data analysis and econometric methods. Graduates not only have the technical skills in demand by national employers, but they are able to apply their learning to a large and diverse set of policy issues within our areas of program expertise, such as public finance, health economics, and regional economics.

WVU economics expert speaking in front of a group.

In the M.S. Economics, students will develop skills not limited to the following abilities:

Explain the choices of economic factors, such as consumers and firms, using microeconomic theory.
Evaluate the impacts of imperfectly competitive markets and government intervention on society and groups with society.
Synthesize the current state of knowledge on a policy.
Describe the efficient structure, storage, and usage of administrative data.
Build theoretically sound econometric models.
Employ R to obtain parameter estimates of magnitude and empirical relevance, and
Produce clear and straightforward summaries of empirical results across a number of written contexts.

Attend a Virtual Information Session

Thank you for your interest in the Master of Science in Economics program at West Virginia University! Attend a Virtual Information Session and learn more about the Master of Science in Economics program.

Kelly Legg, Personal Online Admissions Coach

Kelly is here to help.

Kelly Legg, Your Personal Online Admissions Coach

As a graduate of the WVU with a degree in business administration, Kelly understands your needs and is here to support and simplify the enrollment process for you. You can have open and honest discussions with her about how your passion in life can become your career. Contact Kelly today!

Learn More About Kelly Request Information

Contact

Email: Kelly.Legg@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: (304) 293-0112
Virtual Session: Schedule a virtual session with me

Economics M.S. Admission Requirements

Successful completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Admissions

Applicants must be admitted to WVU as a graduate student.

Create a username and password.
Once an account has been created, applicants can edit the application at their discretion. Please complete all questions asked.
When selecting a start term, choose "fall."
Upload an up-to-date resume.
Request 1 letter of recommendation through the online portal.
Create a Personal Statement.
Pay application fee.
Submit application.
Applicants will then need to send their transcripts to WVU's Office of Admissions. If the applicant's undergraduate school offers "e-script" (an official electronic copy of transcripts), email the transcripts to GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu. This will help expedite the admissions process. If they do not offer this service, please have your official transcripts mailed to:
WVU Hub
P.O. Box 6004
Morgantown, WV 26506
International Students - WVU’s minimum score requirements for English proficiency are:
Academic IELTS: 6.5
TOEFL iBT: 79
TOEFL Essentials: 9.0
PTE Academic: 53
Duolingo English Test: 105
An official grade report must be sent directly to:
WVU Hub
62 Morrill Way - Suite 220
Morgantown, WV 26506

The above-mentioned items are required for admission review. Additional documents may be requested after initial evaluation of a student’s admission application.

Apply Now

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

WVU has a strong comprehensive financial aid program to help you finance your education. For more information, visit the Student Financial Aid Office website or call (304) 293-1988.

The tuition rate per credit hour listed above is for the 2024-2025 academic year. Tuition and fees increase beginning in the fall term of each academic year.

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies and living expenses. Please see the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage for how to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Your future with a Master of Science in Economics degree

The job outlook for economics-related occupations is growing faster than average due to increasing demand for quantitative skills and critical reasoning associated with training in economics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of economists to grow six percent from 2016-2026. "Job prospects should be best for those with masters degree or Ph.D., strong analytical skills, and experience using statistical software."

The Benefits of pursuing a Master's in Economics degree at WVU

M.S. Economics graduates will be high-level quantitative economists with the ability to analyze complex policy issues using modern data analysis and econometric methods. Graduates will not only have the technical skills in demand by national employers, but they will also be able to apply their learning to a large and diverse set of policy issues within our areas of program expertise, such as public finance, health economics, and regional economics.

Career Outlook for Economics graduates

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of economists is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Course	Title	Credit Hours
ECON 509	Research Design/Methodology *	3
ECON 510	Microeconomic Theory	3
ECON 520	Small Data Methods	3
ECON 582	MS Economics Practicum	3

Areas of Emphasis (9 credits)

Empirical Economics

Course	Title	Credit Hours
ECON 525	Economic Theory and Practice	3
ECON 526	Causal Inference	3
ECON 561	Regional Economics	3

Political Economy

Course	Title	Credit Hours
ECON 521	History of Economic Thought	3
ECON 522	Institutional Economics	3
ECON 523	American Economic History	3

ECON Electives (9 credits)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose a Master's degree in Economics?

Economics as a discipline empowers individuals to comprehend the complexities of the world they inhabit. By providing insights into the behavior of individuals, corporations, markets, and governments, it equips people with the ability to effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities that arise from a constantly changing environment.

How do I know if Economics is right for me?

If you possess a passion for analytical thinking and are intrigued by the prospect of comprehending behavioral patterns, devising effective policy solutions, or making sound business decisions, pursuing a major in economics may be the perfect fit for you. Some valuable skills that can enhance your economics acumen include proficiency in mathematics, as well as the ability to engage in critical thinking and reasoning.

What are some typical jobs that people hold with this degree?

Individuals with a master’s degree in economics have a wide range of job opportunities available to them.

Here are a few examples:

Economist: Economists work for a variety of employers, including government agencies, research organizations, and consulting firms, and use economic theory and quantitative analysis to research and analyze economic issues.
Data Analyst: Data analysts use statistical methods and programming languages like Python or R to clean, organize, and analyze data. With a master’s degree in economics, you can leverage your training in data analysis and quantitative methods to pursue a career in data analysis.
Financial Analyst: Financial analysts work in the finance industry to help individuals and organizations make investment decisions. With a master’s degree in economics, you have a strong foundation in finance and can pursue a career as a financial analyst.
Policy Analyst: Policy analysts work for government agencies, think tanks, or consulting firms to research and analyze public policy issues. With a master’s degree in economics, you have a deep understanding of economic theory and can apply it to policy analysis.
Professor: With a master’s degree in economics, you can pursue a career in academia and become a professor. This involves teaching economics courses at the undergraduate or graduate level, conducting research, and publishing scholarly articles.

The program offers full-time and part-time plans of study that are typically completed in 3 to 5 semesters.

Our graduate advisors are here to help guide you through the graduate school experience and will be the ones you turn to for questions about your plan of study, course registration, or any other assistance you need.