Program Overview

Master's Degree in Economics (MEcon)

The Master's Degree in Economics (MEcon) at the University of St.Gallen is a comprehensive program that equips students with the necessary tools for careers in economics and research in the digital age.

Program Overview

The MEcon program prepares students for responsible positions in the economic environment, whether from the perspective of economists, start-up founders, consultants, or bankers. The program develops five core competencies:

• A clear understanding of key economic and social interconnections
• In-depth knowledge of methods and theory for empirical economic research
• The ability to handle data and analyze it from an economic perspective
• The ability to apply economic knowledge to solve real-world economic policy and social issues
• Management and communication skills

Curriculum

The MEcon curriculum consists of three levels:

1. Laying the Foundation: Seven courses in advanced micro- and macroeconomics, mathematics, and econometrics, totaling 28 ECTS credits.
2. Expanding Perspectives: Students can apply and deepen their skills by taking courses from the MEcon program or from other Master's programs at HSG, with an optional specialization.
3. Producing Results: The final level focuses on the practical application of acquired knowledge, culminating in the development of the Master's thesis on an economic topic.

Core Competencies

MEcon prepares students for responsible positions in the economic environment, developing the following core competencies:

• Understanding of key economic and social interconnections
• Knowledge of methods and theory for empirical economic research
• Ability to handle data and analyze it from an economic perspective
• Ability to apply economic knowledge to solve real-world economic policy and social issues
• Management and communication skills

Specializations

Students can choose from the following specializations:

• Public Policy: Focuses on sound theory and empirical evidence for public policies, with career opportunities in government institutions, OECD, industry organizations, labor unions, or independent think tanks.
• Global Economy: Emphasizes international trade, investment, and economic growth, with career opportunities in international organizations, economic research institutes, or private sector firms.
• Business Economics: Concentrates on managerial economics, corporate finance, and strategic decision-making, with career opportunities in consulting, management positions, or policy institutions.
• Financial Economics: Covers banking, capital markets, and financial regulation, with career opportunities in banking, wealth management, insurance, or central banks.
• Data Science and AI in Economics: Focuses on machine learning, econometrics, and data analysis, with career opportunities in data-driven firms, consulting, or research institutes.

Contextual Studies

The Contextual Studies program integrates knowledge across disciplines and strengthens social and cultural competencies. Students take a holistic approach by "thinking outside the box" and enrolling in courses within focus areas and skills areas.

Key Facts

• Title: Master of Arts HSG (M.A. HSG) in Economics
• Start of course: Compulsory Integration Week Economics CW 36, Start Autumn semester CW 38
• Duration: 3 semesters, full-time
• Amount of credits: 90 ECTS credits
• Programme Language: German (with English-taught compulsory courses) or English
• Programme taught since: 2004, with study reforms in 2010 and 2019
• Accreditation: EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA
• Application window: 1 October until 31 March
• Tuition fee: Swiss nationals: CHF 1,429 / semester, Foreign nationals: CHF 3,139 / semester
• Loans and scholarships: Available, please refer to the university's website for details
• Admission requirements: Please refer to the university's website for details
• Average class size: 35-50
• Gender ratio: m 66%, w 34%
• International students ratio: 30%
• University Ranking Research Economics: Forschungsmonitoring Economics - current ranking
• Additional qualifications: Certificate in Digital Communication & Journalism (DKJ), Business Education, Certificate in Managing Climate Solutions (MaCS-HSG), Certificate in Financial Technologies FinTech