M.A. Economics Program

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Economics at SNDT Women's University is a comprehensive postgraduate program designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and analytical skills in economics. The program follows the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), offering flexibility in course selection and assessment while ensuring rigorous academic standards. This program prepares women for careers in academia, research, policy-making, finance, and various sectors of the economy.

Program Objectives

• To develop a deep understanding of economic theories and their applications to real-world issues
• To equip students with analytical and quantitative skills necessary for economic research and policy analysis
• To foster critical thinking abilities for evaluating economic policies and their social implications
• To provide exposure to contemporary economic challenges and emerging areas in the field
• To prepare students for doctoral studies and research careers
• To enhance employability in various sectors including government, international organizations, financial institutions, and NGOs
• To promote understanding of gender issues in economics and policies for women's economic advancement

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants seeking admission to the M.A. Economics program at SNDT Women's University must meet the following criteria:

• Bachelor's degree in Economics with at least 50% marks from a recognized university
• OR Bachelor's degree in any stream with Economics as a major subject with at least 50% marks
• OR Bachelor's degree in any stream with at least 55% marks and at least two Economics courses at the undergraduate level
• Additional weightage may be given to candidates with relevant work experience, research papers, or extracurricular achievements
• Reservation as per government norms for SC/ST/OBC/PH and other categories

Admission is granted based on merit in the qualifying examination and/or entrance test as per university norms.

Course Structure and Semester Scheme

The M.A. Economics program is structured over four semesters, with each semester spanning approximately six months. The program follows a systematic progression from foundational courses to specialized electives:

First Semester

• Advanced Microeconomics I
• Advanced Macroeconomics I
• Quantitative Methods for Economics
• Economic Growth and Development
• Indian Economy: Issues and Policies

Second Semester

• Advanced Microeconomics II
• Advanced Macroeconomics II
• Statistical Methods in Economics
• Public Economics
• International Economics

Third Semester

• Econometrics I
• Research Methodology
• Two Elective Courses from Pool A
• One Elective Course from Pool B

Fourth Semester

• Econometrics II
• Research Internship/Project
• Two Elective Courses from Pool A
• One Elective Course from Pool B

Core and Elective Courses

Core Courses

The program includes several core courses that provide essential knowledge in economics:

• Microeconomics: Consumer theory, production theory, market structures, welfare economics, general equilibrium
• Macroeconomics: National income determination, monetary and fiscal policy, economic growth, business cycles, open economy macroeconomics
• Econometrics: Linear regression, hypothesis testing, time series analysis, panel data models
• Quantitative Methods: Calculus, optimization, linear algebra, differential equations
• Research Methodology: Research design, data collection methods, qualitative and quantitative analysis

Elective Courses

Students can choose from a range of electives based on their interests and career goals:

Pool A Electives (Specialization Courses)

• Environmental Economics
• Health Economics
• Financial Economics
• Behavioral Economics
• Development Economics: Advanced Topics
• Labor Economics
• Public Policy and Governance
• Economics of Gender
• Game Theory
• International Trade and Finance

Pool B Electives (Interdisciplinary Courses)

• Economic History
• Sociology of Development
• Political Economy
• Urban Economics
• Rural Development
• Demography and Development
• Human Resource Development
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Climate Change and Sustainable Development
• Digital Economy

Credit Structure

The M.A. Economics program follows a credit system based on the CBCS guidelines:

Each credit represents approximately 15 hours of classroom teaching or equivalent work. The total program requires 72 credits for completion.

Research Internship

The Research Internship component is a distinctive feature of the M.A. Economics program, designed to expose students to real-world research environments and practices:

• Undertaken in the third or fourth semester under faculty supervision
• Can be completed in collaboration with research institutions, government agencies, NGOs, or corporate organizations
• Involves formulating a research question, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting findings
• Requires submission of a research report and presentation before a panel of experts
• Develops practical skills in research design, data collection, analysis, and report writing
• Provides exposure to current economic issues and policy debates
• Creates networking opportunities with potential employers in research and policy domains

Evaluation and Assessment

The program follows a comprehensive evaluation system:

• Internal Assessment: Continuous evaluation through assignments, presentations, quizzes, and class participation (40% of total marks)
• End-Semester Examination: Written examinations at the end of each semester (60% of total marks)
• Research Internship Evaluation: Assessment based on progress review, final report, and presentation
• Grading System: Letter grades (O, A+, A, B+, B, C, P, F) based on the SGPA and CGPA system as per CBCS norms
• Minimum Requirements: Students must obtain a minimum of 40% in internal assessment and end-semester exams separately to pass a course

Assessment Methods

Various assessment methods are employed to evaluate different aspects of student learning:

• Problem-solving assignments for quantitative courses
• Essay writing for theoretical courses
• Data analysis projects using statistical software
• Group discussions and debates on economic issues
• Seminars and presentations on assigned topics
• Literature reviews on contemporary economic research
• Case studies on policy applications
• Term papers on specialized topics

Learning Resources and Facilities

SNDT Women's University provides excellent resources to support the M.A. Economics program:

• Library: Extensive collection of economics books, journals, and digital resources
• Computer Labs: Equipped with statistical software like STATA, EViews, R, and SPSS
• Research Centers: Access to specialized research centers focusing on women's studies, development, and policy research
• Guest Lectures: Regular interactions with economists, policy-makers, and industry experts
• Seminars and Conferences: Opportunities to participate in academic events and present research
• Digital Resources: Access to online databases like JSTOR, ProQuest, EBSCO, and economic data portals

Career Prospects

Graduates of the M.A. Economics program have diverse career opportunities:

• Economic researcher in think tanks and research institutions
• Policy analyst in government departments and agencies
• Economist in financial institutions and banks
• Data analyst in corporate sector
• Development practitioner in NGOs and international organizations
• Academician after pursuing doctoral studies
• Consultant in economic policy and development projects
• Journalist specializing in economic and business reporting

The program's emphasis on gender perspectives in economics uniquely positions graduates to address women's economic empowerment in various professional roles.