Accelerated Degree Program

Accelerated Degree Program in Economics

Complete your Bachelor's degree in economics and an MA in economics in five years.

  • Save time: Earn your master's degree in one year instead of two

  • Save money: Pay graduate tuition for only one year

  • Take advantage of the value: Binghamton offers an Ivy-caliber education at a state university tuition

  • Strengthen your marketability: Graduate degrees hone job-related skills in communications, research methods, data analysis, teamwork and big-picture thinking — skills sought out by employers worldwide

  • Increase your earning potential: Salaries for people holding master's degrees are on average $10,000 higher than for those with bachelor's degrees

  • Benefits for international students: three years of optional practical training (OPT), which allows you to work in the United States while maintaining student status. 

Overview

The accelerated program in economics offers majors the opportunity to enhance their training with master's-level courses in economics, completing both a BA/BS and an MA in five years. To allow completion of both degrees in five years, ECON 502 Econometrics and ECON 504 Economic Forecasting, taken in the senior year as an undergraduate student, substitute for ECON 466 and ECON 467. Credit for these courses will be applied to both programs.

The following is a sample curriculum plan: 

Summary of Course Requirements for the 4+1 track in Financial Economics 

How to Apply

The first step is to declare your intent during your sophomore or junior year. You can do this by completing the 4+1 Intent Application located on your my.binghamton portal. If your intent is accepted, you should schedule an appointment with department staff to go over your course schedule. You will then be able to register for graduate coursework during your senior year of study. 

Step two is to apply for graduate school in your senior year. You can follow these general application instructions, but please note the following:

  • Economics 4+1 applicants do not need to submit three letters of recommendation.
  • Economics 4+1 applicants also do not need to submit GRE scores. 
  • Admission to the Graduate School is conditional on earning an average GPA of 3.0 in the two graduate courses taken in the fourth year.

Questions?