Master's Degree, Master of Arts in Applied Economics
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Master of Arts (M.A.) Program in Applied Economics
Established in 2022, the Master of Arts Program in Applied Economics (MAAE) aims to provide students with a solid foundation in economic theory, a comprehensive toolkit for statistical analysis, and a practical understanding of how economics is applied in the real world. The program caters particularly to those who wish to develop data analysis skills and acquire a fuller grasp of economic problems and issues. The program emphasizes the development of data analysis and policy evaluation skills that are in demand in today’s labor market, particularly in business, healthcare, and the public sector.
The MAAE is an international program taught entirely in English by Chulalongkorn University faculty, experts from industry, and scholars from renowned universities in Thailand and abroad. It is a full-time daytime program that runs on a trimester schedule. Each course is taught as an intensive module that lasts 4 weeks with classes meeting 9:00am-12:00pm or 1:00pm-4:00pm. Given the intensive nature of the courses, students study one subject at a time.
Students are required to complete 36 course credits to meet the graduation requirements. Students may take up to 12 credits per trimester, which means that a full-time student can graduate within one year. Students graduate with a Master of Arts in Applied Economics and earn a certificate of completion in one of two study tracks:
• International Economics and Finance
• Health and Labour Economics
The four specialized courses in each track are designed to prepare students to conduct independent research required for the completion of the program.
Students may choose between two study plans:
A. Thesis option: Thesis students complete eight 3-credit courses and produce a thesis that is worth 12 course credits.
B. Individual Study (IS) option: IS students take eleven 3-credit courses, write an individual study (IS) paper that is worth 3 course credits, and sit a comprehensive exam.
In the first trimester, students take three core courses and one track-specific course. The three core courses include Applied Microeconomics, Applied Macroeconomics, and Applied Econometrics. Students in the Health and Labour Economics (Combined Track) tracks take additionally Policy Analysis and Evaluation, while those in the International Economics and Finance (IEF) track take Global Financial Economics.
In the second trimester, students take three track-specific courses and one core course. The core course is Research Methods in Applied Economics. For the IEF track, the three elective courses include Global Business Economics, Global Trade and Investment, and Financial Assets and the International Financial System. For the Combined Track, they include three courses specific are Health Economics Labour Economics and Family Economics.
In the third trimester, thesis students (Plan A) begin developing their thesis proposal and are advised to have a successful proposal defense by the end of the trimester. Non-thesis students (Plan B) sit a comprehensive exam, take three additional courses, and complete their individual study (IS). Several elective courses are available in this trimester, but whether they are offered depends on the number of students in each track. The three courses that are usually offered for non-thesis students in this trimester include Applied Time-series Econometrics, Special Topics in Applied Economics, and Special Topics in International Economics and Finance, solidifying the program’s primary focus on data analytic skills. Details of each of the courses (and the associated reading list) are available on the program’s own webpage: https://sites.google.com/view/maaeprogram
The program accepts applications in two rounds from February to May each year; the academic year begins in August. Please note that all non-Thai nationals are strongly advised to apply in the first round (February to March) as it takes time to prepare visa documentation.
- The program is open to all university graduates. Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited university. For international degree holders, the degree must be on the (Thai) Office of Civil Service Commission’s approved list.
- Applicants must achieve a minimum score on one of the following English language proficiency tests:
- CU-TEP ≥ 67;
- TOEFL (IBT ≥71 CBT ≥ 197 ITP/PPB ≥525);
- or 5.5 on IELTS.
The test must be taken within two year prior to the announcement of eligible applicants.
- Applicants must provide 2 letters of recommendation from professors and/or employers who are able to evaluate academic and/or professional performance.
- Applicants who would like to study in Plan B (Individual Study) must have at least one year of work experience or permission from the Admission Selection Committee.
- Although the program is designed for bachelor’s degree graduates from diverse fields, applicants with little or no background in economics and statistics are required to take pre-session courses in basic economics and statistics before the first semester commences.
If you encounter any issues with document submission or have inquiries regarding admissions, please contact the student assistant, Ms. Lara Beckrich, at Email: maaechula@gmail.com
The MAAE program is designed as a full-time program and should be completed within three trimesters or one year. Tuition and fees for the one-year program paid in three installments are:
• Thai students: 255,600 baht
• International Students: 270,600 baht
Additional fees for student activities and field visits may be assessed separately.
The program accepts applications in two rounds. The first round is typically in February – May and the second round in March – early May. Details can be found on the program’s own webpage: https://sites.google.com/view/maaeprogram/
Chulalongkorn University provides two types of scholarships for graduate-level study. If an applicant to the MAAE program is interested in applying for a scholarship, please see the information from the Graduate school website:
1. Chulalongkorn University’s Graduate Scholarship Programme for ASEAN or Non-ASEAN Countries (non-Thai students) (for more information: visit website at link here)
2. H.M. the King Bhumibhol Adulyadej’s 72nd Birthday Anniversary Scholarship (Thai students) (for more information: visit website at link here)
Students interested in one of the two Graduate School scholarships must apply and be admitted to the MAAE program BEFORE applying for a scholarship. Students applying for a scholarship must indicate their intention in the MAAE application, have results of an English Language Proficiency Test. Applicants must earn a score of 71 (IBT), 197 (CBT), 525 (ITB/PPB) or higher on the TOEFL, 67 or higher on the CU-TEP, or 5.5 or higher on the IELTS, and must be taken no more than two years before the announcement of eligible applicants, and must submit a Statement of Purpose that indicates why you want to study in the MAAE program and how the program will be beneficial to your future career. Also, the scholarship applicant must have qualification according to the criteria provided by Chulalongkorn University Graduate School.
Please note that the scholarship applicant must submit all required documents before the deadline for MAAE admission. The MAAE will recommend students for the Graduate School scholarships but is not involved in the scholarship selection. Selection is up to the Graduate School scholarship committee.