Apply for a Graduate Program in University of Massachusetts

Application Deadline: January 1, 2025

The Department of Resource Economics, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst is inviting applications for a graduate program in empirical microeconomics and applied econometrics. The Department produces outstanding researchers and industry leaders in four fields of concentration:

Health Economics
Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
Empirical Industrial Organization
Experimental and Behavioral Economics

The program offers Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. An accelerated 4+1 Master’s option is also available. The Master’s program prepares students for careers in marketing, resource-based industries such as electric utilities and petroleum, government environmental policy positions, and economic consulting. Doctoral program graduates typically find employment in research positions in industry, academia, and government. The department is classified as STEM, which allows international students to obtain a work permit (OPT) for up to three years after graduation.

PhD

The PhD program is a 5-year program. Students are required to complete 45-course credits and 18-dissertation credits along with their Dissertation.

Required Courses include three to four courses in Microeconomic Theory (RES EC 711, RES EC 712 , ECON 701, and one of ECO 700, or ECON 702), four courses in Econometrics and Quantitative Methods (ECON 751, RES EC 701, 702, 703), one course in Macroeconomic Theory (ECON 705), two courses in a Major Field (Natural Resources and Environmental Economics RES EC 720 and 721; Industrial Organization (RES EC 732 and 797M); or Applied Econometrics (RES EC 797A, 797D, or ECON 852 or 753). Additionally, students are required to take four additional electives two of which form a coherent Minor Field. Course descriptions can be found on the SBS website. Applicants can also download the Graduate Student Handbook.

Master of Science (MSc)

Most MSc students complete their program in 17 months. Students typically take three courses per term, for three terms as well as three research credits. After this, students spend an additional month completing a field essay. Students have the option of completing a Thesis, in which case, the program requires an additional semester for completing the thesis. Outstanding Master’s students may be awarded financial aid, which consists of Teaching Assistantship during the academic terms.

Required courses include: Two courses in Microeconomic Theory (RES EC 711 and 712), Three courses in Econometrics and Quantitative Methods (ECON 751, RES EC 701 and 702), A Major Field Course (Natural Resource and Environmental Economics RES EC 720; Industrial Organization RES EC 732); or Applied Econometrics (RES EC 703)), a full year 1 credit Seminar course, and 9 credits worth of Electives. Course descriptions can be found on the SBS website. Applicants can also download the Graduate Student Handbook.

4+1 Program

The 4+1 is an MSc program for exceptional undergraduate students. Students require 120 credits from their undergraduate program plus 30 master’s level credits. Students who are able to complete the 120 credits for their undergraduate program before they complete their senior year are eligible for the 4+1 program. They are advised to take 9 graduate-level credits during their senior year.

It is recommended that students take either the first two courses in the econometrics sequence (ResEc 701 and ResEc 702) or the micro sequence (ResEc 711 and ResEc 712) and the Graduate Mathematics course offered in the Economics department (Econ 751). Students will then take an additional 18 credits during their year in the MS program plus three credits of ResEcon 698 for their research field essay. Students may also complete this program with a Thesis by completing three additional research credits and a dissertation. Course descriptions can be found on the SBS website. Applicants can also download the Graduate Student Handbook.

Students interested in the 4+1 program should contact their academic advisor and the Graduate Program Director to express interest in their Junior year so that we can verify that all of the requirements can be met. For more detailed information about eligibility, timelines, and application materials,view the 4+1 Accelerated Master’s Application Process.

For further questions, interested students can contact the gp*@re*****.edu“>Graduate Program Director.