About this Program

The Master of Arts in Economics at Old Dominion University exposes students to modern economics and the analytical skills needed to succeed in today’s job market. The program is flexible —full-time and part-time— and delivers a solid foundation in economic theory coupled with cutting edge statistics and analytical methods.

Program Highlights

  • The program focuses on providing students with analytical skills geared toward business and policy analysis.

  • Classes are taught by research-active faculty and are offered at time to accommodate both full-time and part-time students.

  • The program is a STEM-designated degree according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. International students completing the program may apply for 3 years of work in the United States through the extended OPT program.

  • Students will be prepared to earn the Certified Business Economist (CBE) designation from National Association for Business Economists (NABE).

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Graduate
Degree Earned
Master of Arts
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Data Scientists

$89,810 (Approx) Median Salary

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

Financial Quantitative Analysts

$76,630 Median Salary

Develop quantitative techniques to inform securities investing, equities investing, pricing, or valuation of financial instruments. Develop mathematical or statistical models for risk management, asset optimization, pricing, or relative value analysis.

Economists

$112,650 Median Salary

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

Urban and Regional Planners

$74,350 Median Salary

Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

Alumni Careers

City of Portsmouth
City of Virginia Beach
World Bank
International Monetary Fund
Hampton University
Federal Reserve Bank at Richmond

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Economics at ODU?
Students entering the Master of Arts program in Economics should meet the minimum university admission requirements Graduate Admission.
  • Submission of at least one letter of recommendation  

  • Average undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0

  • Prerequisite coursework completed in calculus, statistics, and economics

  • Submission of unofficial transcripts (official transcripts required upon admission)

  • International applicants: IELTS, TOEFL, or approved English proficiency examination results

  • The GRE/GMAT is not required for applicants with an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.3

For Admission to the Economics Program

To Complete Program

Thirty semester credit hours (ten courses) of approved graduate work are required for the award of the Master of Arts degree in economics. A maximum of six credit hours of 500-level courses approved for graduate credit may be applied toward the degree. The remaining courses must be taken from 600-and/or 700-level courses. Up to six credit hours (two courses) of electives (approved by the graduate program director) may be taken from courses outside the Department of Economics. In their final semester, a student is required to register for ECON 698, a course focusing on creating a directed economic research project under the guidance of a department faculty member.

Cost

Estimated rates for the 2023-24 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $599
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $623
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,439

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid

Contact

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

2051 CONSTANT HALL
NORFOLK, 23529