The program is given in Hebrew

Joint Master’s Program in Economics (M.Sc.)

This program is a study and research (thesis) program offering a joint master’s degree in economics (M.Sc.) from the Technion and the University of Haifa.

Program Objectives

The joint program in economics aims to deepen and broaden students’ theoretical knowledge of economics, and to develop their expertise in specialist subjects. The program introduces students to the most advanced economics research. Graduates of the program can expect to find work in a research capacity in the private sector or in academia.

Specialization in Behavioral Economics (new track)

As part of the MSc in economics we offer a new specialization track in  Behavioral Economics. The curriculum in this new specialization track combines classical economics education with new and modern aspects such as social and sentimental factors, cognitive biases, unique psychological traits and bounded rationality. Acceptance criteria to the new track are the same as for the general MSc program. The track requirements are similar to those of the general program apart from the following changes: the courses Macro Economics 1 and 2  are no longer required  and the mix of electives is different.

Research Topics

The Faculty encourages interdisciplinary research and cross-field cooperation. A student from any study field may choose an academic supervisor from the faculty staff.

• Artificial Intelligence (neural networks, computational learning, natural language processing…)
• Electronic Markets and Electronic Commerce
• Viral Processes (viral, ideas..) in human or computer communities
• Cognitive Robots (artificial intelligence and robotics)
• Game Theory and Decision Making
• Software Engineering (complex systems modeling and analysis)
• Knowledge and Data (information) Management
• Mathematical Logic and program verification
• Probability and Stochastic Processes
• Service Engineering (queue systems in hospitals, banks etc.)
• Data-based Operation Research
• Efficient Optimization
• Behavioral Economics
•  Marketing and Strategic Theories
•  Supply Chain in Dynamic and Multi-data environment.
•  Various subjects in Information and Data Science.
• Network algorithms
• Distributed algorithms
• Self stabilizing systems
• Optimization in the face of uncertainty
• Network security and fault tolerance

Curriculum

The program requires six core courses and three elective courses, as well as a research thesis. The requirements are detailed below.

It should be noted that while the program requirements for students associated with the Technion and with the University of Haifa are identical, the two institutions weight their credits differently, and the same course will occasionally appear under slightly different names. The course names and credits are listed separately for the two institutions in the table below.

Core Courses

*If taken as an elective course during undergraduate studies, this course must be replaced by another course with the same number of credits.

Elective Courses

All students must take three elective courses with a total weighting of at least 11 credits at the Technion and 9 credits (semester weekly hours) at the University of Haifa (these courses are in addition to any elective taken to replace a core requirement, as discussed above). Electives are chosen from a list published each year by the academic committee that oversees the program. Thesis supervisors are authorized to require specific elective courses needed for writing the thesis, with approval of the academic committee.

Research Study / Research Project

 General Description

The core of the master’s degree studies is a 20-credit research study.  Under the Graduate School regulations, a 12-credit thesis may be authorized in lieu of a research study or research project in special cases. Students permitted to write a 12-credit thesis will be required to take additional courses specified by the permanent advisor and totaling at least 8 credits.

Selecting an Advisor

The director of the Information Systems Area serves as a temporary advisor for all newly admitted students. Students are advised to find a permanent advisor during their first year of studies, preferably during the first semester. Faculty members’ interests and fields of research can be gleaned in the first instance from their websites and the advanced courses that they teach.  Faculty members encourage students to consult with them regarding the selection of a research topic.  Assignment of a permanent advisor is contingent upon agreement between the faculty member and the student over the student’s research topic and terms of the supervision.

Submission of the Thesis

The thesis should be submitted approximately 24 months after commencement of studies.  The thesis must be written in the format of a research article (preferably in English; however, it can also be written in Hebrew). For further information:  http://www.graduate.technion.ac.il/Heb/Graduation/Thesis_editing.asp

Additional instructions about how to submit the thesis appear on the Graduate School website.

Admissions Requirements

The admissions committee will consider applications from graduates holding a bachelor’s degree in economics or a related subject from a recognized institution of higher education, with a grade average of 85 or above. Applicants who have not completed the courses listed below (or their equivalent) during their undergraduate studies will be required to complete these courses as a condition for admission. Students will not be considered full participants in the program until they have completed the required prerequisites (also known as supplementary courses).

Required Supplementary Courses

*The admissions committee may authorize comparable alternative courses.

Hebrew Language Requirement

Candidates with a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution of higher education at which the language of instruction is not Hebrew will be required to pass a Hebrew language exam to the level required by the admitting institution (the Technion or the University of Haifa).