Program Overview

Quantitative Economics (MS) Program

The Quantitative Economics (MS) program at Cal Poly is a 10-month, in-person degree that delivers structured thinking about empirical problems and incentives. The program integrates econometrics, machine learning for prediction and causal inference, experimentation, and the hands-on analysis of real-world data, all guided by economic theory.

Program Overview

This program is ideal for those looking to acquire advanced skills for successful careers in the private and public sector, or to ramp up quantitative skills for Ph.D. programs.

Requirements for Admission

• Students apply via Cal State Apply and must submit a transcript, resume, and two letters of recommendation.
• International Students must meet all the standard eligibility criteria and demonstrate proficiency in English (English Proficiency Exam Requirements)
• Prerequisites: Applicants must have completed at least two college-level courses in calculus and two college-level courses in statistics. One of the calculus course requirements can be fulfilled by a mathematical economics course, and one of the statistics course requirements can be fulfilled by a course in econometrics or probability.
• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Application due date: Fall enrollment only.

Advancement to Candidacy

Completion of at least 6 units of graduate coursework with cumulative and higher ed GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Culminating Experience

• Comprehensive exam: The comprehensive exam covers topics from six graduate courses:
  • ECON 5015 Computing and Machine Learning for Economics
  • ECON 5021 Advanced Econometrics I
  • ECON 5022 Advanced Econometrics II
  • ECON 5023 Microeconometrics
  • ECON 5030 Microeconomic Analysis
  • ECON 5040 Dynamic Stochastic Modeling
• The professors who taught these courses will evaluate the corresponding section of the comprehensive examination.

Program Learning Objectives

1. Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the main quantitative methods of economic analysis (both theoretical and empirical). (Knowledge)
2. Proficiently apply quantitative economics techniques in new and unfamiliar circumstances and develop the ability to adapt and innovate to solve relevant economic problems. (Application and Analysis)
3. Effectively communicate the implications of analyses to the relevant audience. (Communication)

Course List

Required Courses

Approved Electives

Select from the following:

• ECON 5012 Evidence-Based Decision Analysis
• ECON 5016 Collaborative Software Development Environment for Economists
• ECON 5024 Modeling Financial Time Series
• ECON 5025 Machine Learning for Prediction and Causal Inference
• ECON 5031 Industrial Economics
• ECON 5032 Incentives and Market Design
• ECON 5052 Public Economics
• ECON 5053 Advanced Labor Economics
• ECON 5061 International Economics
• ECON 5071 Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
• ECON 5500 Independent Study
• ECON 5560 Applied Economics Project
• ECON 5570 Special Advanced Topics
• Total Units: 33

Offered at

• San Luis Obispo Campus