Navigating the UCLA Economics Master's Programs: Requirements and Opportunities
The Department of Economics at UCLA offers a range of graduate programs, including a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Economics and a Master of Arts (M.A.). For those interested in a master's degree with a strong quantitative focus, UCLA also offers a Master of Quantitative Economics (MQE) program. This article will explore the requirements and opportunities associated with these programs, with a particular focus on the MQE program.
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Economics
The M.A. program is primarily designed for students on their way to receiving the Ph.D. degree. However, the department does not admit students whose final goal is to earn a Master of Arts in Economics.
Academic Requirements
Candidates for the M.A. degree must fulfill several requirements:
- Coursework: The department requires nine upper division and graduate-level courses (36 units) in economics completed while in graduate status at UCLA. At least seven of the nine courses (28 units) must be graduate-level courses in the department, one of which must be Economics 207, 241, or 242. With the prior approval of the Vice Chair for Graduate Affairs, students may take a maximum of two courses from departments outside of Economics.
- Comprehensive Examinations: Candidates for the M.A. degree must satisfactorily complete a written capstone requirement by passing at least two of the three first-year core comprehensive examinations at a M.A. pass or better. A student can claim exemption from one and only one comprehensive exam if the student receives at least a B in all three courses in that sequence, AND an average grade of B+ (3.3 GPA) in the three courses in that sequence.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Economics
The Ph.D. program is designed for students seeking advanced research and teaching careers in economics.
Academic Requirements
To be eligible to continue in the doctoral program, students must pass the first-year core written comprehensive exams (with a Ph.D. pass or better) in all three first-year core sequences by the end of their second year. The comprehensive exams are offered twice a year, at the end of Spring quarter and at the end of summer.
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Students have three opportunities to pass their first-year comprehensive exams: after the Spring quarter in their first year, at the end of that summer, and after the Spring quarter in their second year. If a student fails to pass the three comprehensive exams with a Ph.D. pass or better by the end of their second year, they are ineligible to continue in the PhD program and will be recommended for academic disqualification.
Students must take and pass (with a Ph.D. pass or better) the second-year written qualifying examinations in three doctoral elective fields, or two fields plus breadth option, usually by the end of the second year. Written qualifying examinations are offered only once a year, after the end of Spring quarter.
The University Oral Qualifying Examination, administered by the student’s doctoral committee, is scheduled after successful completion of all first-year core written comprehensive examinations as prescribed, successful completion of the second-year written qualifying examinations of three doctoral elective fields (or two fields plus breadth option), and the submission of a written dissertation proposal. The examination focuses on, but is not limited to, the dissertation proposal.
Master of Quantitative Economics (MQE)
The MQE program at UCLA is a STEM-designated graduate degree program that combines data science, finance, and economics. It is designed to prepare students to enter the field of Economics.
Program Overview
The MQE program is a 48-unit program that can be completed in 3 to 6 consecutive quarters. The program only admits students once a year in the fall.
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Curriculum
Students are required to take Econ 430 and 441a and at least two of the following: 401, 402, or 433 during their first quarter in the program, and over the duration of the program choose from the following 400 series courses (ECON 401, 402, 405, 406, 409, 412, 414, 421, 422, 424, 425, 429, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 444, 445. Course list subject to change; MQE courses are only offered once per academic year). In addition, all students are required to enroll in Economics in Action (410) ever quarter in which they are enrolled in the MQE program. Students must complete a capstone course in their final term.
With approval of the MQE faculty committee, students may be permitted to enroll in PhD courses in the Department of Economics to count towards the degree requirements.
Concentrations
The MQE program offers a concentration in Data Analytics, with courses such as 412, 424, 425, 432, 434, and 445.
Capstone Project
The capstone for the Master of Quantitative Economics degree is a required course which entails the completion of either a final project or a final exam that is evaluated by three instructors. Students should complete the capstone project in their final quarter of study.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, comparable in standard and content to a bachelor’s degree from the University of California.
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Standardized Tests
The GRE is not required for admission to the Master of Quantitative Economics (MQE) program. Applicants may choose to submit official GRE scores, which will be considered as part of a holistic review process. Any applicant whose first language is not English must certify proficiency in English when applying to UCLA and, if admitted, upon arrival. Such applicants must submit scores received on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as part of their application. TOEFL scores must be at least 87 on the internet-based test or 7 or higher on the IELTS.
Transcripts
Official transcripts are not needed during the initial stages of application. Please upload an unofficial copy of your transcripts to the online application. International applicants should submit transcripts in both the original language AND the authorized, complete, and exact English translation certified by the issuing institution.
Other Application Materials
Applicants are required to submit a personal history statement. Applicants must submit a resume or CV. Two letters of recommendation are required from individuals, preferably academic or professional supervisors, who are well acquainted with your performance in academic or work settings. Although only two letters are required, a third letter will be reviewed if provided. The letters should be uploaded by the letter writer to the online application.
The statement of purpose gives applicants the opportunity to demonstrate to the Admissions Committee how their previous academic training, research or interest areas, work experience, and any other relevant evidence-based qualifications have prepared them to contribute to the UCLA MQE program and to the field.
Application Deadlines
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The application deadline is March 15.
Financial Information
For the 2025-2026 academic year, MQE tuition is $1,228 per unit for both California residents and non-residents. For students completing 48 units in one academic year, estimated tuition is $58,944. The MQE program considers all accepted applicants for merit-based fellowships. No additional application is necessary.
As a self-supporting program, the MQE is billed to veterans at the in-state tuition rate, and thus is eligible for tuition coverage under the Post 9/11 GI Bill® up to the amount of your eligibility percentage found on your Certificate of Eligibility from the VA.
Academic Disqualification
A student who fails to meet the above requirements may be recommended for academic disqualification from graduate study. A graduate student may be disqualified from continuing in the graduate program for a variety of reasons, including failure to maintain the minimum cumulative grade point average (3.00), failure of examinations, lack of timely progress toward the degree, and poor performance in core courses.
Additional Information
Advising
Entering students are primarily advised by the Vice Chair for Graduate Affairs and the First Year Adviser. First year students are encouraged to consult these advisers whenever doubts or questions arise about their proposed program or academic goals. The Graduate Advisors are located in Room 8292 Bunche Hall. The Student Affairs Officer will counsel students on visas, enrollment, graduation procedures, and other relevant issues.
Career Prospects
UCLA’s MQE program stands out because it teaches the skills needed for success today and in the future. A high percentage of UCLA’s MQE graduates secure post-MQE plans and are employed across a range of fields within six months of completing the program.
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