Graduate Program

Buffalo State offers a master's of applied economics with an emphasis on pluralistic approaches to economic theory and policy.

The master of arts in applied economics is designed for students who want to gain an in-depth knowledge of modern economics and finance, particularly those interested in or already working in:

  • Financial institutions and finance departments in business and government

  • Policy-oriented and community service occupations in the private and public sectors

  • Economic and financial consulting and advising

  • High school business, economics, and social studies education

The program integrates real-world application with the latest theory and enhances opportunities for graduates in a broad range of occupations and institutions; the program also has prepared students for continued education at the Ph.D. level. In addition, it has prepared students to take the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam.

We have two tracks: economic policy analysis and financial economics.

The program's orientation has a strong balance between application and pure theory that enhances opportunities for graduates in a broad range of occupations and institutions. These include financial institutions (e.g., commercial banking, investment management, fixed income securities, and consulting),  corporate business, private and public sector policy-oriented nonprofit corporations, economic consulting, and in economic and social studies education. Graduates have also gone on to enter Ph.D. programs in economics, finance, and financial economics. In addition, graduates have taken the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exams.

Our program has four core courses: the History of Economic Thought; Applied Microeconomic Theory; Applied Macroeconomic Theory; and Applied Econometrics. The program encompasses Post Keynesian, Marxist, and Institutionalist approaches as well as the neoclassical approach. This mix improves students' critical understanding of economic theory and applications.

For more information about this program, contact Dr. Xingwang (Kevin) Qian, coordinator of graduate studies in applied economics, at (716) 878-6031.