Overview
The graduate program in the Department of Economics at Chung-Ang University is primarily composed of two components: coursework and thesis writing. The program also emphasizes developing high-quality research outcomes that can lead to journal publications. Furthermore, the department actively encourages students to specialize in areas that are in high social demand and align with their interests, providing guidance in selecting focused fields of study.
Coursework
First, the coursework component of the major consists of core required courses and advanced specialization courses by field.
Among these, the core required courses include essential subjects such as Microeconomics I and Macroeconomics I, which provide the fundamental theoretical foundation necessary for completing a master’s degree in economics.
Starting from the second semester, students typically begin taking courses that align with their chosen specialization track.
Currently, the curriculum for each specialization track most commonly chosen by graduate students in the Department of Economics is outlined in the table below.
In addition, the Department of Economics Graduate School offers a combined Bachelor’s-Master’s program exclusively for students with the same undergraduate major (Economics major or double major). This program is available to those who have completed at least 106 credits by the end of their 6th semester. The integrated program enables students to obtain both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree within five years of study.Students admitted to this program are eligible for early graduation from their undergraduate studies in their 7th semester. They are also granted benefits such as an exemption from the graduate school admission fee and a 50% reduction in tuition for up to three semesters of the Master’s program.
| Policy Analysis Track | Finance/Financial Economics Track | Applied Economics Track | |
| Core Required Courses | Master’s: Microeconomics I, Macroeconomics I
Doctoral: Microeconomics II, Macroeconomics II |
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| Common Electives | Development Economics, Economic Statistical Analysis, Korean Economy, International Trade, Economic Theory Seminar, International Economics Seminar, Institutional Economic History | ||
| Specialized Advanced Courses | Public Finance, Monetary and Financial Economics, Labor Policy, Economic Policy Research | Financial Economics, Monetary and Financial Economics, Capital Markets, Econometrics, International Finance, Mathematical & Econometric Seminars | Labor Economics, Industrial Organization, Public Finance, Monetary and Financial Economics, Applied Econometrics, Resource Economics |
| Potential Career Paths (Examples) | Government and private economic research institutes, other policy analysis-related fields | Financial institutions and affiliated research centers, economic research institutes, other finance-related fields | Economic research institutes, large corporations, and other applied economics-related fields |
Thesis Writing
In general, Master’s students begin their thesis work around the start of their third semester by selecting an academic advisor and conducting research over the course of approximately one year. The typical process involves the following steps: submission of a thesis proposal, preliminary review, and final review. The final review usually takes place in December (for students who began in the March semester).
For Ph.D. students, thesis work begins immediately upon entering the doctoral program, with the selection of an advisor and a research topic.
Academic Journal Publication
Among Master’s theses, those with outstanding research outcomes may receive additional guidance from faculty members to be developed into publications for domestic or international academic journals. Students can publish as co-authors with faculty or as sole authors. Many current graduate students and alumni have successfully published in high-quality journals.
Doctoral theses typically demonstrate high-quality research outcomes, making them strong candidates for journal publication. These publication experiences are crucial for future growth as professional researchers.
Additionally, students can gain hands-on academic research experience by participating in various theoretical and practical research projects led by economics faculty members.
Intro
– A program that connects the undergraduate and master’s curricula, allowing students to complete both within 5 years (10 semesters)
– Students apply and are selected after completing their 6th undergraduate semester
– Upon acceptance, students graduate early from the undergraduate program by their 7th semester
– They then complete the master’s degree over the next 3 semesters
Eligibility Requirements
– Undergraduate students at Chung-Ang University (including transfer students)
– Must be majoring in Economics (as a primary major, double major, interdisciplinary major, or integrated major)
– Must have completed at least 106 credits by the end of their 6th semester, with a GPA of 3.3 or higher in major courses (including foundational major courses)
– Must receive a recommendation from the Head of the Department of Economics
Admission Schedule and Method
– Document Screening Only
Spring Semester Admission (March Enrollment)
– Application Period: Mid-July each year
– First Round Results: Announced before the course registration period for the 7th semester
– Final Results: Late January of the following year
Fall Semester Admission (September Enrollment)
– Application Period: Mid-January each year
– First Round Results: Announced before the course registration period for the 7th semester
– Final Results: Late July of the same year
Required Documents
– Application form
– Academic transcript
– Study plan
– Recommendation letter from the Head of the Department
– Pledge form
※ For more detailed information, please refer to the attached file: Integrated Bachelor’s and Master’s Program Guide.