Economics and Education Policy Analysis, MA

Our master's program in economics and education policy analysis is offered through a partnership with the Department of Economics in the College of Arts and Sciences. Consistent with UB's emphasis on innovation and interdisciplinarity, this program allows you to explore the intersection between education and economics. You will be trained to use economic theory and econometric tools to solve real-world issues in education.

On this page:

Why choose Economics and Education Policy Analysis at UB?

The features of our program include:

  • acquiring skills in data manipulation and analysis so that it leads to immediate gainful employment in schools and institutions that make use of evidence-based decision making
  • addressing real-world needs and solve education problems for students in K-12 and higher education contexts
  • applying theories and analytical techniques within educational settings
  • learning how you communicate real-world solutions to the public

Program Overview

Academic credential granted Master of Arts (MA)
Credits required for completion 33
Time to completion 3 to 4 full-time semesters
Course delivery On campus
Careers Data analysis and policy development in fields including:
  • colleges and university departments of budget, planning and institutional analysis
  • government education agencies
  • ministries of education
  • non-profit research and advocacy organizations
  • school districts
Application deadline Priority Deadlines
Fall: April 1, then rolling
Spring: Nov. 1, then rolling

Program Coursework

Semester 1 (12 credits)
ECO 505 Microeconomic Theory
ECO 580 Econometrics
ELP 543 Introduction to Economics of Education
ELP 695 Education Policy and Economic Justice

Semester 2 (12 credits)
ECO 544 Economics of Education
ECO 581 Econometrics 2
ECO Elective
ELP Elective

Semester 3 (9 credits)
CEP 527 Large-scale Data Analysis 
ELP 524 Supervised Professional Experience 
ELP 536 Visual Analytics for Economics and Education

-------

ECO Elective Courses
ECO 543 Labor Economics
ECO 564 Economics of the Public Sector
Or other approved course

ELP Elective Courses
 ELP 507 Higher Education Finance
ELP 626 Education Policy Formulation and Analysis
ELP 627 Issues in Education Policy
ELP 649 Public School Finance
Or other approved course

Application Requirements

You must have a bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) in any discipline from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (with some possible exceptions). 

Submit your completed online application, which includes:

  • Application fee: A $50 non-refundable application fee, submitted electronically through UB's ePayment system.
  • Contact information for two individuals who will each be asked to provide an electronic recommendation letter.
  • Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended. (UB transcripts are automatically submitted for current UB students and alumni.)
  • Statement of education and career goals

Desirable but not required for admission:

  • Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores, including verbal, quantitative and writing sections or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) scores from tests taken within the last five years. For the GRE, please use Institution Code 2925 and Department Code 3001.
  • Professional credentials e.g., PMP/project management certification, management training.
  • Prior coursework in economics/microeconomic theory/statistics.

Former/Maiden Name: Please provide us with your former/maiden name if you have one. When requesting transcripts, please ask the sending institution to indicate your current name and former/maiden name.

Admission Decision: The admission decision will be communicated to you as soon as review is complete. The decision is based on a number of factors and is the result of a thorough and deliberate process. All decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

International Applicant Additional Requirements
  • Official original proof of your degree
  • A copy of your passport biographical page
  • Official test scores for either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic. Test scores must be dated within two years of submitting your application.
    • TOEFL minimum score is a 250 for a computer based test, 600 for a paper based test and 79 for the Internet based test
    • IELTS minimum score is 6.5 overall
    • PTE minimum score is 55 overall
  • Financial documentation — International graduate applicants must document their ability to pay for all costs incurred while studying in the U.S.
  • An official bank statement

All financial forms and supporting documentation with required signatures must be uploaded with your application, and must be dated within one year of your intended enrollment date.

Are you in China and unable to take the IELTS, PTE or TOEFL?

If you currently in China and unable to take the IELTS, PTE or TOEFL tests because they are cancelled due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the University at Buffalo will accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) for proof of English proficiency. This test can be taken online, in your own home. More information can be found on the Graduate School’s website.

Apply Now
Request Info

Learn More

Tuition Information
University Computing Standards

You are required to have daily access to a reliable broadband connection and a computer that meets university computing standards. You are also expected to have basic computer competency before beginning your coursework.