Update on MS Applied Economics at UND

Discussion in 'Business and MBA degrees' started by jcummings, Nov 9, 2011.

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  1. jcummings

    jcummings New Member

    Hi all,

    I was asked some time ago to post an update on my experience in the MS in Applied Economics program online at University of North Dakota.

    I am halfway through my 1st semester, currently enrolled in Empirical Methods in Economics and Mathematics for Economists. I have found the courses challenging, yet rewarding. The faculty have been responsive to questions and allow for flexibility in scheduling proctored exams. The material is indeed graduate level. Although there are undergraduates enrolled in the same classes, it is UND's policy that additional work be completed by graduate students. The technology for course delivery is excellent, using the Blackboard system.

    All in all, I am very satisfied thusfar in my UND MSAE program.
     
  2. lyn_london

    lyn_london New Member

    Hey jcummings,

    Can you give another update on your progress through the program?
     
  3. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    I would also like to hear an update but here's a clue on what MIGHT be the case. J is very busy in school and probably only logs in at degreeinfo once in a while. By the time she visits us again this thread will probably have sunk under the waves of other threads. If, on the other hand, you send her a private message, that will pop up for her whenever she logs in next. It's sometimes a more efficient method of communication with people who are not-so-frequent flyers on degreeinfo airlines.
     
  4. jcummings

    jcummings New Member

    Update on MSAE at UND

    Hi all-

    Ok, so I'm into my second semester in the MS in Applied Econ at University of North Dakota. Last semester I finished with a 4.0 for 6 credits. This semester I am taking 9 credits in the following:

    Empirical Methods II
    Advanced Macroeconomic Theory
    Financial Econometrics

    The school updated/changed their course delivery system to Adobe Connect. I don't think it was an improvement, but the course content has been exactly what I wanted. The professors have continued to be responsive to questions and there is a discussion board set up for at least one of the classes for student interaction regarding homeworks, etc... Participation is NOT a requirement, but is a nice feature.

    After this semester I will have completed half of the coursework. I'm beginning to contemplate a thesis centered around the application of genetic algorithms to the optimization of popular technical analysis indicators.

    Overall, I am still very happy with my choice.

    Jon
     
  5. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Hi Jon,

    If they switched to Adobe Connect, does that mean all your class sessions are live? How do you receive content other than the lecture?

    Thanks,

    -=Steve=-
     
  6. jcummings

    jcummings New Member

    Lectures can be viewed live or recorded. Other content (notes, homeworks, etc...) are all available through the regular Blackboard system.
     
  7. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Got it, thanks!
     
  8. jcummings

    jcummings New Member

    No problem, Steve! Now I'm thinking I might need an MBA to go along with the MSAE, especially down the line as I look to a position as a portfolio manager with a bank.
     
  9. mcjon77

    mcjon77 Member

    Jon,

    How would you compare the econ coursework at UND with your undergraduate econ schooling?
     
  10. dlcurious

    dlcurious Member

    Just curious, are you required to "sit in" on the live lectures? That's the feedback I've received as an MBA student there. When the classes are at night that's no big deal, but as someone who works in a full-time first shift IT position it's been difficult at times juggling my workloads. Not saying it's anybody's fault but my own for scheduling a course that starts at 3:30 pm, just something that those interested in their program should be wary of.
     
  11. lyn_london

    lyn_london New Member

    thanks jcummings
     
  12. jcummings

    jcummings New Member

    UND update

    Second semester is complete. Another 9 credits under my belt. Three required classes and one elective to go before the thesis. The work continues to be at a high level, but manageable. In response to an earlier question about how the Econ work compares to the undergrad level, I think it's fair to say that they expect you to have all the normal undergrad Econ well understood. The MSAE degree at UND is all about the mathematical, statistical, policy and forecasting applications of Econ, not so much the theory, although there is plenty of work in studying various models and their dynamics. There is a lot of "real world" application work and discussion. Taking three courses this semester was difficult with a full-time job. I don't think I would recommend more than 2 courses for those who work full time.
     
  13. lyn_london

    lyn_london New Member

    Hey jcummings, can we get another update?
     
  14. jcummings

    jcummings New Member

    UND update

    One semester to go. The applications class Econ 534 was fairly difficult. The instructor was the head of the department and has very high expectations. Still maintaining a 4.0 though. Next semester will be for the thesis. If all goes well, I will be entering the PhD program at University of Buffalo in the fall specializing in financial econometrics.
     
  15. lyn_london

    lyn_london New Member

    Thank you Jcummings for your updates. Very helpful!! You are appreciated!

    Are you accepted already to the Phd program? If so, I'm guessing they didn't have much problem with your graduate degree being offered through the distance option.

    Another question, are you enjoying the program?
     
  16. jcummings

    jcummings New Member

    I have not been accepted yet, but given that UND is RA and the business school is accredited by the AACSB, I do not think the fact that the degree is via distance will be a problem.
     
  17. lyn_london

    lyn_london New Member

    Makes sense. Good luck on your last semester. (y)
     
  18. jcummings

    jcummings New Member

    Thanks! I'll let you know.
     
  19. ryoder

    ryoder New Member

    Now I want into this program. Do they have a classical bent or a more Keynsian approach? I am more of the classical type.
     
  20. Gau555

    Gau555 New Member

    Did you need to submit a GRE score for the program? Did they waive the GRE requirement since this is your 2nd masters? :)
     

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