Program Overview

The MS-ECON program offers intensive training in the more technical areas of economics. It is a certified STEM degree program structured such that a full-time student, with the necessary preparatory background, can complete a course of study in two academic years.

Its distinguishing features, relative to the Masters of Arts in Applied Economics (MA-APEC) program, are:

  1. More extensive training, by requiring 45 credits rather than the 30 required by the MA-APEC program.
  2. Specifically requiring 15 credits in quantitative coursework.

A quantitative course focuses on the rigorous use of mathematical or statistical methods for economic modeling and decision-making. Examples include Computational Economics, Decision and Game Theory, and Microeconometrics.

The MS-ECON program is divided in two parts. The first part, corresponding to the first fall term, consists of a set of four core courses – Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, and Data Analysis. These courses provide students with a solid grasp of the key models employed in economics and equips them with the main tools for econometric investigation and data analysis. After completing these core courses, students will be able to understand in depth the empirical analyses pertinent to the discussion of economic issues and will have the skills needed to undertake original research projects and their own data analyses.

In the second part of the program, corresponding to the remaining terms, students focus on the application of economic analysis to a range of contemporary economic problem. These applications are the subject of a set of elective courses that span the main areas of economics.

The electives use relatively advanced textbooks, articles published in professional journals and recent working papers. Readings generally cover both theoretical and empirical results and range from classic contributions to work closer to the frontiers of economics. In addition to assigned homework and exams, students typically write papers, give presentations, and are often required to conduct empirical work as a component of their course assignments.

A distinguishing feature of the program is the involvement of Georgetown senior faculty in the teaching of the core courses. Our faculty includes leading scholars in their field. The program is able to draw on the large community of economists in the Washington, DC area to act as instructors of the specialized classes. The unique combination of academics and practitioners who participate as instructors in the MS-ECON program at Georgetown University provides a high intellectual return for the students.

This program features instructors who are practicing economists from the DC area. I not only gained cutting-edge knowledge, but a solid network of professionals who assisted me with finding opportunities at NGOs and international institutions like the World Bank.

Jiaqi Feng, class of 2018