University News

WIU Master's Degree in Economics Reclassified as Master of Science

August 28, 2019

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MACOMB, IL - - The Western Illinois University College of Business and Technology recently announced the reclassification of the Master of Arts in Economics to a Master of Science in Quantitative Economics.

The Illinois Board of Education approved the change to begin in August 2019. The 30-hour program joined only a handful of STEM-recognized economics programs in the United States. The curriculum, which includes core courses in Price Theory, Econometrics, Decision Sciences and Economic Problem Solving, provides training in both critical thinking and the technical toolkit.

"This rigorous training is essential for students entering today's competitive job market," said Jessica Lin, associate professor in WIU Economics and Decision Sciences and graduate program coordinator for the department. "Our graduate students have already demonstrated that our program provides the highly-refined skillset needed for success. We have a stellar job placement record in some highly competitive fields."

Lin added that designating the master's degree as a Master of Science makes it easier for employers to recognize WIU students' unique strengths.

Western also offers an integrated degree program, which allows students to earn a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in economics in five years, as opposed to the six years it would typically take to earn both degrees.

For more information about the Master of Science in Quantitative Economics, visit wiu.edu/cbt/eds/graduate-economics.php.

Posted By: Alisha Looney (AA-Looney@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing