Program Overview

Graduate programs in economics aim to train students in such a way to enable them to carry out independent research. For this purpose, the programs are designed to ensure that the students get a solid background in both economic theory and the techniques used in empirical research. While the Department offers both M.A. and Ph.D. degrees, the M.A. degree is considered, in principle, as an intermediate step that is passed en route to the Ph.D. The core requirements common to both programs leave little room for choosing the courses to be taken in the first year, but the students are offered considerable flexibility as to their choice of the fields of specialization later on.

Students admitted to graduate studies in the department are expected to have a strong background in undergraduate level economics and some training in mathematics and statistics. Sufficient (though not necessarily a pre-condition) background would consist of an undergraduate degree in Economics, or a year-long calculus sequence that includes multivariate analysis, a course in linear algebra, and a course in probability and statistics. (Also refer to the "Graduate Admissions" section in the introduction of this catalogue for the general graduate admission requirements.)

Prospective students must have completed Bilkent University's requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics or approximately equivalent training. Since students will be required to take some of the same courses as the Ph.D. candidates, similar preparation in mathematics and statistics is generally expected.

A grade point average of at least 3.00 must be maintained for the duration of Master's level work.

Contact for More Information

Program Information

For information on the MA curriculum, please click here and choose "Master of Arts in Economics."

Information on the admissions process for graduate level economics programs can be found here.

The Graduate School of Economics and Social Sciences website can be accessed here, where you can also access important forms and thesis guidelines.