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Master's Program
We do not offer a stand-alone MA degree. A master’s option is only available as an add-on degree for currently enrolled Econ Ph.D. candidates, and Ph.D. candidates from other departments at Stanford.
How to Add a Master's Degree
The M.A. degree for Ph.D. candidates is not automatic. Ph.D. candidates must file the following forms to add the degree:
The Registrar’s office charges a fee to add this additional degree.
Requirements
A Master's program consists of at least 45 units of coursework and must satisfy the following criteria.
A minimum of 45 units
A minimum of 45 units
- A minimum of 45 units of credit beyond what is required for the Bachelor's degree must be taken at Stanford.
- 40 of those units must be within the Department of Economics.
ECON 202 and at least three additional 200-level courses
ECON 202 and at least three additional 200-level courses
- ECON 202 and at least three additional 200-level courses are required.
- A grade of B- or better must be achieved in ECON 202.
Demonstrate competence in empirical methodology
Demonstrate competence in empirical methodology
Students must demonstrate competence in empirical methodology by achieving a grade of B- or better in each course of one of the following sequences:
- ECON 270 and 271
- ECON 102A, 102B, 102C
Two term papers or a thesis
Two term papers or a thesis
Submission of two term papers (or a thesis of sufficient quality).
- At least one of these papers must be deemed to represent graduate-level work. Normally, this means that it is written in connection with a 200-level course.
- A maximum of five units of credit can be earned for a thesis (Econ 400 or comparable MA thesis or dissertation course in another department) toward the 45-unit degree requirement.
Course restrictions
Course restrictions
- Any undergraduate courses taken must be numbered 105 or higher.
- No seminar courses numbered 300 or above can be counted.
GPA and grading
GPA and grading
- A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 must be maintained for all master’s level work.
- All courses must be taken for a letter grade.
Additional Notes
Additional Notes
- Once the student has completed the above requirements, they must apply for degree conferral in Axess to receive the degree.
- Any exceptions to the above requirements must be approved, in advance, by the Director of Graduate Study.