Economics, M.S. - PAUL, UNH

Paul College’s STEM-designated Master of Science in Economics is a program like no other. Students can choose between two distinct paths — an Academic Track and an Industry Track — or customize their studies through a Mixed Track that blends elements of both.

The Academic Track provides a rigorous foundation in doctoral-level economic theory, econometric analysis, and research methods. It is ideal for students who aspire to become research economists or plan to pursue a Ph.D. in economics.

The Industry Track offers a uniquely interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates economic theory, data analytics, statistical modeling, and business applications. Students develop advanced technical skills while learning how to apply economic reasoning to real-world business challenges. Innovative courses such as Macroeconomic Consulting and Machine Learning for Economics exemplify the program’s distinctive hands-on approach.

Few master’s programs in the country match the interdisciplinary breadth and rigor of Paul College’s MS in Economics. Students gain expertise in economic theory and econometrics, learn to code in R and Python, and develop applied data skills using SQL, Power BI, and Tableau—all within one year. Graduates emerge uniquely prepared to help organizations interpret market conditions, define strategic problems, and drive data-informed decision-making. Professionals with this combination of economic insight and technical proficiency are in high demand across industries.

The program can be completed in 12 months. It begins with an intensive Mathematical Economics course taught during the first two weeks of the fall semester, followed by two semesters of coursework. Several industry-track courses are offered in 8-week terms, providing flexibility and an accelerated learning experience. A capstone project completes the program: industry-track students conduct a corporate consulting project in the spring, while academic-track students take a comprehensive exam in microeconomic or macroeconomic theory in early summer.

The program requires a minimum of 32 credit hours of coursework and a capstone experience. All students must complete three core classes.

¹

Course is offered in the first two weeks of the Fall semester and involves in-class and online learning. It provides the mathematical foundation needed for the fall theory and econometrics classes.

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Course is scheduled on an 8-week term calendar and entails 32 hours of contact time.

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Or another elective course with advisor approval.

Accelerated Master's Overview

Accelerated Master’s programs offer qualified University of New Hampshire undergraduate students the opportunity to begin graduate coursework in select graduate programs while completing a bachelor’s degree. Accelerated master's programs are designed to provide students with an efficient and cost-effective pathway to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree or graduate certificate, enhancing career opportunities and long-term earning potential.

Accelerated Master's Highlights

• Begin studying advanced topics while an undergraduate student with the opportunity to complete a master’s degree or graduate certificate early.
• Master’s degree program students: Earn up to 12* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
• Graduate certificate program students: Earn up to 8* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s degree and the graduate certificate.
• Students complete the bachelor’s degree, and then officially matriculate into the master’s or graduate certificate program to complete the remaining required graduate-level coursework.

*Some exceptions apply. 

Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements

• A minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA is required.*
• A minimum of 90 undergraduate credits must be completed prior to enrolling in graduate (800-level) courses.
• Streamlined Graduate School Application (two letters of recommendation; most standardized tests and application fee are waived).*

*Some exceptions apply.

Accelerated Master's Requirements

• Students must attend a mandatory orientation session.
• Students must submit a special registration form each semester for dual-credit courses and note any DegreeWorks exceptions.
• Students may defer graduate matriculation for up to one year after earning their bachelor’s degree in most programs.
• See the Accelerated Master’s Catalog Policy and Accelerated Master’s Website for additional information and a list of programs. Note that some programs have additional requirements (e.g. higher-grade expectations) compared to the general policy.

Economics (M.S.) Accelerated Option

This graduate degree program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis in articulation with the following undergraduate program(s): 

Additional Information

After matriculating into the master's program, students take a minimum of 20 additional credits to complete the master's program requirements.

Students will be required to earn a B- or better in graduate courses to earn credits toward their degree.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Utilize economic theory to formulate and solve optimization problems for consumer and firm decision making (e.g., marginal analysis).
• Apply statistical and econometric methods using programming languages to analyze and draw valid conclusions from data.
• Demonstrate an ability to formulate well-designed research projects.

• Apply principles of data analytics to store, manage, and visualize large datasets.
• Identify and demonstrate how economic theory, econometrics, and data analytics can be applied to decision making at an enterprise level.

• Apply advanced graduate-level microeconomic and macroeconomic theory to understand markets and the economy.
• Demonstrate an ability to comprehend and critique current scholarly research in macroeconomics and microeconomics.

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Deadlines

Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:

• Fall: June 1
• Spring: December 1st (Current UNH undergraduates only; for Accelerated Masters)
• Summer: N/A
• Special: N/A

Application fee: $65

Campus: Durham

New England Regional: Not Needed

Accelerated Masters: Yes (for more details see the accelerated masters information page)

New Hampshire Residents

Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence Form. This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission, or you will not be able to register for classes.

Transcripts

If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester, UNH Non-Degree work and GSC. 

If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must upload a copy (PDF) of your transcript in the application form. International transcripts must be translated into English.

If admitted, you must then request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:

• Electronic Transcripts: Please have your institution send the transcript directly to grad.school@unh.edu. Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
• Paper Transcripts: Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.

Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.

Letters of recommendation: 3 required

Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.

Test Scores: GRE Required

GRE required. Request official test scores to be sent directly to the Graduate School by the testing service. Test scores more than five years old are not acceptable. Student copies and photo copies of scores are not considered official. Our CEEB code is 3918.

For general information about test scores, including waiver requests and current COVID related impacts, please visit our Test Scores webpage.

Personal Statement/Essay Questions

Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding:

1. Reasons you wish to do graduate work in this field, including your immediate and long-range objectives.
2. Your specific research or professional interest and experiences in this field.

Resume

A current resume is required with your submitted application.

Important Notes

All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program-specific application questions.

Enrollment Deposit

This program requires an enrollment deposit of $500. If admitted the deposit will be due by the deadline specified in your admit letter. The enrollment deposit secures a seat in the program for an applicant and can be used towards tuition once the applicant starts the program. For more information please see our enrollment deposits help page.

International Applicants

Prospective international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.