Graduate Programs in Applied Economics

Graduate Programs in Applied Economics is offered through the Department of Economics in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. Mentoring and advising are an essential part of the program. Students meet with faculty and the academic program director to ensure that educational goals and career learning and development goals are met. Students should contact the Program Director, Dr. John Straub, and Coordinator, Herman Byrd via email: DCmasters-econ@umd.edu.

Overview

The Master of Science in Applied Economics, D.C. (ECAO) has a 30-credit, 10-course curriculum that provides training in economic reasoning, formulating and estimating economic models and forecasting, and utilizing quantitative methods to evaluate policy proposals and programs. 

• Emphasizes empirical skills, particularly data analysis and interpretation, with respect to economic and public policy applications.
• Focuses on the application of modern economic tools to the analysis of public policy questions and emphasizes the role of econometric analysis and economic policy analysis with a particular focus on real-world examples, data manipulation and management and modeling. 

Considerations

• The MS-Applied Economics, D.C. (ECAO) meets at 1400 16th Street, NW, Washington D.C.
• The D.C. location uses the term academic calendar with classes held each 12-week term: I (fall), II (winter), III (spring), IV (summer).
• The D.C. location can be completed in fifteen months of continuous full-time enrollment. Part-time enrollment is welcome. Full-time students enroll in two 3-credit courses (6 credits) over the course of five 12-week terms. See Designation of Full-time/Part-time Status.
• Students admitted into the D.C. location will be allowed to take some courses/sections online.
• For the D.C. location, pursuant to D.C.’s Official Code, the District of Columbia Higher Education Licensure Commission is the agency of last resort in the grievance process.

Plan of study includes five 3-credit core courses (15 credits) and five 3-credit field courses (15 credits).

Registration Overview

• See the sample plan of study, below. Students should use this as a guide to develop a plan with the academic program director.
• Actual course offerings are determined by the program and may vary semester to semester. Students should note if a course has a pre-requisite or co-requisite.
• Specific class meeting information (days and time) is posted on UMD’s interactive web service services, Testudo. Once on that site, select “Schedule of Classes,” then the term/year. Courses are listed by academic unit.
• The program uses specific section codes for registration, which are listed on the sample plan of study.

Sample Plan, D.C. (Z074)

**Indicates a code extension, such as a course number (e.g., ECON670) or a section code (e.g., PR01, PRW1, or PCE1).

Courses

• For a listing of program courses, see the Graduate School Catalog program requirements for ECAO.
• For course descriptions that includes pre-requisites or co-requisites, see ECON.
• Course syllabi may be viewed at the Master’s program website.

Overall 

• Uses the term academic calendar with classes held each 12-week term: I (fall), II (winter), III (spring), IV (summer). 
• Instructors present dynamic and interactive seminar-style instruction.
• Instruction provided by University of Maryland faculty and professionals in the field.

In-Person Learning

• Classes meet at 1400 16th Street, NW, Washington D.C. classrooms, offering a focused, distraction-free learning environment.
• Classes held weekday evenings (e.g., after 5:00 p.m.) to accommodate the working professional’s schedule.
• Students enrolled in a program that features in-person instruction are required to submit the University’s Immunization Record Form prior to the first day of their first semester/term. See Health Requirements.

Upon successful completion, graduates will have mastered the following competencies:

• The collect, evaluate, understand and analyze economic data.
• To understand and interpret statistical results and apply empirical evidence to economic arguments.
• To articulate and apply standard macroeconomic theories and models to policy discussions.
• To articulate and apply standard microeconomic theories and models to policy discussions.
• To interpret and communicate economic models to a wider audience.
• To measure and evaluate the effectiveness of policy programs using sound econometric techniques.