Can I Get into an Economics Master's with a BA in Philosophy?

Many students with backgrounds in philosophy, history, or other liberal arts disciplines wonder if they can pursue an Economics Master's degree. While it's true that an undergraduate degree in economics is often required, it's not always a strict prerequisite. Here, we explore the pathways and requirements for students with a BA in philosophy to enter an Economics Master's program.

Understanding the Requirements for an Economics Master's Program

To be considered for an Economics Master's program, you will need to have completed coursework that is equivalent to a bachelor's degree in economics. This means taking courses that cover topics such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and mathematical economics, among others.

Equivalent Undergraduate Coursework

Let's consider a scenario where you have a BA in philosophy and have taken courses related to economics. For example, imagine someone with a degree in German deciding to pursue a master's degree in accounting. Despite having no major in accounting, they could still be considered through taking additional courses like tax courses, finance, and business courses. The key here is to ensure that the coursework you take is equivalent and covers the necessary foundational knowledge.

Pathways for Admission

There are several ways to meet the prerequisites for an Economics Master's program even if you have a BA in philosophy:

1. Additional Coursework

If you have a BA in philosophy, you can take supplementary undergraduate coursework in economics. Focus on taking core economics courses such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, economic theory, econometrics, and statistics. Many universities allow non-matriculated students to take individual courses for credit, which can help bridge the gap.

The requirement may vary depending on the specific program. For instance, within a U.S. context, the program might accept a certain number of credits, say 30-40 credits, of economics coursework, of which a subset must be graduate-level courses.

2. Non-Degree Programs

Some institutions, like IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University), offer distance education in Economics. With a BA in any field, you can enroll in an Economics Master's program. This can be an excellent pathway if you are looking for an economics education without the traditional full-time commitment. IGNOU provides courses in English or Hindi, making it accessible to a wide range of students.

3. Alternative Degrees and Programs

Consider enrolling in a related degree or program such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Public Policy. These programs often have a strong economics component and can serve as a stepping stone to a formal Economics Master's program later on.

Challenges and Considerations

While it's possible to pursue an Economics Master's with a BA in philosophy, there are challenges. The UK market, for instance, places a heavy emphasis on mathematical and statistical proficiency. If your background includes a strong foundation in these areas, your prospects could be better. However, if these are areas where you have less experience, you might need to take additional preparatory courses.

Why Pursue an Economics Master's?

Now, the question arises: why do you want to do an Economics Master's if you're not aiming for a PhD? There are several reasons:

Career Advancement: An Economics Master's can provide you with the advanced skills needed for high-level positions in finance, economics research, and policy analysis. Further Education: A Master's degree can serve as a stepping stone to a PhD, opening up opportunities for academic research and teaching. Transferrable Skills: Economics coursework enhances critical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving skills, which are valuable in many industries. Diverse Opportunities: With an Economics Master's, you can explore careers in government, non-profits, consulting firms, and international organizations.

Conclusion

In summary, while an undergraduate degree in philosophy is not a strict prerequisite for an Economics Master's, taking additional coursework in economics and pursuing an alternative program like IGNOU's Economics Master's can help you meet the requirements. Whether you're looking to advance your career, further your research, or gain valuable skills, an Economics Master's degree can be a rewarding and empowering path.