Guidelines for Students in the MS Program

Effective: Summer 2007

Contents

Section 1:  Admission to the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies

Section 2:  Scholarships and Assistantships

Section 3:  Minimum Requirements for the MS Degree in Applied Economics

Section 4:  Applied Economics Courses

Section 5:  Careers

Section 6:  Comprehensive Examination

Section 7:  Problem in Lieu of Thesis

Section 8:  Thesis

Section 9:  Student Advising

Section 10:  General Information

Section 11:  Faculty and Staff

1. Admission to the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies

Undergraduate GPA Requirements

The Toulouse School of Graduate Studies requires a GPA of at least 3.0 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate work prior to receiving a bachelor's degree or at least a 2.8 on all undergraduate work for unconditional admission to the graduate school. Conditional admission of students with low GPAs is possible under certain circumstances. See Graduate Catalog for more details.

Department GRE/GMAT Requirements

The Institute of Applied Economics accepts either the GRE or GMAT for admission to the graduate program.

GRE --

• Department requires acceptable scores on the verbal*, quantitative, and writing sections. We use a holistic approach to evaluating candidates for admission to our program and, therefore, have no pre-set minimum score requirement for the GRE.

GMAT --

• A minimum score of 450.
• A minimum 25 percentile score must be achieved on the verbal section of the GMAT for admission to the Institute of Applied Economics.

Prior to taking the GRE or GMAT, you can be provisionally admitted to the MS program in applied economics for one semester. During this first semester, you must take either the GRE or GMAT and provide acceptable scores to the Graduate School in order to continue graduate work. Failure to meet test requirements by the end of the first semester of provisional admission will limit you to undergraduate courses only for undergraduate credit. See Graduate Catalog for more details.

*International students who are non-native speakers of English may complete UNT's Graduate Preparation Course in lieu of the verbal portion of the GRE.  For more information, please contact the International Admissions & Advising Center located in Kendall Hall, Room 171, telephone (940) 565-2197.

Other Department Requirements

In addition to the above admission requirements, Applicant needs to provide the following to the Institute of Applied Economics:

1. Copies of undergraduate transcripts.

2. Information on the applicant's employment and/or educational background, involvement in community activities, career and academic goals, research experience, assistantships or scholarships previously awarded to applicant, and any other important information that the applicant wishes to provide to assist with the admission decision by:

1. Submitting an essay of 750 to 1,500 words covering the above information; OR

2. Attending a personal interview with Dr. Bernard Weinstein, Director, or Dr. Terry Clower, Graduate Advisor, to discuss these matters.

 

International Student Admission Information

In addition to application form and transcripts, UNT requires a minimum score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or successful completion of a noncredit intensive course in English from the UNT Intensive English Language Institute. At the time of filing an application for admission, you should also provide UNT with proof of financial resources. For more information, please see UNT International Studies and Programs and Graduate Catalog.

Transfer Credit

According to the standard established by the Graduate School, you may apply up to 9 hours of transfer credit to their program of study at UNT. The acceptability of transfer credits will be determined by applied economics faculty and the dean of graduate studies. A maximum of 12 hours of coursework earned in non-degree status at the University of North Texas prior to admission to the MS program in applied economics may be counted toward the degree.

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2. Scholarships and Research Assistantships

The Institute of Applied Economics awards scholarships, made possible by the generous support of friends and alumni, to qualified students. Out-of-state and international students receiving these scholarships typically qualify for in-state tuition rates. Other department scholarships may be available on a competitive basis. Students interested in scholarship assistance should contact the graduate advisor.

Additionally, the Institute usually employs a limited number of student research assistants per semester to aid faculty in sponsored research projects. Student research assistants are provided access to a computer, which provides access to the Internet as well as programs for word processing, spreadsheets, and statistics to aid in research assignments. This employment is for a maximum of 19 hours per week during the semester. Students interested in obtaining an assistantship should contact the graduate advisor.

Scholarships and research assistantships are awarded on a semester-by-semester basis.  Continued receipt of scholarships and/or assistantships depends on the availability of funds and a satisfactory progress appraisal.   Satisfactory progress is based on maintaining an acceptable GPA, progress toward the applied economics' degree, and, in the case of research assistants, a satisfactory performance appraisal for the previous semester.

Application form for Scholarship/Assistantship  (in pdf format)

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3. Minimum Requirements for the MS Degree in Applied Economics

1) At least 36 hours of coursework outlined as follows.

a) Fifteen (15) hours of applied economics core courses.

b) Fifteen (15) hours selected from other course offerings in applied economics and elsewhere at UNT. With the approval of the graduate advisor, you will select your remaining requirements from coursework that constitutes a meaningful specialization and complements your applied economics core and elective courses. Typically, this will involve additional applied economics courses and courses offered by other departments in the School of Community Service, School of Library and Information Science, College of Arts and Sciences, or College of Business Administration. Coursework in the College of Business Administration cannot exceed 9 hours. Effective Fall 2002, all electives must be 5000-level courses or higher.

c) Six (6) hours of thesis or directed research.  (Students desiring to pursue a doctoral degree should discuss the thesis/problem-in-lieu-of-thesis option with the graduate advisor.)

i)  You may choose to complete a formal thesis under the supervision of an advisory committee as specified in the Graduate Catalog. Continuous enrollment in AECO 5950 is required during preparation of the thesis with no more than 6 hours counting toward the required 36 hours. See Section 8, below, for more information.

OR

ii)  Alternatively, you may choose to complete a 6-hour directed problem-in-lieu-of-thesis under the supervision of an applied economics faculty member by enrolling in AECO 5920 (3 hours) and AECO 5930 (3 hours). This research should involve an issue of professional interest and relate to elective coursework. The project will culminate in submission of a paper to the supervising faculty member.

Enrollment in AECO 5920 and AECO 5930 typically will not be allowed until students have completed the applied economics core course and at least 12 hours of electives. Students can enroll in AECO 5920 and AECO 5930 concurrently.  See Section 7, below, for more information.

(2) Completion of a written comprehensive exam.  See Section 6, below.

Note: It is possible for full-time students to complete the MS program in one calendar year.  However, if you choose to write a formal thesis, you should allow more time to complete the MS program.

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4. Applied Economics Courses

Graduate Core Courses

AECO 5050 - Seminar in Economic and Community Development (3 hours).

This course presents a broad, interdisciplinary perspective of the global, national, regional and local economic development process. Topics include economic base analysis, industrial targeting and recruitment, tax incentives and economic impact analysis.

AECO 5050 - Negotiation (3 hours).

This course introduces the fundamentals of nonlitigation-based dispute resolution and negotiation strategies for a variety of business, professional, and personal settings. Learning and skills are developed through lecture, role playing, out-of-class assignments, case studies, and negotiation simulations.

AECO 5050 - The Political Economy of Texas (3 hours).

This course is an interdisciplinary survey of the demographic, political and economic forces influencing Texas' evolution as a modern industrial state. Topics include Texas' fiscal and regulatory environments, human capital needs, economic structure and relationship to Washington, DC.

AECO 5870 - Research Methods (3 hours).

This course exposes students to analytical techniques for business and the social sciences. Topics include research design, methods of exploratory data analysis, measures of association, a survey of multivariate procedures and an introduction to linear regression.

AECO 5880 - Multivariate Regression (3 hours).

This course emphasizes the application of multivariate regression analysis to issues in business and the social sciences. Topics include estimation and analysis of linear models, instrumental variable estimation, and estimation of models with limited dependent variables. The application of computer technology to practical problems in policy analysis and forecasting is emphasized.

Other Graduate Courses

AECO 5010 - Interdisciplinary Seminar: The Political Economy of Contemporary America (3 hours).

This course exposes students to basic constructs and issues in the political economy of the contemporary (1945-present) U.S. and examines competing theoretical explanations and public policy perspectives. It focuses in particular on developing an understanding of how demographic, market, social and political events and trends interact to create an economy characterized by almost continual change.

AECO 5050 - Dispute Resolution in the Workplace (3 hours).

This course is a review of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to address sources of conflict in the workplace. It examines procedures and benefits of arbitration, mediation, ombudspersons, minitrials, neutral fact-finding, and other alternatives to litigation-based conflict resolution. Trends in use and ethical/professional considerations are examined.

AECO 5050 – Conflict Crisis Intervention

This course provides an overview of hostage negotiation and crisis intervention from the perspective of multinational employers, government security, law enforcement agencies, and other organizations.  Instruction includes a review of tactics, techniques, behaviors, emotions, and motivations of the intervenors or negotiators, the suspects, and the victims.

AECO 5050 – Family Mediation

This course covers mediation as a method for handling the issues that arise in divorce or separation, as a family life skill, and as a method for maintaining intact families.  A background in family law is not presumed, and basic Texas family law is covered.  PREREQUISITE: AECO 2120.

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5. Careers

Graduates of the applied economics program pursue or continue careers in a wide range of fields. These include careers in financial analysis, commercial real estate, economic development, economic analysis, policy analysis, and market analysis. Graduates have found opportunities in large corporations such as Sony and Southwestern Bell Telephone, government agencies such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or small business and community organizations depending on their individual career interests. Several applied economics graduates have gone on to pursue doctorate degrees in fields such as public policy and information sciences. The program's emphasis on developing a broad range of analytical skills gives our graduates flexibility in their career paths that enhance life-long job opportunities.

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6. Comprehensive Examination

Prior to graduation, you must take a written comprehensive exam. Comprehensive exams must be taken by the following dates:

Thesis Students:

 

Problem in Lieu of Thesis Students:

If this date falls on a weekend or holiday, then the deadline will move to the first business day following this date.

Eligibility to Take the Exam

You are not eligible to take the comprehensive exam until your final semester of coursework. You must notify the graduate advisor of intent to take the comprehensive exam early in the semester.  Next, you and the graduate advisor will discuss your test and set a specific date for you to take the exam.  It is your responsibility to schedule a specific date and time to take the exam and meet all department and graduate school deadlines.

Format of the Exam

The exam will consist of essay questions designed to test your knowledge of concepts covered in applied economics core courses and specialized coursework. The exam will be taken in our office during a 3 hour period pre-arranged by the student.  Your submission should be free of spelling, grammar, and style errors.

NOTE:  Students who were admitted to the program prior to Spring 2002 also have the option of completing a take-home comprehensive exam.

More information about the Comprehensive Exam is available by downloading the pdf file Department Comprehensive Exam Information. Please download and carefully review all of the information in this document before contacting us with questions about the process.  If you do have questions that are not covered in this document, please contact the Graduate Advisor or Administrative Assistant for more information.

For further information about completing the comprehensive exam, see Policies for Administration of Comprehensive Examinations available from the graduate advisor.

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7.  Problem in Lieu of Thesis

You must enroll in 6 hours of coursework and prepare a thesis or problem in lieu of thesis as a part of your degree requirements. (If you choose to write a Thesis, go to Section 8.)

By choosing to prepare a problem in lieu of thesis, you will complete 6-credit hours of directed research under the supervision of an applied economics faculty member by enrolling in AECO 5920 (3 hours) and AECO 5930 (3 hours). This research should involve an issue of professional interest and relate to elective coursework. The project will culminate in submission of a paper to the supervising faculty member.

If you prepare a problem in lieu of thesis, you will work closely with your major professor during the writing of the problem in lieu of thesis. The completed problem in lieu of thesis must be received by the major professor by the above deadline. Once the major professor and department chair have approved the problem in lieu of thesis, grades will be assigned to the two problem in lieu of thesis courses listed above.

Department Deadlines

In order to graduate during a specific semester, the Institute of Applied Economics requires:

    1)    A completed draft of your problem in lieu of thesis by

    2)    Your final and completed problem in lieu of thesis by

If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, then the deadline will move to the first business day following this date.

NOTE: You must take a comprehensive written exam prior to the Institute accepting your final problem in lieu of thesis. See Section 6, above.

Prior to registering for your problem in lieu of thesis hours, you need to download the pdf file Department Problem in Lieu of Thesis Guidelines.  These guidelines cover filing deadlines and requirements of both the department and graduate school concerning the preparation of your problem in lieu of thesis.  Please carefully review all of the information in these guidelines before contacting us with questions about the process.  If you do have questions that are not covered in this document, please contact the Graduate Advisor or Administrative Assistant for more information.

Format for Problem in Lieu of Thesis

The Graduate School has published a document entitled "Preparation and Filing of Dissertations, Theses, and Problems in Lieu of Thesis in the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies" on their website at http://www.tsgs.unt.edu. You should print this document and follow all guidelines contained in it when preparing your problem in lieu of thesis. 

Style Guide for Theses and Problems in Lieu of Thesis

The Institute of Applied Economics uses the APA (5th Edition) formatting style for all literature reviews.  Please use this formatting style for your problem in lieu of thesis.  See Department Problem in Lieu of Thesis Guidelines for more information on department and graduate school formatting requirements.

8.  Thesis

You must enroll in 6 hours of coursework and prepare a thesis or problem in lieu of thesis as a part of your degree requirements. (If you choose to write a problem in lieu of thesis, see Section 7.)

In choosing to complete a formal thesis, you will work under the supervision of an advisory committee as specified in the Graduate Catalog. Continuous enrollment in AECO 5950 is required during preparation of the thesis with no more than 6 hours counting toward the required 36 hours. It is your responsibility to be aware of and comply with all rules, regulations, and deadlines of the University as specified in the Graduate Catalog.

If you choose to prepare a thesis, you will work closely with members of your thesis committee during the writing of the thesis. A formal meeting in which you present and defend your final thesis is a part of the thesis process. It is your responsibility to schedule a final defense of your thesis to meet all filing deadlines mentioned above.

Deadlines

The Graduate School establishes deadlines each semester for the filing of finalized and approved thesis.  These deadlines are published in the Academic Calendar. It is your responsibility to be aware of and meet those filing deadlines.

In addition, to help you meet the Graduate School filing deadline, the Institute of Applied Economics requires:

    1)    A completed draft of your thesis by

    2)    Your thesis defense meeting must be held by

If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, then the deadline will move to the first business day following this date.

NOTE: You must take a comprehensive written exam prior to the Institute accepting your final thesis. See Section 6, above.

Prior to registering for your thesis hours, you need to download the pdf file Department Thesis Guidelines.  These guidelines cover filing deadlines and requirements of both the department and graduate school concerning the preparation and filing of your thesis.  Please carefully review all of the information in these guidelines before contacting us with questions about the process.  If you do have questions that are not covered in this document, please contact the Graduate Advisor or Administrative Assistant for more information.

It is your responsibility to contact each member of your Thesis Committee and schedule your Thesis Defense Meeting before the above deadline.  At least one week prior to your defense meeting, you should provide each committee member with a final paper that incorporates all previously discussed changes and is formatted per the Graduate School Guidelines and APA 5th Edition.  See the Department Thesis Guidelines or contact the chair of your defense committee for more information about the Thesis Defense Meeting.

Format for Thesis

The Graduate School has published a document entitled "Preparation and Filing of Dissertations, Theses, and Problems in Lieu of Thesis in the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies" on their website at http://www.tsgs.unt.edu. You should print this document and follow all guidelines contained in it when preparing your thesis or problem in lieu of thesis.

NOTE: Electronic filing requires that your document be submitted to the Graduate School on disk in "pdf" format. You can convert your word processor document to "pdf" format at the PACS Computer Lab located in Chilton Hall, Room 255. Alternatively, our administrative assistant has the capability to do this for you. You should contact her to discuss the process.

Style Guide for Thesis

The Institute of Applied Economics uses the APA (5th Edition) formatting style for all literature reviews.  Please use this formatting style for your thesis.  See Department Thesis Guidelines for more information on department and graduate school formatting requirements.

9. Student Advising

The graduate advisor in applied economics is Dr. Terry Clower. Dr. Clower can answer any questions you may have about the MS program and will guide you in your selection of courses required to complete the program. He will assist you in tailoring the applied economics program to help meet your specific career goals.

Dr. Clower's office is located in Chilton Hall, Room 263. He can be reached for appointments by e-mail or telephone at (940) 565-3437.

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10. General Information

UNT Code of Student Conduct and Discipline

All students will be required to abide by the UNT Code of Student Conduct and Discipline referenced in the UNT Graduate Catalog.  This policy is published in full in the UNT Undergraduate Catalog and the UNT Student Handbook, available at the following links:

• UNT Catalogs are available at http://www.unt.edu/catalog
• UNT Student Handbook is available at http://www.unt.edu/csrr

UNT General Policies

All students will be required to abide by all policies published in the UNT Graduate Catalog and the UNT Student Handbook, as well as those policies outlined in these Student Guidelines.

Satisfactory Progress

In addition to other requirements stated elsewhere in these Guidelines, students are strongly encouraged to take the AECO core courses at the beginning of their degree program. Satisfactory progress will be assumed as long as students take at least one core course per long semester unless other arrangements are made with the Graduate Advisor.  Deviation from this policy may be made on an individual basis after consultation with and approval from the Graduate Advisor.

Grade in Core Courses

A minimum grade of "B" is required in each Applied Economics core course in order for the course to count toward the degree.  Students who fail to make a minimum grade of "B" in the core course will be required to retake the course.  This is a department policy and is in effect on all core courses taken in spring 2000 or later.

Filing a Degree Plan

During your second semester, you should meet with the graduate advisor to formulate a degree plan for submission to the graduate dean. Changes to degree plans must be approved by the graduate advisor and submitted in writing to the graduate dean. The degree plan must satisfy requirements outlined elsewhere in this document regarding course distribution, transfer credits, and coursework completed in non-degree status at this university.

Failure to Maintain the Required Grade Point Average

If you fail to maintain an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0, you may be placed on academic probation by the Graduate School. Please refer to the Graduate Catalog for more information.

Filing for Graduation

UNT requires that students formally file an application for graduation.  These forms are available from the Graduate School, located in the Eagle Student Service Center, Room 354.  Deadlines for filing for graduation are published in the Academic Calendar.

Other

It is your responsibility to monitor your progress toward completion of the degree in accordance with procedures detailed in the University of North Texas Graduate Catalog and dates specified in the Academic Calendar.

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11. Faculty and Staff

Terry Clower, Ph.D., Graduate Advisor and Assistant Professor. Dr. Clower's areas of expertise include research methods, economic development, industrial logistics, telecommunications and information policy. Previously, he worked in private industry in logistics and site location management. Dr. Clower also serves as Associate Director of the University's Center for Economic Development and Research.

Lisa Gage, Program/Project Specialist. Ms. Gage manages the Institute of Applied Economics and the University Center for Economic Development and Research.  She received a B.A. in English Literature with an endorsement in Technical Writing from UNT.  Ms. Gage is responsible for reviewing and editing department publications and is the department webmaster.

William McKee, Ph.D., Professor. Dr. McKee's areas of expertise are labor economics and methods of alternative dispute resolution. He is a nationally recognized arbitrator/mediator. Previously, Dr. McKee has held appointments at the Brookings Institution and George Washington University. Currently, Dr. McKee recently developed a new track in mediation and alternative dispute mediation for AECO and is the director of the Dispute Resolution System of Denton County operated by UNT.

Bernard Weinstein, Ph.D., Professor and Director. Dr. Weinstein's areas of expertise include economic development, public finance and public policy analysis. Previously, he has held appointments at the State University of New York, the Federal Trade Commission and the Southern Growth Policies Board. Dr. Weinstein also serves as Director of the University's Center for Economic Development and Research.

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