University of Arizona

What you'll study

This master's programme emphasises the economics of households and consumers, applied research methods, and policy-relevant analysis. Core areas typically include microeconomic theory as applied to household decision-making, consumer behaviour, family finance, program evaluation, and public policy affecting families. Students also take quantitative methods such as statistics, econometrics, and research design to analyse survey and administrative data.

• Microeconomics for household analysis: theory of consumer choice, labour supply, and intra-household allocation.
• Family and consumer economics topics: household production, childcare and eldercare economics, housing and food security, personal and family financial management.
• Quantitative methods: applied statistics, regression analysis, econometrics, survey methods and program evaluation techniques.
• Policy and extension practice: translation of research for stakeholders, community outreach methods, and evaluation of social programmes.
• Electives and specialisms: courses may cover consumer protection, nutrition economics, entrepreneurship in family contexts, or advanced econometric techniques depending on faculty expertise and student interest.
• Capstone options: students typically choose between a research thesis, a professional practicum or an applied project that demonstrates applied research and communication skills.

Programme structure

The programme is offered with both thesis and non-thesis tracks. The thesis route focuses on independent research under faculty supervision, while the non-thesis route emphasises coursework and a practicum or applied project. Program length varies with enrolment intensity and prior preparation, and coursework is complemented by opportunities to work with Cooperative Extension, community partners, or research centres within the university.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Strong candidates have undergraduate preparation in economics, statistics, mathematics, or a related social science; applicants lacking quantitative background may be admitted with the expectation of completing prerequisite coursework. Typical application materials include academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining research or career objectives, letters of recommendation, and a CV or résumé.

Some applicants may be asked to demonstrate quantitative ability through prior coursework or standardised tests, and English language proficiency evidence is required from applicants whose first language is not English. Specific departmental requirements and any options for conditional admission are outlined by the department and should be confirmed on the university's Graduate College pages.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme move into a range of roles where analysis of household behaviour and programme impacts is needed. Common career paths include:

• Policy analyst or researcher in government agencies concerned with social welfare, housing, family services or consumer protection.
• Community education and extension specialist working with Cooperative Extension programmes, non-profits or local authorities to design and evaluate family-focused interventions.
• Analyst or researcher for think tanks, advocacy organisations or foundations focused on family economics, poverty alleviation, or consumer finance.
• Financial counsellor or advisor roles that combine personal finance expertise with community outreach.
• Progression to doctoral study in economics, public policy, family studies or related social sciences for those pursuing academic or high-level research careers.

Why study at University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers an interdisciplinary environment with strengths in applied social science research and community engagement. Students benefit from faculty whose work spans household finance, public policy, nutrition and community development, and from opportunities to collaborate with Cooperative Extension and local partner organisations across the state.

The university supports applied training through practicum placements, access to diverse regional data sources, and research centres that connect academic study to real-world programme evaluation and outreach. Small cohort sizes and supervisory support make the programme suitable for students seeking both rigorous quantitative training and direct practice-oriented experience.