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Statement of Purpose

As an undergraduate student considering various degree

options, I met a university professor who suggested that I explore

coursework steeped in questioning, analysis, and research of a

different type. He encouraged me to explore an academic area that

enabled me to ask difficult questions and to explore various

solutions and theories associated with business and human

scenarios. He believed that this particular academic program might

challenge me to reach further, with more excitement and

enthusiasm than what I had previously experienced. His

assumption was correct, and I have never regretted choosing to

study in the field of Economics.

My undergraduate study has enabled me to explore various

concentrations of economics; my favorite is the study of public

economics. Although I have enjoyed all of my major classes, I have

actively sought undergraduate research opportunities. During the

spring semester of 2018, I began a project that analyzd various

policy decisions and subsequent implications on the current state

of immigration reform. As a student researcher, I was named a

finalist at the Three Minute Thesis Competition sponsored by the

University of Arizona.1 I was invited to discuss the project at a

University research roundtable event, and I was also a presenter at

1The Three Minute Thesis Competition is open to all academic

Disciplines at the university.
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the spring 2018 conference of the Society of Business and

Economics. Immersed in the study, I determined to expand the

research, partnering with my faculty advisor in an effort to produce

a more complete analysis of the subject. We were accepted to

become Transaction Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC)

research fellows. To attain my Economics degree, I have completed

both Intermediate Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, a course

in Public Finance, a Contemporary Economic and Financial Issues

course, Business Calculus, and an independent study course to

further an undergraduate research project. To support my intense

interest in economic research, I will have completed four semesters

of Quantitative Methods courses upon graduation.

Major Courses Completed

Course Grade

Int. Microeconomics A

Int. Macroeconomics B

Public Finance B

Business Calculus A

Contemporary Economics A

Through my undergraduate career, I have had the pleasure

of encountering professors who taught their specific discipline with

an infectious excitement. I understand how important it is to be

led by professors who are not only experts in their field, but who

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also are driven to encourage and see students succeed. Similarly, I

plan to pursue a teaching career after graduate work so that I, too,

can encourage and excite students in the study of economics. The

Thesis Track of the Master of Arts in Economics degree at the

[University Name] fits my academic and research goals through

opportunities to interact with stellar faculty and exciting research

projects. I am pursuing admission into this specific program

because I truly believe that the MAEcon Thesis Track will prepare

me for a seamless and successful entry into a PhD program to

further my knowledge in the realm of Economics.

I believe that the field of Economics is one of the most

exciting tracks for students who are intent on pursuing a career in

banking, investment, agricultural economics, or general business.

At this time in the life of our country and globally, the study of

economics is very relevant. I am certain it is the best choice for me

personally; I appreciate your consideration of my application. So

that you are better aware of the program from which I am

graduating, I am including a recent program newsletter.

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WELCOME TO THE COLLEGE OF
BUSINESS
On behalf of the faculty and University, using on-campus
staff of the UA College of and online programs to serve
Business, it is my pleasure to 1,100 undergraduates and
welcome you to our university. more than 600 graduate
Business is an exciting career students. Forty highly
choice and we are pleased dedicated full-time faculty
that you are considering one staff the College-most holding
of the options in business PhDs from leading
offered by the University of universities. The College of
North Alabama. Every Business is accredited by the
organization-Fortune 500 Association to Advance
companies, entrepreneurial Collegiate Schools of
start-ups, retail stores, Business (AACSB) and the
schools, churches, Accreditation Council for
manufacturers, social service Business Schools and
agencies, technology firms, Programs (ACBSP). The
governmental agencies, information system majors are
airlines, hotels and also accredited by the
restaurants-requires business Computing Accreditation
know-how. Our business Commission of ABET. The
programs prepare students for College of Business hosts The
career success in whatever Institute of Export Research
path they pursue. and Transfer Technology and
the Small Business
The College of Business at UA Development Center. Their
offers a broad array of presence provides
concentrations. Students can opportunities for faculty and
pursue undergraduate majors student research and
in accounting, banking and consulting.
financial services, enterprise
information systems, finance, The
economics, management, and College of
marketing. Graduate Business
concentrations include is very
accounting, information proud of
systems, international its
business, health care alumni
management, finance, project and students. Our graduates
management, ERP systems have an enviable record of
using SAP, and the executive success in their professions,
option. and our students are highly
successful in statewide and
The College of Business is the national academic
fastest growing unit of the competition. Our faculty
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members are dedicated to of economics and finance is
building on this record of designed to develop these vital
success. skills. If you are interested in
furthering your education
The College of Business is through graduate study in
committed to continuous business administration,
improvement of its economics, finance, or law,
curriculum, academic you will find that our
programs, faculty and staff curriculum will give you a
support, and its course solid foundation.
management technology.
Initiatives are pursued that You can earn a Bachelor's
enhance the academic and degree with a major in either
extra-curricular opportunities economics or finance. Many
for College of Business students choose to pursue a
students, providing them major in both areas.
greater opportunities to grow Requirements for the
professionally and personally. Bachelor's degree are listed
under the Majors tab on this
I hope you will accept the page.
challenge of becoming a
student and graduate of the
College of Business. You will
be limited only by your
imagination and your
willingness to work hard and
to engage in the opportunities
we offer. The College of
Business can get you where
you want to be, whether you
are a first time freshman, a
transfer student, or a working
professional exploring
graduate degree options.

The impact of economics and

finance in your world is
profound and far-reaching.
From corporate mergers and
restructuring to investing for
retirement and even balancing
your checkbook, a strong
foundation in economics and
finance is beneficial. All areas
of business depend on one's
ability to think critically, to
analyze thoroughly, and to
communicate effectively. The
curriculum in the department
2018 Fall