Degree Programs

Program Comparison

The MAE, MSEC, and MQFE degree programs classify as STEM (CIP Code 45.0603: Econometrics and Quantitative Economics). Students in these degree programs can apply for a 24-month STEM extension of F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT).

M.A. Economics (MAE) M.A. Analytical Political Economy (MAPE) M.S. Economics & Computation (MSEC) M.S. Quantitative Financial Economics (MQFE)
Curriculum
  • Technical coursework; flexible
  • Optional internship
  • Capstone course
  • Completion exercise
    • Portfolio
  • Technical coursework, with an emphasis on economic and mathematical modeling along with political theory
  • Optional internship
  • Qualifying examination
  • Portfolio
  • Technical coursework, with an emphasis on computer science and programming
  • Optional internship
  • Capstone course
  • Completion exercise
    • Portfolio
  • Quantitative coursework
  • Optional internship
  • Capstone course
  • Completion exercise
    • Portfolio
Duration
1.5 - 2 years 2 years 2 years 1.5 - 2 years
Funding
Financial aid available Financial aid available Financial aid available Financial aid available
Professional Interests
Ph.D.; applied research in academia, industry, or government; financial analysis Ph.D.; applied research in academia, industry, or government Ph.D.; applied research in academia, industry, or government Ph.D.; applied research in academia or financial markets
Ideal Candidates
  • May be finishing a B.A./B.S., M.A./M.S., or have some professional experience
  • Have interdisciplinary interests
  • Are prepared to enter a quantitatively rigorous program; have a full calculus sequence as well as linear algebra, probability, and statistics
  • Aim to pursue doctoral studies or professions in finance or accounting
  • May be finishing a B.A./B.S., M.A./M.S., or have some professional experience
  • Have a background in economics, political science, or applied mathematics
  • Want training and development in economic, mathematical, and statistical skills linked to political economy
  • Aim to pursue doctoral studies or professions in economics, public policy, or political science
  • May be finishing a B.A./B.S., M.A./M.S., or have some professional experience
  • Have a background in computer science and/or some professional experience
  • Want training and development in programming skills linked to economics and related areas
  • May be finishing a B.A./B.S., M.A./M.S., or have some professional experience
  • Have interdisciplinary interests
  • Are prepared to enter a quantitatively rigorous program; have a full calculus sequence as well as linear algebra, probability, and statistics
  • Aim to pursue doctoral studies or professions in finance and accounting
Deadlines

Applications need to be submitted by 11:59:59 p.m. EST of the calendar year of prospective admission on the following days:
January 15 February 1 February 15 January 31