Program Overview

Certificate of Graduate Study in Economic Forecasting

Program Overview

The Certificate of Graduate Study in Economic Forecasting is a 15-credit program offered in conjunction with the Econometric Research Institute. This program is designed to provide students with advanced expertise in economic forecasting, survey methods, general statistical and econometric methods, time-series models, and forecasting applications.

Program of Study

The program is especially useful for professionals engaged in quantitative work for government and business who want to improve their statistical and forecasting skills. Students will have the opportunity to take courses from different schools within the university, such as the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, the Massry School of Business, and the College of Integrated Health Sciences.

Required Coursework

• Economic Surveys and Forecasting
• Quantitative Methods I and II
• Time Series and Forecasting
• Forecasting in the Public Sector

Applied Learning

Students are encouraged to gain professional experience in economic forecasting by completing an internship in a business or government agency. Additionally, students can join regional, national, and international associations open to economics students and professionals, and attend seminars hosted by UAlbany's Economics department throughout the year.

Career Outcomes

The Certificate of Graduate Study in Economic Forecasting provides students with the experience and practical knowledge to prepare them for careers in government, finance, business, and non-profit organizations. Recent career placements include Accenture, Bloomberg News, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, International Monetary Fund, Moody's, Morgan Stanley, New York State Department of Labor, NY State Department of Health, NY State Division of Budget, PriceWaterhouse, Social Security Administration, United Nations Development Programme, Walt Disney, and Wells Fargo.

International Students

This degree is designated as a STEM program, allowing international students maintaining F-1 status to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion/graduation from their degree program. Currently, this degree program is also designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an eligible degree for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension; students who secure qualifying employment may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension for a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.

Admissions Requirements

Deadlines

• Fall: August 1
• Spring: January 1
• Summer: Not Available

Required Application Materials

• Transcripts from all schools attended
• Three Letters of Recommendation

Student Learning Objectives

• Develop statistical skills for quantitative work in government, business, and non-profit organizations
• Develop advanced forecasting skills for quantitative work in government, business, and non-profit organizations
• Understand applications of forecasting in other disciplines
• Use common software programs to perform analytical data work and present results in written and oral formats
• Be able to apply survey methods and time-series models to forecasting tasks