COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

Learn more about the Master of Arts in Business Economics.

About the Program

The MA in Business Economics prepares the student to understand contemporary economic theory and its application to problems arising in industry, business and government. Students completing the program have the opportunity to sit for the certification exam to become a Certified Business Economist® (CBE).

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 3 years, although a student whose advisor certifies that satisfactory progress is being made may apply for an extension of the program for up to a maximum of 5 years

Campus Location: Main

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: Students complete the degree program through classes offered after 5:30 p.m. The degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.

Job Prospects: The program is primarily dedicated to producing well-trained researchers and managers in the field of Economics. Many students go on to enter business and work in public policy.

Licensure/Certification: Students completing the program have the potential to sit for the Certified Business Economist® (CBE) examination. Developed and administered by the National Association for Business Economics (NABE), the CBE exam is based on an advanced body of knowledge that reflects the most relevant information and core competencies demanded by today’s top employers.

The CBE designation is earned by demonstrating a mastery of applied economics and data analytics. The CBE exam constitutes a comprehensive multiple-choice assessment that tests a candidate’s practical and applied knowledge of:

• Applied Econometrics
• Business Applications of Statistics and Data Analytics
• Economic Measurement
• Economics of Strategy and Managerial Decision Making
• Foundations of Macroeconomics/Microeconomics

For more information on the exam and certification, visit https://www.nabe.com/cbe.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Students may enroll in up to 9 credits with the permission of the Graduate Director. Minimum undergraduate GPA requirements apply.

Financing Opportunities: Financial aid may be available to students through the University. For information on financial aid, please contact Student Financial Services at 215-204-2244.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall: March 1, 2025
Spring: November 1, 2025

* * APPLICATIONS will first be accepted for this upcoming program for FALL 2025 ADMISSION * *

Although students are admitted in both the Fall and Spring terms, applicants without previous graduate coursework in Economics are advised to apply for the Fall. Spring admission will only be granted when the student has taken the typical Fall term classes as a non-matriculated student. Late applications may be considered for admission.

APPLY ONLINE to this graduate program.

Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 3

From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from college/university faculty members familiar with the applicant's academic competence and/or immediate work supervisor.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration: Details on appropriate background are available from the department upon request.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: A baccalaureate degree is required. Details on appropriate disciplines are available from the department.

Statement of Goals: In approximately 500 to 1,000 words, discuss your specific interest in Temple's program, research goals, future career goals, and academic and research achievements.

Standardized Test Scores:
GRE: Required. Scores are typically in the 60th to 99th percentile on the quantitative section and in the 45th to 99th percentile on the verbal section.

Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, with the exception of those who subsequently earned a master’s degree at a U.S. institution, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums:

• TOEFL iBT: 79
• IELTS Academic: 6.5
• PTE Academic: 53

Transfer Credit: A grade of "B" or better must have been earned in a peer MA program course in order for the credit to transfer. The maximum number of credits a student may transfer is 6.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 30

Required Courses:

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Core Courses
ECON 5011	Quantitative Methods in Economics	3
ECON 5113	Data Analytics for Economists	3
ECON 5201	Microeconomic Theory	3
ECON 5202	Macroeconomic Theory with Calculus	3
ECON 5901	Masters Writing Seminar	3
ECON 8009	Econometrics I 1	3
Electives 2		12
Total Credit Hours		30

¹

Students with no undergraduate background in econometrics must first take ECON 5203 Introduction to Econometrics.

²

Students who plan to take the Certified Business Economist® exam offered by the National Association for Business Economics (NABE) must take ECON 5538 Economic Operations and Strategy as one of their electives.

Culminating Event: Successful completion of coursework is required to earn the MA in Business Economics degree.

Contacts

Department Contacts: