Master of Science in Applied Economics

The Master of Science (MS) in Applied Economics degree program at the University of Cincinnati’s Lindner College of Business prepares professionals at any career stage to make data-driven decisions through advanced economic modeling and analysis. This Top 10 ranked program positions graduates to solve complex business challenges using cutting-edge econometric tools. 

In the MS in Applied Economics program, tailored career support enhances flexible coursework with numerous networking opportunities — made possible by our professors’ connections in Cincinnati's thriving economy and the Midwest. 


Return on Investment

  • Top-ranked business school with leading programs: We are a Top 100 business school in North America for research (Poets&Quants) and a Top 100 public school in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report). 
  • Customize your degree with a graduate certificate: Earn two degrees in the time it takes to earn one by adding one of our more than 20 graduate certificates to your degree program.
  • Expedite your time to gradiation: Complete your degree in as few as two semesters, or one year, with full-time enrollment and as few as four semesters with part-time enrollment.
  • Receive wrap-around career support: With a dedicated career advisor for graduate students, our Career Services team offers you the assistance you need to achieve top career placement.
No. 45 master's of economics program in the country.

TFE Times


Curriculum

Our curriculum prepares you to master economic modeling, econometric analysis and practical applications in business and policy contexts. Through coursework and hands-on projects, develop expertise in areas such as applied research methods; economic data analysis and management; and statistical modeling and forecasting.

Courses in the MS in Applied Economics program include:

  • Game Theory
  • Statistical Models
  • Econometrics
  • Microeconomic and Macroeconomic Theory

Degree requirements for the MS in Applied Economics degree include:

  • Up to three credit hours in business foundations (if applicable)
  • 16 hours in MS Applied Economics core courses
  • A capstone experience
  • 12 credit hours in other elective courses which may be applied toward a graduate certificate.

Career Outcomes

  • 92% placement rate within three months of graduation. 
  • $92,498 average income for master's graduates. 
  • Post-graduate employers include JP Morgan Chase, Nieleon and Morgan Stanley.

STEM-Designated

As a Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)-designated master’s program, the MS Applied Economics degree program is an ideal option for international applicants. Enriching the diverse student population and the greater community of the University of Cincinnati, international students who apply to the MS in Applied Economics can extend their training in the U.S. by 24 months after graduation.


Cooperative Approach

Experience-based learning is an integral component of Lindner’s Master of Science in Applied Economics program. Embedded in every course is a dedication to hands-on learning that elevates your educational experience beyond the classroom. You’ll test-drive your skills with real-world projects that connect you to industry partners and the current challenges they are facing, ensuring you graduate career-ready from day one. Students also have the opportunity to complete their capstone through study abroad at the Paris School of Economics or the Barcelona School of Economics. Additionally, the Kautz-Uible Economics Institute provides students with the opportunity to enrich their education through unique research, networking and other experiences.


Student Experience

Students benefit from a robust community of faculty, staff, classmates, alumni and industry partners prepared to aid them in their journeys. Enjoy networking opportunities with professionals at top organizations, company visits to Fortune 500 headquarters and course projects that challenge you to solve real-world problems. The Lindner student experience is unmatched as students learn inside and outside of the classroom, forming invaluable bonds that propel them in their journeys.  


Our Faculty

Headshot of Rene Saran

Rene Saran

Professor, Economics

Rene Saran's research emphasizes mechanism design and behavioral economics. His work has been published in top journals including Games and Economic Behavior, the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization and the Journal of Economic Theory.

Headshot of Nayoung Lee, PhD

Nayoung Lee, PhD

Associate Professor, Economics

Nayoung Lee’s main field of interest is applied microeconometrics focusing on labor economics and development economics. Her works have been published in top field journals such as Journal of Econometrics and Journal of Applied Econometrics.

Headshot of Jeff Mills, PhD

Jeff Mills, PhD

Professor, Economics

Jeff Mills is an accomplished researcher, publishing in leading econometric and applied economics journals. His work at the intersection of Bayesian modeling and psychiatric treatment has been published in top psychiatric journals.


Cincinnati Advantage

Cincinnati is home to the headquarters of eight Fortune 500 companies and lays claim to one of the most vibrant startup ecosystems in the nation, with nearly $100 million invested in venture capital alone. Cincinnati’s thriving scene of professional opportunities, artistic inspiration and social energy is what fuels us to go above and beyond.


AACSB Accreditation

The Carl H. Lindner College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).


Application Process

Application deadlines vary based on term of enrollment. A full list of application requirements can be found via the application checklist.


Contact Us

Earning an MS in Applied Economics opens the door onto a wide array of career opportunities. Begin your journey at Lindner.


1

Lindner launches Master of Science in AI Management

January 21, 2026

With an eye towards the evolving business landscape, the Carl H. Lindner College of Business is meeting the moment with the introduction of a master’s degree program in artificial intelligence (AI) management.

2

Lindner graduate students shine in international simulation competition

November 10, 2025

Five master’s of information systems (MS IS) students took home fifth place out of 23 universities at the International ERPsim Competition hosted by HEC Montreal during the recent spring semester. The competition tests students’ knowledge of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and their ability to adapt to challenging business problems.

3

UC study says to ‘shake it off’ when faced with workplace stigma

October 16, 2025

Safety+Health magazine highlighted research by Lindner College of Business doctoral candidates and faculty. The workplace safety-focused publication used the study's data to explain the benefits of reducing emotional exhaustion could be for both employers and employees.