Applied Economics, MS

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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)

Foundational Skills (16 units)

Coursework in mathematics, microeconomic theory, econometrics, and computation that lays the groundwork for advanced study.

Economic Theory and Applications (4 units)

Students further develop their understanding of economic theory and its practical application to specific domains.

Advanced Analytics (4 units)

Students learn additional tools and techniques for manipulating and analyzing economic data.

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)

Students develop independent research skills, applying the tools and concepts learned in the rest of the program.

Electives (6 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 their core course requirements 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.