The MA program in economics is designed to train students in the quantitative and applied economic skills that will best enhance their future employment opportunities in the private and public sectors, or their pursuit of PhD studies in economics or related fields.<br>For students wishing to combine the quantitative skills of an economics degree with the practical applications of a business degree, the Economics Department offers an M.A. EconomicsM.S. Finance dual degree program. This 42 credit-hour program is offered jointly with the Graduate School of Business. The dual degree program is intended to create highly-skilled research professionals with considerable econometric skill as well as familiarity with their chosen financial institutions. Given the similarity in course work within the two programs there can be considerable time savings for the student. Students without an accounting background need to take BUSN 6550 before the other courses in Business and Finance. This does not count toward the 14 courses for the degrees.