Master of Science in Economics Degree Plan

Why study Economics at Baylor?

The world needs leaders who can look beyond the headlines, understand what drives change, and help organizations make smarter decisions. Baylor's Master of Science in Economics program helps you develop advanced analytical expertise, strengthen your quantitative skills, and build the confidence to navigate an increasingly complex economy. Whether your goal is industry, research, consulting, or doctoral study, you'll be prepared to turn insight into impact.

We offer a Master of Science in Economics (MSEco), a graduate-level Minor in Economics for other Baylor graduate students and an accelerated pathway for qualified Baylor undergraduate students.  These graduate program options provide advanced training in economic analysis and quantitative methods, preparing students for careers in business, analytics, consulting, policy and doctoral study.

What can you do with an MS in Economics?

• Launch Your Career: Our graduates enter careers in consulting, forecasting, financial services, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and other organizations in the U.S. and around the world.
• Prepare for Doctoral Study: This program serves as a strong bridge to PhD programs in economics, finance and related fields  for both domestic and international students.

Master of Science in Economics Degree Requirements

Students may earn the Master of Science in Economics by fulfilling the requirements of one of the two options detailed below:

Thesis option: 

• 24 hours of course work including ECO 5001, 5002, 5310, and 5315
• 6 hour Thesis course
• Total Credits: 30

NOTE:  Eighteen hours of course work must be in economics (prefixed by ECO), and 15 of these 18 hours must be at the 5000-level. Additionally, 18 hours of course work, whether within or outside of economics, must be at the 5000-level. Only those 4000-level courses approved for graduate credit will count toward the degree requirements.

Non-thesis option: 

• 36 hours of course work including ECO 5001, 5002, 5310, 5315, and 5343
• Total: 36 credit hours

NOTE: Twenty-four hours of course work must be in economics (prefixed by ECO), and 15 of these 24 hours must be at the 5000-level. Additionally, 24 hours of course work, whether within or outside of economics, must be at the 5000-level. Only those 4000-level courses approved for graduate credit  will count toward the degree requirements.

View the complete degree requirements found in the Baylor Graduate Catalog.

Sample Degree Plan

Fall 1

Spring 1

Fall 2

Spring 2

Economics Electives

Fall 1

Spring 1

Fall 2

Spring 2

Economics Electives

Other Electives

Any 5000-level course or 4000-level course listed in the graduate catalog.

Graduate Minor in Economics

A Minor in Economics is available to students enrolled in other Baylor master's and doctoral programs. The minor offers graduate-level coursework in economics analysis and quantative methods that can strengthen your primary field of study.  Students must complete at least three 5000-level economics courses and receive approval by the graduate program director in the Department of Economics. To qualify for a minor in economics, the student must .

View the complete degree requirements found in the Baylor Graduate Catalog.

Economics Accelerated Program

Start Your Master's Degree Sooner.

Qualified Baylor students pursuing a BBA in Economics, BA in Economics, or BS in Economics may be eligible to begin work toward the Master of Science in Economics (MSECO) while completing their undergraduate degree through Baylor's Accelerated Economics Program.

This streamlined pathway allows students to begin approved graduate coursework as undergraduates, creating a more efficient path toward advanced study in economic analysis, forecasting, research, econometrics, and data-driven decision-making.

Eligible pathways include:

• BBA in Economics → Master of Science in Economics
• BA in Economics → Master of Science in Economics
• BS in Economics → Master of Science in Economics

Degree Plans

To earn both degrees, the students must complete all the basic requirements for the undergraduate degree and the MSEco degree. A maximum of 3 credits of graduate-level coursework will count toward both BA and MSEco degrees. These 3 credit hours include:

What are the next steps?

Students typically begin exploring the accelerated pathway after completing approximately 60 credit hours and work closely with undergraduate and graduate advisors to develop an academic plan. Students will then select either the thesis or non-thesis pathways and complete all the required courses and electives on their chosen pathway.

For general inquiries about the program, please contact:

Wilson Law
Graduate Program Director
254-710-4390
Wilson_Law@baylor.edu

Learn more about Baylor's Accelerated Programs