Master of Science in Applied Economics
Why Lindner for Applied Economics?
The Lindner Master of Science in Applied Economics is ranked as one of the top ten applied economics programs in the United States. A key reason for this is the program's stellar job placement record.
Over the past five years, more than half of our Master of Science in Applied Economics students accepted a full-time position before graduation. Our graduates earn an average starting salary in excess of $77,000 and are hired by companies including Amazon, J.P. Morgan Chase, Nielsen and Procter & Gamble.
In the Lindner Applied Economics program, you will master how to build models based on economic principles and how to best apply data analysis to estimate, test, interpret and explain these models. You will also be provided with the opportunity to earn the Certified Business Economist designation as well as engage in research opportunities and internships while in school. During the summer, you will also have the opportunity to study abroad.
Program highlights
- Graduates satisfy all requirements to take the Certified Business Economist® exam from the National Association for Business Economics (NABE).
- Hands-on research experience in partnership with the Kautz-Uible Economics Institute and the UC Economics Center
- STEM discipline recognition for International students
Career connections
Leaving with an exceptional toolkit of applied economic and econometric skills, our graduates enjoy career success as analysts in market research, insurance, healthcare, and in banking and finance. Others have taken positions with consulting firms as well as in public-sector planning and economic analysis organizations. More than 90% of our students receive a job offer within three months of graduation. Our graduates have accepted jobs at a wide variety of companies thanks to the support of our Career Services team
The degree can also serve as excellent preparation for further study in a PhD program. We have placed recent graduates in PhD programs at Indiana University, Vanderbilt University, University of Oregon, Duke University, University of Texas, Purdue University, and others.
- 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
What you'll learn
You will obtain hands-on experience in applying economic theories and principles to real-world situations. Students not only receive solid training in theory and applications, but also they build a strong background in applied econometrics and data analysis.
Students from the Master of Science in Applied Economics program recently attended a workshop on the role of economic analysis in government from the principal economist of the Ohio Legislative Service Commission.
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.
Research and opportunities
Students have the opportunity to work on several hands-on learning projects by partnering with the UC Economics Center at the University of Cincinnati. The UC Economics Center oversees various applied research projects and employs research assistants. Also, while studying full-time in the program, students have the opportunity to enhance their education with paid internships. Current students are working at organizations such as the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), Burke, ThinkVine and Morgan Stanley .
Additional certifications
While working towards a master's degree, applied economics students can earn a certificate in data analytics.
Program length
The University of Cincinnati Master of Science in Applied Economics program may be completed as either a full-time or as a part-time student. Full-time studies can be completed in less than one year, with classes taken during the day. While part-time study will take less than two years, with evening classes available.
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.
International students
Lindner warmly welcomes students from all over the world. As a global discipline, all Lindner's Applied Economics students benefit from learning about institutions and economies not just in the classroom, but from their classmates as well. Because the Applied Economics degree is a designated STEM program, our international graduates are eligible to apply for up to 36 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States. All students, both domestic and international, have the opportunity to study business subjects in countries like Norway, Chile, and the United Arab Emirates, by working through Lindner's International Programs office.
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.
Contact Us
Hernan Moscoso Boedo, PhD
MS Applied Economics Academic Director, Associate Professor of Economics
2448 Carl H. Lindner Hall