Master of Arts in Financial Economics Fact Sheet

Why the MA in Financial Economics degree?

The Master of Arts in Financial Economics degree is perfect for anyone seeking advanced career opportunities in the fields of finance, economics or banking. The program combines practical skills and academic rigor providing excellent training and preparation for individuals planning to work in the financial sector, as well as those intending to pursue a doctorate in economics or finance.

Why the MA in Financial Economics degree at BGSU?

Our program is a STEM designated degree program which combines finance and economics giving graduates an advantage in the job market. As one of the few programs in the country focusing on financial economics versus financial engineering, our graduates are highly marketable. Full- time students can earn the master’s degree in as few as 12 months, and working professionals enrolled part-time can complete the course requirements in two years. With small class sizes, students develop strong connections with faculty members and each other. The program also provides excellent opportunities for students to conduct research and to pursue internships. Students have the option of taking one of two advanced classes each year -- Directed Research or Economic Internship -- based on their long-term educational and career goals.

Learning outcomes

Graduates of the MA in Financial Economics degree program will have an understanding of advanced economic theory, including dynamic optimization, asymmetric information and the role of the financial sector in the macroeconomy. They will also understand statistical procedures and be exposed to time series econometrics, limited-dependent variable models, and hazard rate models. In addition, graduates of the program will be well-versed in portfolio analysis, financial decision making with spreadsheets, options, futures, financial intermediation, and the role and behavior of central banks.

Program strength and uniqueness

• This program is a STEM designated degree program with small class sizes. Students develop strong connections with faculty members and each other.
• The program provides opportunities for internships and directed research projects before graduation. This focused experience significantly increases students’ competitiveness in the job market.
• Degree completion is anticipated in one-year for full-time students starting in the fall, therefore the timing is perfect for both a job search and/or Ph.D. program applications.
• Working professionals enrolled part-time can complete the course requirements in two years taking classes in the evenings.
• Full-time students can receive scholarships and/or graduate assistantships on a competitive basis to offset a portion of tuition.
• The program provides a combination of the most useful economics and finance courses, and therefore our graduates are prepared for a wide range of jobs.

Professional opportunities

This program is ideal for anyone seeking advanced career opportunities in finance, economics or banking in positions such as financial analyst, banking manager, research assistant or data analyst. Successful BGSU alumni are currently making a difference at institutions such as the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, Huntington Bank, Key Bank and other leading companies. Many of our graduates have also pursued a research path and have gained entrance into doctoral programs at schools including Ohio State University, Indiana University and the University of Notre Dame, just to name a few.

Admission requirements

The program strongly recommends that applicants have a minimum 3.0 undergraduate grade point average (GPA) and at least one undergraduate course in each of the following disciplines: calculus, economics and statistics. Applicants are required to submit scanned copies of official or unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended. Upon admission, final official or notarized copies of transcripts from all institutions where degrees were earned and diplomas from international institutions must be submitted. Applicants are required to submit official scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) with a recommended quantitative reasoning score of at least 50th percentile (153). The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is also accepted. All applicants must submit three letters of recommendation. International applicants are also required to submit scores from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA), or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Successful completion of ELS 112 will also be accepted for this requirement.

Cost of tuition

Please refer to the Office of the Bursar for current information on tuition and fees.

Financial assistance

A limited number of tuition scholarships and graduate assistantships are available on a competitive basis for full-time students who qualify. For more information, please contact the department. Domestic students enrolled in four (4) or more credit hours are eligible to apply for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to calculate student contribution and financial need. You may apply online at the Federal Student Aid website.

How to apply

Visit the BGSU Graduate Admissions website to apply.

Application deadline (w/funding), fall term:
March 1

Application deadline (w/o funding), fall term:
July 1

Application deadline, spring term:
November 1

Curriculum

A total of 30 credit hours of coursework at the graduate level are required.

Required Courses (24 hours)

• ECON 5020: Econometrics 3 hours
• MBA 5510: Investment Analysis and Management 3 hours
• MBA 5520: Financial Modeling 3 hours
• ECON 6070: Graduate Econometrics 3 hours
• ECON 6100: Microeconomic Theory 3 hours
• ECON 6110: Macroeconomic Theory 3 hours
• ECON 6720: Central Banking and the Financial System 3 hours
• ECON 6890: Internship or ECON 6900: Directed Research 3 hours

Elective Courses (6 hours) with permission of advisor

Professional Pathways

Professional Pathways provide affordable, flexible and practical graduate programs for working professionals, as well as full-time students, desiring advanced degrees or certificates to increase career opportunities or expand knowledge in specific academic disciplines.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Graduate Program Director, Dr. Zheng Zeng,
Schmidthorst College of Business,
at zzeng@bgsu.edu or call 419-372-8397.
For questions about Professional Pathways, contact Graduate Admissions:
gradinfo@bgsu.edu | 419-372-2791 | www.bgsu.edu/graduate