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MA-ECONOMICS in General at Mar Athanasius College, Kothamangalam
Ernakulam, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is General at Mar Athanasius College, Kothamangalam Ernakulam?
This MA Economics program at Mar Athanasius College, following the Mahatma Gandhi University syllabus, provides a comprehensive understanding of economic theories, policies, and quantitative methods. It emphasizes analytical skills and research aptitude, preparing students for diverse roles in India''''s evolving economic landscape. The program delves into both macro and micro-level economic issues, alongside specialized areas like econometrics and development economics.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for economics graduates seeking advanced theoretical and empirical knowledge. It caters to individuals aspiring for careers in academia, research, civil services, banking, and financial analysis within the Indian context. Professionals looking to enhance their understanding of economic policy or quantitative techniques for better decision-making can also benefit. A strong analytical bent and interest in public policy are prerequisites.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to be well-equipped for roles as economists, researchers, data analysts, or policy advisors in government organizations, think tanks, and corporate sectors across India. They can expect entry-level salaries typically ranging from INR 4-7 LPA, with significant growth potential up to INR 10-15 LPA for experienced professionals. The program fosters critical thinking and problem-solving, crucial for competitive examinations and further academic pursuits.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Economic Fundamentals & Quantitative Tools- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on building a strong base in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Quantitative Methods. Regularly solve problems, practice derivations, and understand core concepts thoroughly. Utilize online platforms for additional practice and clarification.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on Economics/Mathematics, Khan Academy, specific textbooks (e.g., Varian for Micro, Mankiw for Macro), dedicated study groups
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for cracking competitive exams (UPSC, RBI Grade B) and excelling in higher-level specialized courses and research roles.
Develop Research Aptitude & Critical Thinking- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with the Research Methodology course. Read current economic articles from Indian financial dailies (Economic Times, Business Standard) and academic journals. Participate in departmental seminars and discussions to develop critical analysis skills and understand contemporary Indian economic issues.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, RBI Bulletin, EPW (Economic & Political Weekly), official government reports (Economic Survey of India, NITI Aayog documents)
Career Connection
Essential for research roles, policy analysis, and any career requiring evidence-based decision-making. Enhances analytical ability for civil services.
Build a Strong Peer Learning Network- (Semester 1-2)
Form collaborative study groups with classmates. Discuss complex topics, share insights, and help each other with assignments and exam preparation. Organize informal quiz sessions to reinforce learning and solidify understanding of core concepts.
Tools & Resources
College library, departmental common rooms, online collaboration tools (e.g., Google Meet for discussions)
Career Connection
Fosters teamwork and communication skills, valuable in any professional setting. Provides a support system for academic challenges and encourages diverse perspectives.
Intermediate Stage
Specialise through Electives & Applied Learning- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose an elective that aligns with your career interests (e.g., Agricultural Economics for rural development, Financial Economics for banking). Deep dive into practical applications using real-world Indian data. Consider mini-projects based on elective topics to apply theoretical knowledge.
Tools & Resources
NSSO data, Census data, CMIE database (if college provides access), R/Python for data analysis (basic level)
Career Connection
Helps in carving out a niche, building specialized knowledge, and demonstrating practical skills to potential employers in relevant sectors.
Gain Early Industry Exposure & Networking- (Semester 3)
Attend webinars, workshops, and guest lectures by industry professionals or economists from Indian think tanks. Look for short-term internships or volunteer opportunities in local NGOs, research institutions, or small businesses to understand economic principles in practice.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, college career fair, departmental alumni network, local industry associations
Career Connection
Provides practical insights, builds professional contacts, and can lead to future internship or placement opportunities, enhancing your employability.
Enhance Quantitative & Software Skills- (Semester 3)
Focus on mastering Econometrics I. Learn statistical software like R, Python (Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib), or EViews/Stata for economic data analysis. Apply these skills to analyze Indian economic datasets and interpret results effectively.
Tools & Resources
RStudio, Python (Anaconda distribution), online tutorials (e.g., DataCamp for R/Python), university computer labs
Career Connection
Highly sought-after skills for roles in data analysis, research, financial modeling, and policy evaluation. Opens doors to data science careers in India.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Capstone Project & Viva Voce- (Semester 4)
Choose a relevant research topic, ideally with a focus on an Indian economic issue. Conduct thorough research, data collection (if feasible), analysis using learned software, and meticulously write the project report. Prepare rigorously for the viva voce, anticipating questions.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley/Zotero for citation management, advanced R/Python packages, university library resources, guidance from faculty mentors
Career Connection
Demonstrates independent research capability, analytical prowess, and communication skills – critical for academic, research, and policy roles in government and private sectors.
Targeted Placement & Competitive Exam Preparation- (Semester 4)
Identify target roles (e.g., banking, civil services, research) and tailor your resume and interview preparation accordingly. Practice quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and current affairs specific to Indian examinations. Attend mock interviews and group discussions.
Tools & Resources
Placement cell, career guidance counselors, online test series for competitive exams (e.g., RBI, UPSC), general knowledge portals
Career Connection
Directly leads to successful placements in desired companies or entry into prestigious competitive services/further studies in India.
Advanced Skill Refinement & Portfolio Building- (Semester 4)
Pursue certifications in niche areas like advanced econometrics, financial modeling, or policy analysis from reputed Indian or international platforms. Create a portfolio of your research papers, data analysis projects, or policy briefs to showcase skills to potential employers.
Tools & Resources
Coursera, edX, NISM certifications (for finance roles), industry-specific workshops, personal website/GitHub for portfolio
Career Connection
Distinguishes you in the job market, demonstrates continuous learning, and validates specialized skills for higher-paying and more responsible positions in India''''s dynamic economy.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree with Economics / Development Economics / Foreign Trade / Business Economics / Applied Economics / Quantitative Economics / Applied Statistics / Econometrics as core course or a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce or Mathematics or Statistics with 4.5 CGPA in a scale of 10/1.8 CGPA in a scale of 4/45% marks in part III (in case of Arts/Science subjects) or an equivalent grade. (as per Mahatma Gandhi University norms)
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC010101 | MICROECONOMIC THEORY I | Core | 4 | Consumer Behavior, Production Theory, Market Structures, Welfare Economics, General Equilibrium, Choice under Uncertainty |
| EC010102 | MACROECONOMIC THEORY I | Core | 4 | Classical & Keynesian Economics, Consumption & Investment, Money Demand & Supply, Inflation, Business Cycles |
| EC010103 | INDIAN ECONOMIC POLICY: ISSUES AND FRAMEWORK | Core | 4 | Growth & Development, Agriculture & Industry, Public Finance, External Sector, Planning in India |
| EC010104 | QUANTITATIVE METHODS FOR ECONOMIC ANALYSIS I | Core | 4 | Basic Algebra, Calculus, Matrix Algebra, Linear Programming, Optimization |
| EC010105 | RESEARCH METHODOLOGY | Core | 4 | Research Design, Data Sources, Sampling, Hypothesis Testing, Report Writing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC010201 | MICROECONOMIC THEORY II | Core | 4 | Game Theory, Information Economics, Externalities, Public Goods, Behavioural Economics |
| EC010202 | MACROECONOMIC THEORY II | Core | 4 | IS-LM Model, Phillips Curve, Monetary & Fiscal Policy, Open Economy, New Classical & Keynesian Economics |
| EC010203 | DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS: THEORIES AND ISSUES | Core | 4 | Theories of Development, Poverty & Inequality, Human Capital, Sustainable Development, Globalisation |
| EC010204 | QUANTITATIVE METHODS FOR ECONOMIC ANALYSIS II | Core | 4 | Probability, Probability Distributions, Sampling Distributions, Estimation, Hypothesis Testing, Correlation & Regression |
| EC010205 | PUBLIC ECONOMICS | Core | 4 | Public Goods, Externalities, Public Revenue, Public Expenditure, Fiscal Policy, Public Debt |
Semester 3
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC010401 | ECONOMETRICS II | Core | 4 | Time Series Models, ARCH/GARCH Models, Panel Data Models, Simultaneous Equation Models, Forecasting |
| EC010402 | FINANCIAL MARKETS AND INSTITUTIONS | Core | 4 | Financial System, Money Market, Capital Market, Banking, Stock Market, Derivatives |
| EC010403 | POPULATION ECONOMICS | Core | 4 | Population Theories, Demographic Transition, Population Growth, Human Capital, Migration, Population Policy |
| EC010404 | PROJECT AND VIVA VOCE | Core | 4 | Research Problem, Data Collection, Analysis, Report Writing, Presentation Skills |
| EC010405 | ECONOMICS OF LABOUR | Core | 4 | Labour Supply & Demand, Wage Theories, Unemployment, Trade Unions, Labour Legislation, Human Resource Development |
