The Department of Economics is excited to announce a significant change to its graduate program: the Master of Arts (MA) in Economics will now be officially designated as a Master of Science (MS) in Economics. The change in the degree’s designation reflects the program’s growing emphasis on quantitative analysis, data-driven decision-making, and the application of advanced econometric and statistical methods. These quantitative tools are in increasingly high demand by today’s employers.

American University, which has offered an MA in Economics since the launch of its graduate school in 1914, has trained thousands of students who have gone on to become leaders in their field. Not surprisingly, over more than 100 years, the department has revised its core curriculum numerous times, reflecting the fact that economics as a field increasingly relies on mathematical modeling, computational techniques, and data analytics. The shift from an MA to an MS reflects this gradual transition in the curriculum. The MS degree will retain its STEM-designation, also indicative of the program’s highly quantitative nature.

“This change isn’t just about renaming the degree—it’s about better reflecting the rigorous analytical training our students receive,” said Professor Kara Reynolds, Chair of the Economics Department. “Many of our graduates pursue careers in data analysis, financial modeling, and policy research, where strong quantitative skills are essential.”

In addition to new MS designation, the revised curriculum also features two new concentrations. Students enrolling in the International Economics concentration will take courses in the Department of Economics and the School of International Service to explore complex issues in trade policy, global value chains, international financial systems, and global institutions. Students enrolling in the new Data Science track will combine a strong foundation in economic theory with courses in cutting edge econometric and data science tools, allowing them to effectively harness the power of big data to tackle questions. The two new concentrations supplement the concentrations already offered by the Department in Applied Economics, Development Economics, Financial Economics and Gender Analysis.

Prof. Reynolds adds, “There has never been a more important time to study economics. Our goal is to train the next generation of economists that can accurately predict the dramatic impact that policy shifts can have on the global economy and explain those predictions clearly to policy makers to ensure policy choices are evidence based.”

For more information about the transition, prospective and current students are encouraged to visit the department’s website or e-mail econ@american.edu.