Applied Economics
MS
Why study Applied Economics?
Do you want to learn from leaders in the field about advanced econometrics, industrial organization, urban, regional, and labor economics? Do you want a graduate degree in economics that offers you exceptional job placement and the opportunity for significant career advancement opportunities? Are you looking for a master's program in economics that offers you the opportunity to study either full or part time?
The MS in Applied Economics at University of Cincinnati provides our students with a solid training in economic theory and applications, and also provides a very strong background in applied econometrics. By the end of the program, our students understand how to build sensible models based upon economic principles, and how to actually estimate, test, interpret, and explain these models.
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
Admission Requirements
Prerequisites:
- Introductory-level course in microeconomic theory
- Introductory-level course in macroeconomic theory
- One semester, or two quarters, of college-level calculus
- One course in college-level statistics
Note: You may apply to the program without the prerequisite course(s), but they must be completed with grades submitted to the Lindner College of Business by June 1 prior to the start of the fall semester.
Application Checklist:
- Resume: Ensure your resume clearly lists the dates of any professional (ex: full-time role, internships, co-ops), volunteer, non-profit, or any other experiences. There is no formatting requirement, however, please review your resume for any grammatical mistakes and it should not be longer than 2 pages.
- Transcript: An unofficial transcript (or degree audit) is required from each institution attended, including in-progress coursework, even if from the University of Cincinnati. These documents must show a complete record of your courses and grades. Uploading an unofficial transcript is recommended, but an official transcript may also be sent. Your application will not be reviewed until all transcripts are received.
-
Personal Statement: Please upload a personal statement expressing the following:
-
How will the MS Economics program prepare you to meet your career goals?
-
How does your background prepare you to be successful in the program?
-
What short- or long-term career goals do you have?
-
Optional: Is there something in your resume or application that needs a brief explanation? Areas in this field may include academic outliers, career breaks, completion of additional coursework, etc.
- Formatting: We recommend the personal statement be between 250 and 500 words, double-spaced.
-
- Letters of Recommendation:
Please select two recommenders who will be able to discuss your professional performance, academic performance, and work style. This can include previous supervisors, faculty members, or mentors. Letters of recommendations must come directly from the listed recommender on your application.
IMPORTANT: Your application will not move forward in the review process until we receive both letters of recommendation.
- Standardized Tests: The GMAT and GRE are currently optional. If submitting scores, they must be sent officially from the testing agency.
- Application Fee: Applicants are required to submit the $65 ($70 for international applicants) fee payment in order to complete their application.
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 $80,500 and are hired by companies including Amazon, J.P. Morgan Chase, Nielsen, and Procter & Gamble.
The MS in Applied Economics degree provides students with an exceptional set of applied economic and econometric analytical tools that have demonstrated value in the marketplace. Graduates enjoy success as:
- Analysts in market research, insurance, healthcare, banking, and finance
- Positions with consulting firms as well as in public-sector planning and economic analysis organizations
- Excellent preparation for further study in a PhD program. Over the last several years, we have placed graduates in PhD programs at Indiana, Vanderbilt, Oregon, Duke, University of Texas, Purdue University, and others.
The degree of Master of Science in Applied Economics is granted to those who satisfactorily complete the required course work, carrying a minimum GPA of 3.0 or above. The degree must be completed within five years of acceptance into the program. All students must contract for graduation and be enrolled for at least one credit hour of study during the academic year of graduation.
English Language Proficiency Requirements:
The following exams and minimum scores are accepted as proof of English proficiency:
- TOEFL: minimum score of 80 iBT
- IELTS: minimum score of 6.5 overall band
- Duolingo (DET): minimum score of 110
- PTE: minimum score of 54
- See this page for waiver options
Note: If you are an international student, please include your converted GPA using the WES iGPA Calculator in addition to your non-converted GPA and class (if applicable), as well as the country where you received your degree.
If your bachelor’s degree is a three-year degree you must submit the free WES degree equivalency tool.
Explore unique opportunities, faculty, and resources available in Lindner College of Business Economics Department
Application Deadlines
Accepting Applications for the Fall term
- International deadline: March 15, 2025
- Domestic deadline: July 31, 2025
The Carl H. Lindner College of Business holds AACSB accreditation. AACSB International business accreditation is an achievement earned only by programs of the highest caliber. Institutions that earn accreditation confirm their commitment to quality and continuous improvement through a rigorous and comprehensive peer review. Less than one-third of U.S. business school programs and only 15% of business school programs worldwide meet the rigorous standards of AACSB International accreditation.
Contact Information
1319 Carl H. Lindner Hall
2906 Woodside Drive, PO Box 10211
Cincinnati, 45221-0211
(513) 556-7020
graduate@uc.edu
Find related programs in the following interest areas:
Program Code: 22MAS-APEC-MS