New York University in Manhattan is Zimmermann's top pick for an MA in economics. The program requires a minimum of three full-time semesters, with a five-year completion limit placed on full- and part-time students. To graduate, students must complete 32 points -- similar to hours -- with at least 24 of those at NYU, plus a special project in economic research. The school also offers an advanced certificate program in applied economic analysis, which requires taking an additional six specialized courses.
Boston University offers five ways to achieve a master's degree in economics. The basic MA in economics requires two semesters and includes economics courses plus electives in topics such as energy, environment, finance, health, labor and international trade. The master of arts in economic policy takes three semesters and mixes economics with management training for people who want jobs as policy analysts and decision-makers in government and other institutions. The master of arts in global development economics combines economics and politics with courses in governance and political economy, international public health, infrastructure and environmental planning. BU also offers a combined MA/MBA. program and a BA/MA program.
Zimmermann's third pick, the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, offers a master of arts in applied economics. Unlike a basic master's in economics, this degree is not for someone who wants to pursue a PhD. Instead, this MA is specifically designed for students seeking a job where an MA in economics is required or who want an economics degree to complement studies in another field, such as political science. The degree requires 33 hours of graduate coursework and does not include a thesis or special tests other than regular course tests.
Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke University is Zimmermann's fourth choice for a school that offers an MA in economics. This MA requires 30 semester hours of coursework, some of which can be taken during a summer term, allowing students to complete the degree faster. Although Duke's program does not include a thesis, the degree does require what the school calls a "non-thesis academic exercise;" an independent, original research project. In lieu of that project, students can sit for an oral examination.