Economics | University of Denver

While many economics programs focus strictly on mainstream theories and quantitative skills, our master's program provides a bold alternative. Emphasizing conceptual and historical understanding in addition to practical skills, we challenge you to explore new theories through heterodox economics.

How does the programme provide content to ensure students achieve an understanding of a reasonably diverse set of perspectives on understanding economies?

Our MA program challenges students to explore both mainstream and alternative theories and critically examine why those analyses have been formulated in specific manners. With applied elective courses in many fields, you can study the specific economic and social policy issues that interest you.

How does the programme ensure students understand the interaction between economic and ecological systems?

These topics specifically are the core content of one of our most popular elective courses and some students use their thesis to explore these connections further. Graduates from our program have launched careers in governmental agencies, policy research organizations, the business sector or within Denver's thriving startup and renewable energy sectors.

How does the programme ensure students understand how to critically explore real-world evidence, both qualitative and quantitative?

Your research culminates with a thesis project that requires you to connect what you've learned, make analytical applications to economic problems and articulate your arguments and conclusions. The critical analytical skills, ability to think outside the box and preparation to conduct insightful research can enable you to enjoy long-term success in the public or private sector.

What pedagogical approaches does the programme use to ensure that students examine the historical context, assumptions and values in all economic thinking?

In addition to introducing topics from a historical perspective in most of our elective courses, the first required core course that students entering our program take is titled "Origins of Modern Economics" and is designed to present alternative perspectives in economics in their historical context. This allows all other courses to reference the history of economic thought relevant to their specific topical focus. In addition, students can choose courses like "European Economic History" or "Marxism" as an elective if they are interested in exploring these themes further. Across most courses in the program, there is an emphasis on reading primary sources and engaging with them critically through written assignments.

How does the department ensure that the teaching culture and capacity to deliver economic pluralism are continually improving?

The faculty has a diverse background of exposure to heterodox ideas. Among us, we count graduates from traditional heterodox departments as well as faculty who are mainstream trained but have spent some time at heterodox institutions. Our active research also engages with both mainstream and heterodox literatures to different degrees. We pride ourselves on this diversity of perspectives, which allows us to provide a truly pluralist education and support any student's interests.

Other information:

In the Department of Economics at DU, we employ theory, history, quantitative and qualitative methods and interdisciplinary perspectives that will help students launch purposeful careers. Graduate students can expand their knowledge through our master's program in economics and pursue exciting research opportunities alongside faculty and members of the Denver community.