Hello Guys, I am planning to pursue second master in Economics online as a top-up to my MBA that I have studied. So far, I have checked these two USA programs: West Texas A&M University, Master of Science in Finance and Economics*(M.S.F.E.) West Texas A&M University: Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance Finance and Economics Graduate Program Youngtown State University Online Master of Arts in Financial Economics Online Master of Arts in Financial Economics | Youngstown State University It seems both programs are not so expensive, so both are within my budget, as an international student. Which of these programs that can give me a good grounding in Financial economics, and possible prepare me as a stepping stone for PhD Finance in the future. thanks
If your goal is a PhD, I would simply apply for that, and earn a Master's degree in that program along the way. You're right to consider cost, but any full-time residential PhD program worth attending will offer you an assistantship to defray tuition fees.
While, I could have applied directly to PhD if full-time PhD is my ultimate target. However, my intention is attending European types(excluding British research PhD) of part-time/distance learning PhD in Finance in the future. I have contacted some few programs, and they clearly stated that they don't accept MBA degrees for their PhD part-time programs. Instead, they required applicants to have Master degrees by course work or research master. And both the West Texas A&M and youngtown stated that their program can be used for those that are planning to attend PhD in the future.
The Youngstown State program is a 30-credit hours M.A. degree in the applied economics and financial markets field—culminating with a research seminar (3-hours original quantitative research project). The program of study covers much of the material incorporated in the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam. The WTAMU is a 36-hour M.S. degree that appears to be directed more toward a generic blend of finance and economics coursework (seemingly a less specific curriculum than the Youngstown State financial economics degree program). Also, the West Texas M.S.F.E. degree program concludes with a (0-credit hour) comprehensive exam.
