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MASTER-OF-ARTS in Economics at St. Xavier's College for Women, Aluva
Ernakulam, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Economics at St. Xavier's College for Women, Aluva Ernakulam?
This MA Economics program at St. Xavier''''s College for Women, Aluva, focuses on providing a rigorous foundation in advanced economic theories, quantitative methods, and their applications to real-world policy issues. In the dynamic Indian economic landscape, this program equips students with analytical tools to understand market trends, policy impacts, and developmental challenges, meeting the growing demand for skilled economists in both public and private sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for economics graduates seeking to deepen their theoretical and empirical understanding of the subject. It also caters to those from allied disciplines with strong quantitative aptitude looking to transition into economic analysis roles. Fresh graduates aiming for research, civil services, or corporate analytics careers, as well as working professionals wishing to enhance their economic policy analysis skills, will find this program beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as economic analysts, data scientists, policy researchers, and consultants in government bodies, think tanks, and multinational corporations. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program fosters critical thinking and analytical rigor, essential for growth in India''''s competitive job market.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Economic Theories- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on building a strong conceptual understanding of advanced micro and macroeconomics, and quantitative methods. Regularly review fundamental concepts, solve problem sets from textbooks, and participate in peer study groups to clarify doubts and deepen comprehension.
Tools & Resources
Standard graduate-level economics textbooks (e.g., Varian, Romer), Online resources like NPTEL lectures, Khan Academy, Academic journals
Career Connection
A solid theoretical base is crucial for advanced studies, research, and for tackling complex economic problems in policy-making or analytical roles.
Develop Strong Quantitative Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to mastering mathematical and statistical tools. Practice quantitative methods regularly, use statistical software (like R or Python) for exercises, and aim to apply these methods to simple economic models. Consider taking additional online courses in statistics or calculus if needed.
Tools & Resources
R/Python programming environments, Tutorials on econometrics software, Online platforms like Coursera/edX for data science basics, Academic exercises
Career Connection
Quantitative skills are highly valued in roles like data analyst, financial analyst, and econometrician in India''''s growing tech and finance sectors.
Engage with Indian Economic Context- (Semester 1-2)
Actively read national economic newspapers (e.g., The Economic Times, Business Standard), follow reports from institutions like RBI, NITI Aayog, and various ministries. Discuss current Indian economic policy issues with peers and faculty to link classroom theories with real-world scenarios.
Tools & Resources
Financial newspapers, RBI Annual Reports, Economic Survey of India, NITI Aayog publications, Credible economic news portals
Career Connection
Understanding the Indian economic context is essential for roles in government, policy research, and any company operating within India, enhancing relevance for local job markets.
Intermediate Stage
Dive into Econometric Applications and Data Analysis- (Semester 3-4)
Move beyond theoretical econometrics to practical application. Work on small-scale empirical projects, utilize real datasets (e.g., from government surveys, World Bank), and gain proficiency in at least one statistical software package like R, Python, or Stata for regression analysis, time series, and panel data.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (Stata, EViews, R, Python with packages like Pandas, Statsmodels), Datasets from CMIE, NSSO, World Bank, Online tutorials
Career Connection
Proficiency in econometrics and data analysis is a critical skill for roles in economic research, data analytics, and forecasting, highly sought after by consulting firms, financial institutions, and policy think tanks.
Engage in Research and Project Development- (Semester 3-4)
Start the project work early in Semester 3, identifying a relevant research topic and conducting thorough literature review. Focus on data collection, robust analysis, and professional report writing. Seek regular feedback from your faculty mentor and present findings clearly.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (JSTOR, Google Scholar), Statistical software for analysis, Project report guidelines, Faculty mentors, research workshops
Career Connection
A well-executed research project demonstrates independent analytical capability, critical thinking, and domain expertise, highly valued for placements in research-oriented roles or for further academic pursuits.
Prepare for Placements and Career Advancement- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in career counseling and placement cells. Develop strong soft skills, prepare for aptitude tests, group discussions, and interviews. Network with alumni and industry professionals through seminars and workshops. Tailor your resume and cover letters to target specific economic roles.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Career guidance workshops, Online job portals (Naukri.com, LinkedIn), Mock interview sessions, Professional networking events
Career Connection
This proactive approach directly enhances employability, secures internships, and leads to successful placements in diverse economic sectors across India.
Advanced Stage
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Economics/Foreign Trade/Development Economics/Business Economics with not less than 45% marks in the main/core subject or a Bachelor’s Degree in any other subject with not less than 75% marks in Part I + II. SC/ST candidates are given a relaxation of 5% in minimum required marks.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: Minimum 80 credits (72 credits identified from specific course components) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC0101C01 | Macroeconomics: Theories and Policies- I | Core | 4 | Introduction to Macroeconomics, Theories of Consumption and Investment, Theories of Money and Interest, Macroeconomic Equilibrium: IS-LM model, Inflation and Unemployment |
| EC0101C02 | Microeconomics: Theory and Applications- I | Core | 4 | Consumer Behaviour, Theory of Production and Cost, Market Structure: Perfect Competition, Monopoly, Monopolistic Competition, Oligopoly, Welfare Economics |
| EC0101C03 | Quantitative Methods for Economic Analysis- I | Core | 4 | Set Theory and Logic, Matrix Algebra, Calculus: Differentiation and Integration, Optimization, Differential Equations |
| EC0101C04 | Indian Economic Policy: An Advanced Introduction | Core | 4 | Structure of Indian Economy, Economic Planning in India, Agriculture Sector, Industrial Sector, Service Sector |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC0201C05 | Macroeconomics: Theories and Policies- II | Core | 4 | Business Cycles, Open Economy Macroeconomics, Exchange Rate Regimes, Macroeconomic Policy Debates, Economic Growth Models |
| EC0201C06 | Microeconomics: Theory and Applications- II | Core | 4 | General Equilibrium, Theory of Games, Asymmetric Information, Public Goods and Externalities, Behavioural Economics |
| EC0201C07 | Quantitative Methods for Economic Analysis- II | Core | 4 | Probability Theory, Probability Distributions, Sampling and Estimation, Hypothesis Testing, Correlation and Regression |
| EC0201C08 | Developmental Economics: Theories and Practice- I | Core | 4 | Concepts of Development, Theories of Economic Growth, Poverty and Inequality, Population and Development, Human Capital and Health |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC0301C09 | Public Economics | Core | 4 | Role of Government, Public Goods and Externalities, Taxation Principles, Public Expenditure, Fiscal Policy in India |
| EC0301C10 | Econometrics | Core | 4 | Classical Linear Regression Model, Violations of Assumptions, Dummy Variables, Time Series Econometrics, Panel Data Models |
| EC0301C11 | International Economics | Core | 4 | Theories of International Trade, Terms of Trade, Commercial Policy, Balance of Payments, Exchange Rate Determination |
| EC0301E01 | Financial Economics (Elective Example) | Elective | 4 | Introduction to Financial Markets, Time Value of Money, Risk and Return, Portfolio Theory, Asset Pricing Models |
| EC0301P01 | Project Work Phase I & Comprehensive Viva-Voce | Project | 4 | Research Methodology, Literature Survey, Problem Identification, Data Collection, Initial Draft |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC0401C12 | Developmental Economics: Theories and Practice- II | Core | 4 | Theories of Underdevelopment, Planning and Development, Role of State, Foreign Aid and Development, Sustainable Development |
| EC0401C13 | Economics of Growth | Core | 4 | Classical Growth Theories, Neoclassical Growth Models, Endogenous Growth Theories, Technological Progress, Human Capital and Growth |
| EC0401C14 | Research Methodology & Computer Applications | Core | 4 | Research Design, Data Analysis Techniques, Report Writing, Statistical Software (e.g., SPSS, R), Internet for Research |
| EC0401E06 | Advanced Econometrics (Elective Example) | Elective | 4 | Simultaneous Equation Models, Panel Data Models, Limited Dependent Variable Models, Time Series Analysis, VAR Models |
| EC0401P02 | Project Work Phase II | Project | 4 | Data Interpretation, Analysis and Findings, Conclusion and Recommendations, Thesis Writing, Presentation |
