delivery
In-person, evening classes at the Dubois Center
Economics, M.S.
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Why study economics at UNC Charlotte?
UNC Charlotte’s M.S. in Economics gives you the flexibility to build advanced analytical skills around your career goals — with direct access to one of the nation’s strongest business markets.
- AACSB-accredited business education from a college recognized for meeting rigorous global standards.
- Faculty with expertise in econometrics, forecasting and applied economic analysis who bring active research and real-world perspective into the classroom.
- Five concentration options that let you tailor your degree to your interests and career path.
- A thesis or research-project option for students who want to deepen their research experience or prepare for doctoral study.
- Dual-degree pathways with the University of Regensburg and the M.S. in Financial Engineering and Fintech.
- Evening-friendly coursework designed to support working professionals and recent graduates balancing school with other commitments.
- Direct proximity to Charlotte’s financial and business community, including employers hiring for economic analysis, forecasting, financial modeling, data analysis and policy research skills.
STUDY THE MARKET. WORK IN IT.
The Difference is Charlotte
Charlotte isn’t just a market to study. It’s a market to enter.
As the second-largest banking center in the U.S., Charlotte gives M.S. in Economics students direct proximity to employers that rely on quantitative analysis, forecasting, financial modeling and applied economic research — Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Ally Bank, EY and firms across finance, consulting and analytics all have major operations here.
Evening classes at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City put you close to the institutions using these skills every day. You’ll build your analytical toolkit in the market where you’ll use it.
M.S. in Economics
Career Outcomes
Economics graduates are everywhere. They're just not always called economists.
Graduates pursue roles built on quantitative reasoning, forecasting, financial analysis, empirical research and data modeling, such as:
- Financial manager
- Management analyst
- Data integrity specialist
- Revenue analyst
- Economic analyst
- Research analyst
Lightcast 2025 (Lightcast.io)
M.S. in Economics
Curriculum + Concentrations
Complete 30 credit hours through a curriculum built around economic theory, quantitative methods and applied research:
- 12 credit hours of core economic theory and quantitative methods
- 12 credit hours of concentration coursework
- 6 credit hours for a research project or master’s thesis
Core courses include Advanced Macroeconomic Theory, Advanced Microeconomic Theory, Graduate Econometrics and Advanced Business and Economic Forecasting.
Choose one of five concentrations:
- Quantitative Methods in Economics — for data-intensive analytical roles
- Quantitative Financial Economics — for quantitative finance and investment roles
- Urban Economics and Real Estate — for real estate finance, capital markets and urban economic analysis
- Financial Management — for corporate finance, investment management or strategy roles
- Applied Economic Analysis — for interdisciplinary goals across economics, finance and policy
Find out more about the M.S. in Economics program by attending a virtual information session or by talking with our recruiter.
Take the next step in your economics career: Apply now to UNC Charlotte's M.S. in Economics program and gain the expertise needed to excel in your field.
FLEXIBLE OPTIONS
Pathways and Dual Degrees
M.S. in Economics + M.Sc. in Economics, Dual Degree – Regensburg, Germany
Earn two graduate degrees on two continents through UNC Charlotte’s international dual degree pathway with the University of Regensburg in Germany. Students complete the M.S. in Economics at UNC Charlotte and the M.Sc. in Economics at Universität Regensburg, gaining global academic experience, cross-cultural perspective and advanced training in economics.
M.S. in Economics + M.S. in Financial Engineering and Fintech, Dual Degree
For students interested in deeper quantitative finance preparation, the dual M.S. in Economics and M.S. in Financial Engineering and Fintech pathway combines advanced economic analysis with financial modeling, risk management and fintech-focused quantitative skills. This option is especially strong for students pursuing careers in financial analytics, quantitative finance, risk analysis or data-driven investment strategy.
Early Entry
The Early Entry option allows strong UNC Charlotte undergraduates to begin graduate coursework before completing their bachelor’s degree. Students can build momentum toward the M.S. in Economics, explore advanced economic analysis earlier and potentially reduce the time needed to complete a graduate credential.
Accelerated Master’s Program
Academically talented high school seniors and UNC Charlotte undergraduate freshmen are encouraged to apply for the Accelerated Master’s Program to begin work toward both undergraduate and graduate degrees in their freshman year.
Ph.D. pathway
The thesis option is designed for students who want to build a stronger research foundation before pursuing doctoral study in economics, finance or a related field. Students work closely with faculty to develop original research, strengthen their quantitative and analytical skills, and prepare for the expectations of a Ph.D. program.
Is the M.S. in Economics the right program for you?
The M.S. in Economics is built for students who want to turn quantitative ability into career-ready analytical skill. Whether you’re advancing in your current field, changing direction or preparing for doctoral study, the program gives you a flexible way to deepen your expertise in data, forecasting, economic analysis and applied research.
This program may be a strong fit if you are:
- A working professional ready to strengthen your analytical toolkit: Build deeper skills in data analysis, statistical modeling, econometrics and forecasting and apply them directly to business, finance, policy or organizational decision-making.
- A recent graduate with a quantitative background: Move from academic preparation into applied analytical roles where employers value evidence-based thinking, data fluency and the ability to interpret complex economic trends.
- A finance, banking, analytics or consulting professional: Formalize the quantitative skills that support stronger forecasting, market analysis, risk evaluation, business intelligence and strategic decision-making.
- A policy analyst, government professional or nonprofit leader: Gain an analytical credential that supports economic research, program evaluation, public-sector decision-making and career advancement.
- A student considering doctoral study: Use the thesis track to build research experience, strengthen your academic writing and prepare for Ph.D.-level work in economics, finance or related fields.
- A professional interested in a shorter analytics credential: Start with the Applied Econometrics Graduate Certificate to build focused skills in statistical modeling and applied data analysis, with the option to continue into the full M.S. in Economics.
If you want a graduate degree that connects economic theory, data analysis and real-world decision-making, the M.S. in Economics can help you build the quantitative foundation to move forward with confidence.
Applied Econometrics
Not quite ready for the Master’s program?
This 12-credit certificate is ideal if you want to strengthen your analytical foundation, advance your current role, or explore graduate-level economics before committing to a full degree program.
Tuition + Fees
- North Carolina residents: ~$24,600
- Non-residents of North Carolina: ~$50,700
These are estimated figures for the total program cost. For more information, visit Niner Central, the best place to find a breakdown of tuition and fees associated with your graduate education.
Tuition Assistance
The Belk College of Business offer a limited number of scholarships, assistantships and other funding opportunities to qualified students. Because funding opportunities are highly competitive, you should apply before the priority deadlines of March 1 (fall semester) or October 1 (spring semester).
Assistantships and merit awards
- Applicants who apply before the priority deadline are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships.
- Students interested in graduate assistantships should indicate their interest in the application and apply before the priority deadline.
- Because funding is highly competitive, awards after the March 1 priority deadline may still be available, but at a reduced rate.
Additional funding resources
You can also explore:
- On-campus assistantships and employment opportunities through Hire-A-Niner
- Graduate funding information maintained by The Graduate School
- Financial aid and student loan guidance available on Niner Central
Application Requirements + Admissions
What you’ll submit
- Completed online application
- Statement of purpose outlining career goals and interest in the program
- Three letters of recommendation
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- GMAT/GRE scores or an approved waiver
- Current résumé
Admissions Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Overall undergraduate grade point average of at least a 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale)
- Undergraduate coursework that includes:
- Calculus
- Econometrics (or equivalent)
- Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory
- Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
- Mathematical Economics (preferred)
- Students missing some of these courses can still be admitted with permission of Graduate Program Director. Contact an advisor to discuss your preparation.
Test Scores
GMAT/GRE Waiver
GMAT/GRE waivers are available for qualified applicants.
General Applicants
- Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0, with grades of A or B in Economics, Math, and Statistics courses, or more than one year of relevant work experience
Early Entry Applicants
- 3.2 or above undergraduate GPA, with grades of A or B in Economics, Math, and Statistics courses
Applied Econometrics certificate students
- Completion of a minimum of two courses with grades of B or above, and a graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
How to request your waiver
- Start your application through Graduate Admissions.
- Review the waiver criteria in the graduate catalog.
- Select the GRE/GMAT Waiver Request option in the application.
- Upload your resume, transcripts and your amount of years of full-time, professional work experience.
- Submit — you will be notified of the decision by email.
If your waiver is not approved, you will be required to submit official GMAT/GRE scores. Questions? Contact Amy Riter.
Rolling Admissions
Application Deadlines
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and priority deadlines are considered for scholarships and funding opportunities, so APPLY EARLY.
Fall Admission (August start)
- Priority Consideration: March 1
- Final Consideration: August 1
Spring Admission (January start)
- Priority Consideration: October 1
- Final Consideration: December 1
GLOBAL PROGRAMS
International Dual Degree Programs
The Belk College of Business maintains partnerships with universities across four continents, offering international dual degree pathways for students enrolled at our partner institutions. These programs are open to partner university students only — UNC Charlotte students are not eligible to apply.
Interested students should contact the partner institution directly for admissions information.
M.S. in Economics
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of jobs do M.S. in Economics graduates pursue?
Roles such as financial manager, management analyst, data analyst, revenue analyst, economic analyst and research analyst. The degree builds skills that translate across finance, analytics, consulting, policy and research.
How is the Applied Econometrics Certificate different from the master’s degree?
The certificate is a 12-credit standalone credential focused on applied data analysis and econometric methods. The master’s degree is a 30-credit program with concentrations, research options and dual-degree pathways.
Which concentration should I choose?
It depends on your career goals. Quantitative Methods and Quantitative Financial Economics are strong for finance and data roles; Financial Management supports corporate finance and investment paths; Urban Economics and Real Estate connects to real estate and urban analysis; Applied Economic Analysis offers interdisciplinary flexibility.
Can I pursue a Ph.D. after this program?
Yes. Students interested in doctoral study should consider the thesis track and work with faculty to shape a research-focused plan of study.
Is the M.S. in Economics STEM-designated?
Yes. The program is STEM-designated, which may allow eligible international graduates to apply for up to 36 months of Optional Practical Training in the United States.
Is the GMAT/GRE required?
Yes, but GMAT/GRE waivers are available for qualified applicants.
Upcoming Events
Join an upcoming virtual information session to explore career pathways, curriculum and program structure and the admissions process.
No events found.
CONTACT US
Have Questions?
Ready for a one-on-one conversation?
Contact Amy Riter, Executive Director, Belk College Graduate Programs, and advisor, M.S. in Economics.
Apply early to secure your spot and be considered for priority review.
Connect with our recruitment specialist to explore your next step.