Economics MS Degree Program
Purdue University offers an innovative online Master’s degree in Economics designed for individuals with strong analytical backgrounds, such as individuals with undergraduate majors in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines. The part-time, online program combines a first-year common core set of courses in Economic theory and Econometrics with a set of second-year courses that provide a concentration in either Applied Economics/Business or in Advanced Economic Theory. Depending on the concentration chosen, the program provides decision-making skills helpful in managerial and policy making positions (Applied Economics/Business) or prepares students for entry into PhD programs in Economics (Advanced Theory). Click on the following link for more information on applying to the program: Admission information link
The MS degree in Economics at Purdue University is a 30-credit-hour program that spans two academic years. The curriculum is demanding, and taught by a talented and dedicated staff of instructors drawn from the full-time faculty members of the Department of Economics at Purdue University. The program consists of fourteen courses that include three 3-credit-hour basic courses in theory and Econometrics, ten 2-credit-hour special topic courses, and one 1-credit-hour independent study supervised one-on-one with an individual faculty member. For more information on the curriculum, click on the following link: Curriculum information link
Advantages of a MS degree in Economics
With expanding access to extensive datasets, both public and proprietary, there is increased value to individuals who have the tools to analyze and interpret economic data, including the ability to apply the results to decision making in managerial and public policy environments. The MS degree in Economics provides students who have strong quantitative skills a foundation for formulating and estimating economic models through the use of econometrics and other quantitative techniques. The Program then builds on this foundation either by offering specific applications of the analysis in various business settings (the Applied Economics/Business concentration) or by offering more in depth theoretical modeling skills (the Advanced Theory concentration).
Fully Online Program Schedule
The program is designed so that it can be completed entirely online, with each class of entering students working together in common online sections of the courses. The online course content is exactly comparably to in-class courses offered on the Purdue campus, as courses in the program have both in-class and online sections.
Optional Hybrid Online/In-class Program Schedule
STEM graduates from other Universities around the world can take the program's first-year of courses online, and then come to Purdue for the second year to finish their course requirements, as well as take additional electives if they so choose. This optional second year on Purdue's main campus in West Lafayette, Indiana (USA) can be particularly attractive to international students who would like to experience on-campus life at a top U.S. research university. Purdue University is rich in diversity; this past year Purdue ranked second in international student enrollment among all public United States colleges and universities. Coming to Purdue in the second year and taking extra courses can also be of value to students preparing for admission into PhD programs in Economics or other advanced degree programs. Top students in the program will be considered for admission into the Purdue Economics Department's PhD program with full funding.
Combined Degree Option for Purdue STEM majors
The program allows some students to complete part of the program by taking traditional classes on Purdue University's main campus in West Lafayette if they choose to do so. For more more information on this combined degree, click on the following link: BS/MS Combined Degree link