In order to apply for a Master's program, students are required to have completed a baccalaureate program, often with a minimum grade point average. Often a minimum GRE (Graduate Record Exam) score is required for entrance. Also it is a good idea to have taken several courses in high level mathematics to prepare yourself for the rigors of a Master's degree program in a math-heavy field such as economics.
All Master's degree candidates in economic fields must produce a thesis or sit for a written final exam prior to their degree confirmation. A thesis is a written discussion that expounds upon information published in a peer-reviewed article that supports a student's individual research. The final requirement is at the individual school's discretion. Degree candidates should be aware of their school's particular requirement before applying for graduate school.
Master's degree programs in economics generally require a proficient knowledge of three specific areas of study. As such, a minimum grade requirement is usually upheld in three core classes. Econometrics is a course designed to teach students to use raw economic data and quantify it into useful information and trends. Microeconomics is a course designed to study the basic financial principles of the product market and how and why decisions are made by producers and consumers. Macroeconomics is another core class required for economics degrees. This course describes the market as a collective to understand behavior such as unemployment, gross domestic product and pricing structures.
To fulfill the requirements for an M.A. in an economic discipline, candidates will have to complete several elective courses. These are program-specific and may be different from one economics degree to another. Elective courses should support the sub-discipline choice of the degree candidate. Common elective courses include international trade, emerging markets and data mining.