Quantitative Economics and Econometrics
The big-data revolution has generated an explosion in the demand for quantitative skills. The MS program in quantitative economics and econometrics prepares students to supply those skills.
Quantitative Economics and Econometrics Program Overview
Guided by the analytical framework of modern economic theory, the Master of Science (MS) program in quantitative economics and econometrics trains students in applied econometrics with an emphasis on coastal resources and environmental economics; behavioral economics; economic forecasting and financial economics; and issues of poverty and regional development. The core of the program includes multiple courses in statistical programming and its use in economic analysis.
The job placement record of the program is impressive. Many of our graduates work in the banking industry, often as data scientists at one of the four main money center banks in the United States. Our graduates also work in the nonbanking finance and risk management industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the defense industry, the health care industry, the federal government (e.g., the Commerce, Defense and Labor departments), and other sectors.
Students can complete the program in 10 months. ECU undergraduates who enter the graduate program can complete the MS degree in less time via our accelerated program.
ECU Advantage
The program has an excellent job placement record; the time commitment for the program is short; and the faculty members teaching in the program are dedicated to the success of the students. Several of these faculty are recipients of ECU's Scholar-Teacher Award.
The program design includes a healthy measure of theory, econometric technique and statistical programming. The structure of the program encourages students to define all research questions in a manner that will permit empirical testing.
A successful economist must not only master modern quantitative techniques but must also be able to convey the results of this research in a persuasive and articulate manner. Our program gives students opportunity to develop necessary presentation skills.
What You Will Study
Program Coordinator: Philip Rothman (424-A Brewster Building; 252-328-6151; rothmanp@ecu.edu)
The Quantitative Economics and Econometrics, MS combines the analytical framework of modern economic theory with the quantitative methods and programming skills of applied econometrics.
Applicants to the quantitative economics and econometrics degree program must meet the admissions requirements of the Graduate School, submit three letters of recommendation, make an acceptable score on the general portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and have had at least one undergraduate course each in introductory statistics and differential calculus. Nonnative speakers must make an acceptable score on the TOEFL. Undergraduate courses in intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics are strongly recommended.
The degree requires a minimum of 33 s.h. as follows:
Core Requirements:
1. Core courses - 27 s.h.
- ECON 5360 - Mathematical Economics
- ECON 6111 - SAS Programming for Research I
- ECON 6112 - SAS Programming for Research II OR
- ECON 6114 - R Programming for Economists
- ECON 6113 - Python Programming
- ECON 6301 - Econometrics I
- ECON 6302 - Econometrics II
- ECON 6390 - Research I
- ECON 6391 - Research II
- ECON 6401 - Microeconomic Theory I
2. Electives - 6 s.h.
Electives may be taken outside the department with the approval of the graduate director.
3. Comprehensive examination
A comprehensive examination is administered after completion of the following:
- ECON 5360 - Mathematical Economics
- ECON 6111 - SAS Programming for Research I
- ECON 6112 - SAS Programming for Research II OR
- ECON 6114 - R Programming for Economists
- ECON 6113 - Python Programming
- ECON 6301 - Econometrics I
- ECON 6302 - Econometrics II
- ECON 6401 - Microeconomic Theory I
Note:
The examination will test skills in applied theory, econometrics, and programming. Successful performance on this examination is necessary to continue in program.
4. Research
a. Research skills:
Four of the core courses listed above constitute 12 s.h. of research skills in quantitative methods and research methodology:
- ECON 5360 - Mathematical Economics
- ECON 6301 - Econometrics I
- ECON 6302 - Econometrics II
- ECON 6390 - Research I
b. Research project:
The final component, ECON 6390 (research project) is the culmination of student's analytical work and is designed to demonstrate applied research skills.
For more information about this degree visit the university's academic catalogs.
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