Our students leave Davidson with the skills and experience they need for success in graduate school and beyond.

The Economics Department prepares students for graduate-level study through rigorous coursework, high-level research and publication opportunities, and individual advising/guidance as they make plans for continued study.

Graduate Study in Economics

Graduate study in economics is not an easy road, but it can be a fulfilling, challenging, and enjoyable process. A Ph.D. in economics can prepare you for a variety of careers. Depending on your ultimate career goals, a Master's degree may be a good choice. Preparation is key, so seek advice during your first two years on what courses to take during your remaining semesters.

In recent years, our alumni have attended many of the nation's top Ph.D. programs, including those at:

  • Northwestern University
  • University of Chicago
  • Cornell University
  • Duke University
  • University of Michigan
  • Ohio State University
  • University of Texas at Austin
  • University of Virginia
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • California Institute of Technology

They have earned MBAs at top institutions including:

  • University of Chicago
  • Duke University
  • Harvard University
  • Stanford University
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Scholarship Opportunity Master's in Finance

Our department also maintains a special relationship with the Robert Day School's Master's Program in Finance at Claremont McKenna College. The program offers generous financial assistance to students nominated by us and admitted by them. 

Accounting, Business & Finance

Davidson provides students with an outstanding undergraduate liberal arts education. Here, you develop many skills that will serve you well in life, including critical thinking and the ability to communicate both orally and in writing. Still, many employers look for specific credentials from new employees that are not attainable at Davidson. Professional programs in Accounting and Business & Finance offer graduates the opportunity to develop additional skills that are valued by employers.

We maintain close relationships with the masters of accounting programs at Wake Forest University and Vanderbilt University, and over the past 15 years dozens of graduates have completed these programs and gone on to start their careers with the top CPA firms domestically and internationally. Additionally, economics majors and minors have gone on to attend masters programs in accounting at UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC-Wilmington, The College of William and Mary, The Ohio State University, and others.

Our graduates typically receive generous merit-based financial assistance to attend these programs, a reflection of the respect that the programs have for Davidson alumni. Our alumni also have received prestigious Carey Fellowships from the American Institute of CPAs, and one was the recipient of the E. W. Sells Award for highest score on the CPA exam nationally.

There are hundreds of graduate school opportunities in accounting. The ones below are recommended and have proven to be beneficial for recent Davidson graduates. 

Wake Forest University

The Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) is a three-semester program that includes a paid internship during the second semester. This program boasts one of the highest CPA pass rates in the country.

Davidson students* who are admitted into this program with a minimum 3.2 GPA and 600 GMAT (or 315 GRE) will receive a minimum $10,000 per semester scholarship and be considered for additional merit-based scholarships.

Additionally, Wake Forest will waive the application fee and essays for all Davidson applicants.

 

*U.S. citizens and permanent U.S. residents

Vanderbilt University

The Vanderbilt program offers two one-year programs: the traditional Master of Accountancy (MAcc) and the MAcc Valuation. Both tracks include opportunities for paid internships with top firms.

All admitted Davidson students will receive a $10,000 scholarship and will be considered for additional merit-based scholarships.

Kenan-Flagler/UNC Chapel Hill

UNC Kenan-Flagler's Master of Accounting Program prepares students for leadership positions in public and corporate accounting careers by integrating economics, quantitative methods and behavioral sciences.