The University of Texas at Arlington is the first Texas university to offer students the opportunity to earn a master's degree in economics and a National Association for Business Economics Certified Business Economist® or CBE professional certification simultaneously.

UTA, the University of Maryland and the University of Connecticut are joining six other schools that already offer the certification.

LaVaughn Henry, chair of NABE's CBE Development Committee, said the association leadership is proud of the expansion of the certification program.

"The University of Texas at Arlington, with its focus on developing highly quantitative analysts, consultants and corporate leaders working for some of the nation's largest business enterprises brings a unique quality and experience to support and grow the activities of the University Partnership Program," Henry said.

Roger Meiners, chair of UTA's Economics Department, said UTA looks forward to working with NABE to craft degree programs that will ensure success for students in the workplace.

UTA's master's degree in economic data analytics focuses on the major growth area of data analytics. Students learn how to find data, be critical of it, develop it by use of software packages and explain what has been learned by analysis through the lens of economic theory.

Launched in 2015, the CBE is a comprehensive professional certification program of study and examination covering core topics in applied economics and data analytics. Students who attain a qualifying master's or undergraduate degree at partner universities will be able to complete their CBE requirements while studying for their degrees, and sit for the CBE exam which will be offered on campus each year.