Master of Science in Applied Economics
Why Lindner for 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.
Through projects with the UC Economics Center and regional employers, you’ll develop expertise in economic forecasting, policy analysis and strategic planning. In our program, lead research initiatives and consulting projects that equip you for roles at prestigious organizations like Amazon, J.P. Morgan Chase and Procter & Gamble, where our graduates earn average starting annual salaries of more than $80,000.
Program Highlights
- Duration: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
- Minimum Credits: 30-38
- STEM-designated program
- Full-time: Day classes
- Part-time: Evening classes available
- Core courses held in person, some electives available online
- Certified Business Economist® exam qualification
- Research assistantship opportunities
- International study options
MS in Applied Economics Curriculum & Requirements
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:
- Advanced Econometrics and Time Series Analysis
- Applied Research Methods
- Economic Data Analysis and Management
- Game Theory and Strategic Decision Making
- Microeconomic and Macroeconomic Theory
- Statistical Modeling and Forecasting
Choose specialized electives in areas like:
- Bayesian and Spatial Econometrics
- Health Economics
- International Economics
- Industrial Organization
- Program Evaluation
- Smart Contract Design
- Urban and Regional Economics
Complete your degree with an applied research practicum, international study experience or industry internship. Business foundation courses (8 credits) in accounting, finance, marketing, organization and data management may be required for students without a business background. These can be waived based on previous coursework.
Each prospective Master of Science in Applied Economics student must demonstrate an academic background equivalent to that of an undergraduate business degree at an accredited institution. A student without a business degree desiring to earn the Master of Science in Applied Economics must complete or satisfy the following core courses (or their equivalents) prior to conferral of the degree:
- ACCT 7000: Foundations in Accounting (two semester credits)
- FIN 7000: Foundations in Finance (one semester credit)
- MGMT 7000: Organization (two semester credits)
- MKTG 7000: Foundations in Marketing (one semester credit)
- BANA 6037: Data Visualization (two semester credits)
Students without a business degree may enroll in equivalent graduate courses and utilize them as free elective courses. Students holding a bachelor's or graduate degree in business administration may be able to waive some or all of these courses.
Waiver policy
To waive some or all of the business core courses, the student must demonstrate:
- Such courses were successfully completed as part of the student's prior undergraduate or graduate degree course work.
- Such courses were completed within five years preceeding the date of admission to the Master of Science in Applied Economics program.
- A grade of B or better was received in each course to be waived.
The program director will evaluate each transcript individually to determine any background courses that a student must take as a condition of admission into the Master of Science in Applied Economics program.
The Master of Science in Applied Economics degree requires the completion of 30 semester credit hours. These 30 semester hours do not include the Business Core courses required of all graduate students.
| Course number | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECON 6010 | Data Management and Analysis | 2 |
| ECON 8010 | Econometrics | 4 |
| ECON 8020 | Microeconomic Theory | 4 |
| ECON 8030 | Macroeconomic Theory |
4 |
| Course number | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECON 8011 | Time Series Econometrics | 4 |
| ECON 8021 | Game Theory | 2 |
| ECON 801x | Econometric Elective | 2 |
| ECON 801x | Econometric Elective | 2 |
| Elective | 2 | |
| Elective | 2 | |
| BA 7077 | Career Management | 0 |
During the summer semester students must complete at least two credits, and all will complete an applied economic research project. This will either be completed in conjunction with an internship or in the Masters Research Practicum course.
Electives
Econometric electives
Students will typically take two of the following econometric electives:
- Advanced Statistical Models, ECON 8012 / OBAIS 7042
- Bayesian Econometrics, ECON 8013
- Spatial Econometrics, ECON 8014
- Panel Data Econometrics, ECON 8015
Other electives
Students will typically choose four credit hours of electives from the following:
- Topics in Macroeconomic Theory, ECON 8031
- International Economics, ECON 8040
- Personnel Economics, ECON 8060
- Industrial Organization, ECON 8070
- Urban and Regional, ECON 8080
Electives from other graduate business courses may be chosen if approved by the academic director of the Master of Science in Applied Economics program.
The Master of Science in Applied Economics degree can be completed in two calendar years by part-time students. While there is some flexibility in the scheduling of particular classes, the outline below provides one potential plan for part-time students.
| Year | Semester | Course number | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Fall | ECON 8010 | Econometrics | 4 |
| ECON 8020 | Microeconomic Theory | 4 | ||
| Spring | ECON 8011 | Time Series Econometrics | 4 | |
| ECON 8021 | Game Theory | 2 | ||
| Summer | Elective | 2 | ||
| Year 2 | Fall | ECON 6010 | Data Management and Analysis in SAS | 2 |
| ECON 8030 | Macroeconomic Theory | 4 | ||
| Spring | ECON 801x | Econometric Elective | 2 | |
| ECON 802x | Econometric Elective | 2 | ||
| Elective | 2 | |||
| Summer | ECON 8090 | Masters Research Practicum | 2 |
Electives
Econometric electives
Students typically take two of the following econometric electives:
- Advanced Statistical Models, ECON 8012
- Bayesian Econometrics, ECON 8013
- Spatial Econometrics, ECON 8014
- Panel Data Econometrics, ECON 8015
Other electives
Students typically choose four credit hours of electives from the following:
- Topics in Macroeconomic Theory, ECON 8031
- International Economics, ECON 8040
- Personnel Economics, ECON 8060
- Industrial Organization, ECON 8070
- Urban and Regional, ECON 8080
Electives from other graduate business programs may be selected if approved by the academic director of the Master of Science in Applied Economics program.
STEM-Designated and Top-Ranked MS in Applied Economics
As a Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)-designated master’s program, the MS in Applied Economics 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
Why Earn a Master’s in Applied Economics at Lindner?
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.
Placements and Career Outcomes
Graduates of the MS in Applied Economics program are prepared to excel as analysts and achieve new career heights in industries including financial services, technology and analytics, consulting and research and government and policy. If interested in further study or academia, students receive excellent training for top PhD programs. Recent graduates have entered doctoral study at Indiana University, Vanderbilt University, the University of Oregon, Duke University, The University of Texas, Purdue University and more.
- AIG Direct Insurance Services, Inc.
- Amazon
- American Express
- Axcess Financial Services, Inc
- Bank of the West
- Chase Bank
- Comerica Bank
- Cvent, Inc.
- Darden Restaurants, Inc.
- Discover Financial Services
- Dunnhumby
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Ernst & Young
- Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati
- Fidelity Investments
- Fifth Third Bank
- First Republic Bank
- GE Capital
- Huntington Bank
- Hyundai
- JP Morgan Chase
- KeyBank
- KPMG LLP
- Levi Strauss & Co
- Luxottica Retail
- Medpace, Inc.
- MetLife
- Microsoft
- Milliman LLP
- Morgan Stanley
- Nationwide Insurance
- New York City Football Club
- Nielsen
- Nielsen Catalina Solutions
- Paytronix Systems
- PNC Financial Services
- Power Auctions LLC
- University of Mississippi
- The Kroger Co.
- The Walt Disney Company
- ThinkVine LLC
- Toyota
- UnitedHealth Group
- United States Air Force
- University Of Arkansas
- U.S. Bank
- World Education Services
Research & Faculty Impact
In the MS in Applied Economics program, students partner with the Kautz-Uible Economics Institute on funded research projects and gain hands-on experience through paid internships at organizations like the EPA and Morgan Stanley. Lindner offers economic analysis workshops with government agencies and international study opportunities, as well as a pathway to earn the Certified Business Economist® designation.
Earn Additional Certifications
Add a Lindner graduate certificate in data analytics, artificial intelligence in business or other high-demand areas to enhance your professional profile. These certificates can complement your economics expertise or be a first step to completing the full Master of Science degree program.
Admissions, Costs & Aid
Students are automatically considered for institutional scholarships upon application review. This flexible master’s in economics program accepts applicants for both full- and part-time study. International applicants must apply to take the program full-time. Minimum requirements to apply include:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- GMAT/GRE scores optional
- International students: Proof of English proficiency
- Students without a business degree may be required to complete foundational business courses. These requirements may be waived based on previous coursework completed in the preceding five years before admission with a grade of C or better.
Student Testimonials
Where are you from?
I'm originally from New Delhi, India, but I have been in the United States for over five years.
Why did you choose UC, and this program?
I completed my undergraduate degree from UC, and I wanted to pursue a graduate degree. I knew that I would gain a valuable set of skills that would enable me to attain a successful career.
How would you describe the admissions process? What do you remember most?
I enjoyed the streamlined nature of the admissions process. It provided me with access to resources that were helpful for planning. I would encourage students to apply early.
What do you like most about the program?
The professors were all very different, but equally passionate about the subject they were teaching. Some classes were in the evening, so having engaged professors was important to keep students engaged. I also like the fact that several lenses of economics were examined. This allowed me to see the various uses for economics in the real world, and made the project-based learning very relevant.
Where do you work now? How has this program helped you in this position?
I'm a category manager with Unilever, a consumer package goods (CPG) company, and my primary focus is category analysis. I apply the skills I learned in the MS Applied Economics program to my daily routine.
What are your goals for the future?
My goals are to continue to network with other alumni, with professors, and to make connections for the future. I'm particularly interested in how Economics can be used in creative ways. I have a creative background and have always been fascinated with how to apply the creative and analytical sides. I want to be able to help companies with a quantitative justification for why they made a creative decision.
What advice would you give to prospective students?
Plan ahead, look at the semester holistically, and build great relationships with your peers, your professors and alumni.
Where are you from?
Cincinnati, Ohio.
Why did you choose UC, and this program?
I went to UC for my undergraduate degree and enjoyed the experience. Because I was working full time, I wanted to go to a graduate program that I could attend part time but still attend classes in person. I chose UC’s MS in Applied Economics program because I knew I wanted to work in the analytics field and develop the specific skills that were taught in the program. I also desired to learn more about economic theory and pursue my passion for that area. The MS in Applied Economics provided that synthesis between theory and practice.
How would you describe the admissions process? What do you remember most?
Admissions was fairly smooth and painless. I was already enrolled in Business Analytics classes, and so the process from the beginning of my application to admittance was only a few weeks.
What do you like most about the program?
I liked the hands-on nature of the curriculum. Much of the work was project-based and provided an opportunity to learn by doing. I also enjoyed the professors and how easy it was to access them as a resource. I loved the diversity within the program; the international students in particular provided an interesting perspective on the subject matter and course material.
Where do you work now? How has this program helped you in this position?
I'm a senior manager at Nielsen Catalina Solutions. I was an analyst when I started in the MS in Applied Economics program. I definitely think the skills and expertise I learned to apply to on the job allowed me to advance far quicker and reach the level of responsibility that I enjoy today.
What are your goals for the future?
My career goal, in general, is to study how people make decisions and use their scarce resources through the use of empirical analysis. I hope to continue this pursuit with Nielsen and grow into a career where I can follow that passion in a meaningful way.
What advice would you give to prospective students?
This degree, and any graduate degree, is only as valuable as the work you put into it. Take advantage of the opportunity to focus on learning, and use the expertise of the professors.
Apply to the MS in Applied Economics at the University of Cincinnati
Transform your economics knowledge and practice by immersing yourself in advanced modeling and data analysis expertise in a fast-paced community of industry professionals. Join a top-ranked program with exceptional career outcomes and opportunities for hands-on research.
Contact Us
Hernan Moscoso Boedo, PhD
MS Applied Economics Academic Director, Associate Professor of Economics
2448 Carl H. Lindner Hall