Program: Applied Economics, MS - University of San Francisco

2020-2021 Catalog

Mar 29, 2025

The Master of Science in Applied Economics at the University of San Francisco trains students to apply the theoretical insights and empirical techniques of modern economics to practical problems in the business, government, and non-profit sectors. This program focuses in particular on the skills needed in the increasingly digitized economy. Manipulation and analysis of data using industry-standard programming languages is an integral part of the curriculum from day one. Students learn how to use the tools of economics to grapple with the implications of the new markets and new information sources created by advances in information technology.

Program Learning Outcomes

Economic Data Manipulation: Students will be able to effectively use modern programming languages to clean, organize, query, summarize, visualize, and model large volumes and varieties of data.
Economic Data Analytics: Students will possess a theoretical and applied understanding of the use of econometrics and statistics for descriptive and causal inference.
Applied Economic Theory: Students will be able to understand and apply economic theory to understand how businesses and other organizations interact with each other and with users/customers/clients and use this understanding to guide data analysis.
Economic Problem Solving: Students will be able to solve real-world data-driven business and policy problems working with economists, policy makers, data scientists and business practitioners.
Economic Communication: Students will be able to communicate their research approach and findings at an excellent level, both in writing and verbally.

Major Requirements (36 units)

Mathematical Foundations (4 units)

Students learn the core mathematical techniques that underpin modern economic and econometric theory and practice.

Students must take at least 4 units of coursework in this category.

ECON 615 - Mathematics for Economists

Microeconomic Foundations (4 units)

Students learn microeconomic frameworks that guide sophisticated empirical analyses.

Students must take at least four units of coursework in this category.

Data Analytics (14 Units)

Students learn a variety of tools and techniques for manipulating and analyzing economic data. Students must take at least fourteen units of coursework in this category. Relevant courses from other programs may be substituted with advance approval from the program director.

Professional Communication (2 units)

Students develop their communication skills in the context of economic analysis. At least 2 units of coursework must be taken from this category.

Independent Research (4 units)

All students must take at least 4 units of courses that develop independent research skills, applying the tools and concepts learned in the rest of the program.

Electives (8 units)

Students complete their 36-unit curriculum by taking electives. Any graduate-level economics courses may be used as electives, and selected courses from other departments listed here. Additional courses from other programs may also be substituted, subject to advance approval from the program director.

Optional Thesis

Students who have completed Econ 601, 611, 615, and 620 with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher are eligible to write a master’s thesis. The petition for thesis completion must be addressed to the Economics Department along with the research paper and the endorsement of the research adviser. The completion of a master’s thesis will include an oral examination, signature of the final product by three faculty members including the thesis adviser, and final approval by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. A copy of the thesis will be made available for general consultation in Gleeson Library.

Not more than 6 units of the basic program minimum of 36 units may be counted toward research associated with a thesis or research project. Students may register for additional research units over and above the basic program requirements.