Program Overview

Master's Degree in Quantitative Business Economics

Overview

Our graduate program combines rigorous training in quantitative business economics with hands-on experience in data modeling and analysis. We provide the knowledge and resources to transform students into competitive industry professionals who can obtain high-quality, in-demand jobs that require proficiency in data-driven analytics.

Program Details

• Program Duration for Full-Time Students: 1 Year
• Credits Required to Complete the Program: 30
• Instruction is provided at the UNLV campus, with some classes offered online
• Research Designation: R1

5 Reasons to Get a Master's Degree in Quantitative Business Economics

1. Increase Your Earnings – Economics ranks among the highest-paying master's degrees. Typical career salaries have shown to exceed those of other business disciplines and many traditional STEM programs.
2. Expand Your Career Options – The versatile skills developed through this program will help you easily pivot across different sectors, including but not limited to tech, healthcare management, policy analysis, and government.
3. Enhance Your Value as a Job Candidate – The ability to make informed data-driven decisions is in high demand across all industries. By mastering analytical and quantitative methods, you can qualify for jobs seeking analysts or researchers.
4. Get the STEM Advantage – Our STEM-designated program makes our graduates valuable in markets that highly value quantitative skills. International students can also qualify for an extended post-degree work authorization in the U.S.
5. Set the Stage for a Ph.D. – Professionals considering a doctorate in economics, finance, or other business disciplines can use our program as a launchpad. Refine your skills and fix deficiencies to prepare for your next step.

Career Options

Break Into Multiple Industries

Given the versatility of our curriculum, the master's in quantitative business economics prepares students for diverse professional careers. Coupled with sought-after proficiency in data analysis, our graduates will have mastered fundamental problem-solving and analytical skills making them a valuable asset to any team or organization, including in industries such as:

• Banking and finance
• Consulting
• Data science
• Forecasting
• Market research
• Non-profit
• Public policy
• Risk management

Land a Role That's Perfect For You

With a graduate degree in quantitative business economics, professional career paths are myriad. Envision yourself making a difference and excelling in roles such as:

• Data Analyst: Modeling and interpreting complex datasets to guide corporate strategy.
• Financial Risk Analyst: Predicting future market trends to protect assets and reputations.
• Public Sector Economist: Evaluating and drafting economic policy.
• Economic Data Strategist: Working in the fast-paced world of investment banking where your insights could influence multi-million-dollar investment portfolios.
• Development Economist: Applying your knowledge in the non-profit sector where you help foster economic development and reduce poverty.

Program Structure

Our program is structured to train students to become effective economic practitioners and business leaders. We provide them with practical skills in advanced economic modeling, data analysis, and cutting-edge quantitative methods necessary to excel in today's data-driven business and public policy environments.

Program Specifics

• Requires 30 credit-hours (10 courses), allowing students to customize electives based on their interest or career choice.
• Can be completed in as little as 12 months, if starting in the fall semester.
• Expects new students to enroll in a required quantitative methods boot camp, online during the last summer term before the fall semester.
• Offers most classes during late-afternoon and evening hours, convenient for both working and full-time students.

Curriculum Courses

The core economics curriculum includes courses in:

• Quantitative methods for economics
• Microeconomic theory
• Macroeconomic theory
• Econometric approaches to causal analytics
• Advanced econometric methods
• Data-driven forecasting methods for business
• Seminar in economic research

Culminating Capstone Experience

In addition to the coursework, the master's in economics requires completion of a culminating capstone experience. The capstone may entail completing one of the following:

1. An instructor-supervised empirical group project
2. An individual professional research paper under the supervision of a faculty member
3. An approved professional internship that aligns with the program's learning objectives

Accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's Program

The Economics Department also offers the Accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's program that enables high-achieving undergraduate students to start on their graduate degree in Economics. The program allows them to enroll in approved master's-level courses in economics which can fulfill economics elective requirements for the BA or BSBA in Economics. Then, assuming formal admission to a master's program, the graduate requirements attached to these courses will be effectively waived.

Admission Requirements

The program is open to graduates from all undergraduate disciplines—an economics degree is not required. The GMAT or GRE is optional, though applicants may choose to submit scores to strengthen their application.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Term: May 1 for international applicants, June 15 for domestic or permanent resident applicants.
• Spring Term: October 1 for international applicants, November 15 for domestic or permanent resident applicants.
• Summer Term: This program does not admit students for the summer term.