MS in Applied Economics

 

students listening in an MA in Applied Economics class

 

GW’s Master of Science in Applied Economics provides students with the tools to succeed as economists in today’s data-driven world. Our graduates learn to draw meaningful implications from data and integrate economic analysis into their professional lives. They apply economic theory and quantitative methods to real-world scenarios such as measuring the impacts of government programs and forecasting economic trends.

Classes are taught by a diverse faculty, utilizing both GW’s internationally recognized economics professors and professionals from local economic organizations. Coursework includes not only economics material but also data science, budgeting and public policy, health and development economics and geographical information systems. Students also have the option to take up to two electives at the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration, the School of Business, the Milken Institute School of Public Health or the School of Engineering and Applied Science.

The MS in Applied Economics is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security STEM-designated degree program.

 

Professor and Program Director, Joann Weiner, standing in front of a railing

 

 

"My main goal is for students to go out and be able to explain why inflation is going up, why robots are ‘taking’ jobs and how to get a job in other countries. Our program provides the tools to answer those questions."

Joann Weiner

Program Director, MS in Applied Economics

 

 

Program Highlights

  • Full- or part-time enrollment options accommodate busy schedules.
  • Curriculum includes research and data projects, allowing graduates to enter the job market with proven skills in applied economics.
  • Funding available for students to complete internships and work with professors, either on research or in their classrooms.
  • Option to enroll simultaneously in a graduate certificate program in one of 10 different fields.
  • One-on-one faculty advising on course selection and career opportunities.
 

  • Workshop component helps students hone oral and written skills in presentation of economic analysis.
  • Opportunity to prepare for the Certified Business Economist® (CBE) professional certification in business economics and data analytics while completing the degree.
  • Program specialties in budgetary and fiscal policy, regulatory and anti-trust economics, financial regulation, economic forecasting, development economics, labor and human resource economics, international trade, financial policy and urban and regional economics.

 

Information Session Recording

Female student seated in class with a laptop listening

 

 

Student Outcomes

  • Identify economic questions and successfully solve them using the theoretical tools of micro- or macroeconomics and the quantitative tools of data analysis and econometrics.
  • Learn to review existing literature to understand what experts in the field of economics already know about a given economic issue in order to contribute new knowledge.
  • Effectively use modern data visualization techniques and public speaking skills in order to teach an audience something new.
  • Build a strong foundational knowledge in ethical writing practice in order to avoid common plagiarism and copyright pitfalls in research and written work.
  • Develop teamwork skills, problem-solving skills and economic thought-processing necessary to tackle any real-world economic issue.

 

Course Requirements

 The following requirements must be fulfilled: 30 credits, including 18 credits in required courses and 12 credits in elective courses.

Required
ECON 6300Mathematical Methods for Economics
ECON 6301Applied Microeconomic Theory
ECON 6305Applied Macroeconomic Theory
ECON 6374Probability and Statistics for Economics
ECON 6375Applied Econometrics
ECON 6376Time Series Analysis
Electives
12 credits in elective Economics (ECON) courses at the 6000 level or above selected in consultation with the program director.
Note: ECON 6217, ECON 6218, and ECON 6219 may not be used to fulfill the elective requirement. With program approval, students may select up to two graduate-level courses offered by the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration, School of Business, Milken Institute School of Public Health, and/or School of Engineering and Applied Science to fulfill the elective requirement. Courses in other graduate programs may meet this requirement subject to approval by the program director.