Does the M.A. program have a spring enrollment?
The MA Economics program does have a spring enrollment.
When are the fall/spring application deadlines?
The application deadline for the fall is January 31, and the spring deadline is Nov 1.
How do I apply for admission?
You can find application instructions here: http://www.gradschool.duke.edu/admissions/index.html
What are the prerequisite for applicants?
We expect strong GRE scores and some knowledge of economics -- enough so that you can write a coherent statement of why you want to study in the program, and what you hope to gain from it. Beyond that, you should have several semesters of university level mathematics, and, ideally, probability and statistics. Your statement of purpose, grades in core economics, math, and other quantitative courses, and recommendation letters are the most important determinants of admission.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
18 to 24 months. The duration depends on your level of preparation and the track you choose to pursue. The program has a minimum of 30 academic credits (10 regular courses), but many students need several more to complete their courses of study. A few well prepared students are able to complete the program in 12 months (2 semesters + summer classes), but this is not usual.
How much does the degree cost?
You can find updated tuition costs here:http://www.gradschool.duke.edu/financial_support/student_expenses.html
How many students are admitted to the program?
We plan on an enrollment of 25-30 incoming students each fall and up to 5 each spring, and anticipate that about 50% of those admitted will accept our offer of admission. Given a pool of 150 to 200 applicants, so about 1 in every 3 applicants can expect to be admitted.
Where can you find descriptions of the course offerings?
You can find sample course syllabi on our website at: http://www.econ.duke.edu/ecoteach/masters/program_requirements1.html#syllabi
What is the average GPA of incoming students?
The average GPA of our incoming students is 3.65. The mean GRE is about 775 quantitative and 525 verbal. However, many other factors are considered for admission. For instance, your statement of purpose is very important. We want students who understand what they are trying to achieve from the program.
What math courses are expected to be completed upon entry?
A minimum would be two semesters of calculus. Three semesters is advisable. By the time you graduate, you will also be familiar with linear algebra and differential equations, and will have to take coursework to learn these topics if you are admitted but do not have it already. A basic probability and statistics sequence is also a good idea. Business stat and calculus are not good substitutes for real courses in these areas.
How relevant is work experience (in the field or in general) to admissions decisions in this Program?
It is not directly relevant but it can help.
Do I need to have a bachelor’s degree in economics to gain acceptance to the program?
Not necessarily. Many of our students’ backgrounds are in areas other than economics. In the past we have had students with degrees in computer science, engineering, mathematics, statistics, political science etc. You should have a good understanding of basic economic courses such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, international trade, international finance, or financial economics.
What is the composition of the MA program in terms of different tracks?
The MA program is currently has 20-25 students in the PhD preparation track (Economic Analysis), 20-25 in the Financial Economics track, 15-20 in the Applied Economics track, and 7 in the JD/MA Law and Economics track.
Does the master’s program lead to the PhD program in economics at Duke?
The MA degree does not directly and automatically lead to the PhD. MA students have to apply to the PhD like all other applicants, and should not view the MA as a “back door” to the PhD. However, good students are encouraged to apply to the PhD, and several have entered the PhD program in recent years.
To which other PhD programs have Duke Master’s students gone in recent years?
In the past three years, MA graduates also have gone on to Arizona State (finance), California – Davis, Michigan, Northwestern, Ohio State (statistics), Penn State, Stanford (accounting), UCLA, Washington University – St. Louis (finance), and Wisconsin.
Can I take courses offered at The Fuqua School of Business and elsewhere in the University?
Yes. In fact, it is required that you take at least two of your courses outside of Economics. Students regularly take courses in Business, Mathematics, Statistics, Public Policy, Environmental Science, Computer Science, and Political Science.
Courses at Fuqua include both MBA and PhD courses. MBA courses are opened to students outside of the Business School after internal registration, but, historically, taking courses at Fuqua has not been a problem for Economics MA students.
How do I select my courses? Will I have an academic advisor?
You will work with your academic advisor to design a personalized plan of study that meets your objectives and addresses any remedial needs you have. Because of the heterogeneity of interests and the vast number of courses available throughout the university, programs of study are individualized, subject to meeting core course requirements (though it is even possible to pass out of these).
The professor who serves as Academic Coordinator of the MA program – currently Prof. Charles Becker – serves as your academic advisor.
Issues regarding ESL are handled by the Director of the English for International Students program, Prof. Maria Parker. All administrative problems and issues concerning admission are handled by the Economics Department’s graduate studies administrator, Ms. Cheryl Noga.
Is there any financial aid for incoming Master’s students?
A limited amount of outright financial aid is offered by the Economics Department. This aid consists of partial (25% to 50%) tuition waivers, either without restriction or contingent on serving as a part-time research assistant. These awards are made based on academic merit, apparent need, and the department’s desire to have a diverse, heterogeneous student body. Awards of more than 50% of tuition are not made, and aid is not provided for continuation fees or living expenses.
Are there opportunities to work as a teaching assistant, research assistant, grader, or technical support expert?
In addition to partial tuition waivers, it is usually possible for students who are performing well to secure part-time employment after the first semester as a grader or doing other support work (in computer labs, the library …). Second year students also are likely to be invited to work as teaching assistants, and many MA students work as research assistants – some in Economics, but especially in the Fuqua School of Business, the Sanford Institute of Public Policy, and the Nicholas School of the Environment.
Who should I get to write my letters of recommendation?
It is important to have recommenders who know you well, and who can attest to your research interests, achievements, and academic performance. Writers also should be able to elaborate on your record beyond providing information that is available on the transcript.
General character references are of little or no value. References do not necessarily carry more weight because the writer is prominent or a high ranking official. Some but not all letters can (and probably should, if you are working) be from a senior supervisor, but it is also important to have letters from faculty who can attest to your academic ability. One-sided letters that only offer praise are less credible than those that weigh both strengths and weaknesses. Do not write a letter for someone and have them sign it: this is easy to detect, and harmful to your application.
Should I submit an example of my original research?
If you have one or more papers that demonstrate your research interests and capabilities, we welcome you to submit them. Ideally, submissions should be in electronic form to Ms. Cheryl Noga. Research papers in English are preferred, but submissions in your native language also are acceptable. These papers can be very useful in the admissions process, as they often give valuable insights into the applicant’s capabilities that are not made evident in the regular application materials.
How important is a good grasp of English?
English proficiency level beyond advanced intermediate fluency is not a major admission criterion for admission. However, it is the policy of the Graduate School to admit only those students with a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based test), 213 (computer-based test), or 83 (internet-based test), or a minimum IELTS score of 7.0. and, in practice, applicants with GRE verbal scores below 430 are unlikely to be admitted. Moreover, while English fluency is not critical in the admissions decision, improving English language skills is an important objective for international students, and Duke University will require those with deficiencies to take remedial courses.
What proportion of the MA student body is international? Are international students encouraged?
At present, 2/3 of the 69 Economics MA students are foreign (at present from 13 countries). This includes several international students earning PhDs in other disciplines who have elected to take a MA in Economics as well. Historically, 50% to 60% of the MA student body is international, though this percentage fluctuates widely. International applicants are strongly encouraged. Admission is made solely on merit, and international applicants are neither favored nor disfavored.
What proportion of the MA student body consists of underrepresented US minorities (Black, Hispanic, or Native American)? Are minority applicants encouraged?
At present, there are 5 US citizens or permanent residents who are underrepresented minorities in the program, along with 18 non-minority (white or Asian-American) US students. Minority applicants are strongly encouraged.
Is there a quota on students from any one country?
No. While we do seek a balanced student body in terms of field interests, admissions are made with virtually no reference to nationality. We seek the brightest students who will make the best use of the Duke Economics MA degree regardless of nationality.
Is there a difference between the A.M. degree and the M.A. degree?
No. The fact that it is called an “A.M.” in Duke official documents is an historical accident, and there is no distinction between it and a M.A.
Can students (from India or elsewhere) who have only 15 years of primary and secondary schooling plus undergraduate study apply for the M.A.?
No. Duke University requires 16 years of prior study before one is eligible for MA or PhD study. Applicants are advised to take a one-year M.A. program in order to complete the 16 year requirement and then to apply to the Duke M.A. program.
If I wish to write a major research paper (Master’s exercise), who will supervise my work?
If you write a major research paper (like a thesis, but without quite all of the bureaucracy), you will need a committee of three supervising faculty. The MA Academic Coordinator will advise you on whom to approach to serve as your director, and also normally serves as one of the readers. Professors are not obligated to agree to serve on your committee, but, if they are interested in the topic and know you (from a course, or as a research or teaching assistant), normally will be glad to work with you. |
