MS in Financial Economics
In the Master of Science in Financial Economics program, learning economic theory is just the beginning. Students will explore practical tools and techniques, gaining the expertise to analyze global economic change. It’s their pathway to careers that focus on modeling financial markets, forecasting trends, and elevating decision-making across the public and private sectors.
Johns Hopkins University lets students take control of their education with customizable core courses and an array of electives. This coursework helps students master the analytical methods used to identify financial risks and opportunities.
This is a 10-course degree program, with classes offered in Washington, D.C., and online. The degree can be pursued at a part- or full-time pace, onsite or online, or in both modes. All undergraduate majors are welcome.
Admissions Criteria for All Advanced Academic Programs
PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the materials and credentials required for all programs, the Master of Science in Financial Economics has the following program-specific minimum requirements:
- Resume
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose: Please provide a statement, up to one page in length, describing your personal background and/or a part of your life experience that has shaped you or your goals. Feel free to elaborate on personal challenges and opportunities that have influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree at Johns Hopkins.
- Prerequisite Courses:
- One semester of introductory microeconomics, passed with at least a B
- One semester of introductory macroeconomics, passed with at least a B
- One semester of undergraduate statistics, passed with at least a B
- One undergraduate course that covers multivariate calculus, passed with at least a B
Program Requirements
Students in the MS in Financial Economics program must complete ten courses:
- Four core required courses
- One core customizable course
- Five electives, as noted below
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses - Required: | 12 | |
| All four courses are required. | ||
| Microeconomic Theory | ||
| Macroeconomic Theory | ||
| Econometrics | ||
| Financial Economics | ||
| Core Courses - Customizable: | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Macroeconometrics [Time-Series Analysis] | ||
| Macroeconomic Forecasting [Time Series Analysis] | ||
| Financial Econometrics [Time-Series Analysis] | ||
| Electives | 15 | |
| Financial Economics Electives | ||
| Select between two and four courses to fulfill this requirement. | ||
| Courses cannot satisfy more than one degree requirement. | ||
| Financial Econometrics [Time-Series Analysis] | ||
| Financial Intermediation & Financial Markets | ||
| Economics of Investments and Financial Management | ||
| Behavioral Economics & Finance | ||
| Economics of Derivatives | ||
| Complementary Macro and Quantitative Electives | ||
| Select between one and three of these courses. Please note, you may not double-count your selected Advanced Time-Series Econometrics Course as one of your elective courses. | ||
| Macroeconometrics [Time-Series Analysis] | ||
| Macroeconomic Forecasting [Time Series Analysis] | ||
| Bayesian Econometrics | ||
| Microeconometrics [Cross-Section and Panel Analysis] | ||
| Machine Learning in Statistics | ||
| Monetary Economics | ||
AS.440.631 | ||
| Topics in Macroeconomics and Finance | ||
| Economic Growth | ||
| International Finance (Open Economy Macro) | ||
| Economics of the Labor Market | ||
| Other Electives | ||
| Select between zero and one of other electives listed below | ||
| Cost-Benefit Analysis | ||
| Computable General Equilibrium Modeling | ||
AS.440.629 | ||
| Environmental & Resource Economics | ||
| Political Economy | ||
| Industrial Organization | ||
AS.440.659 | ||
| Public Economics | ||
| Development Microeconomics | ||
| International Trade (Open Economy Micro) | ||
| Regional Economics | ||
| Urban Economics | ||
| Economics of Health Care | ||
| Game Theory | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Optional Thesis (AS.440.692)
Students may undertake their own research project as an 11th program course for three additional credits at full tuition. Prior to proposing a project, interested students must have clearly identified a research topic, and must submit a formal proposal for review and approval to the Thesis Research Committee, to be received no later than two months prior to the beginning of the term in which the student plans to enroll in the course. The proposal must follow the Thesis Guidelines, which can be obtained by contacting the program director.
The committee will help identify a mentor who is familiar with their prospective inquiry, and is willing to provide guidance and oversee the project. The mentor must be faculty teaching at the Johns Hopkins University, but the availability of a mentor cannot be guaranteed. Students must meet with the mentor periodically for discussion of the project's progress, onsite or online, and must complete a research paper, to be approved by the mentor and the committee.
Enrollment of the student is undertaken by the program director.
Prerequisites: All five core courses and Macroeconometrics or Macroeconomic Forecasting or Financial Econometrics, and two or more Financial Economics electives in the substantive area of the proposed research, plus a strong academic record (at least B+ average) in at least eight program courses, are required.