STEM Programs

The Department of Economics offers three STEM programs. The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) classification allow students graduating from these program to be eligible for STEM-related scholarship and to apply to a wider range of jobs, especially at institutions seeking students from STEM fields. Furthermore, international students completing a STEM-designated program will have the opportunity to stay in United States up to three years with approved documentation (OPT/CPT) rather than one year.

Currently students who are interested in STEM degrees can:

• Declare a major in Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics as an undergraduate student;
• Pursue a Master of Science in Applied Econometrics as a graduate student;
• Complete a Combined BS and MS in Quantitative Economics in five years and 142 credit hours (a savings of half a semester or 12 credit hours).

• Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics Expand dropdown

  The program emphasizes quantitative skills and provides students with a solid understanding of economics, econometrics, and computational methods. The graduates from this program will be in high demand in industries ranging from public policy, finance, banking, data analysis, and other related fields. The program is also beneficial for students who plan to attend graduate degree programs in economics, finance, and other related fields.

  The BS degree in Quantitative Economics is a U.S. Department of Education’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) designated program. Students in this program are eligible for STEM-specific scholarship and internship opportunities.

  International students studying in the U.S. on an F-1 student visa who obtain a degree from a STEM-designated program can remain in the country longer post-graduation.

  Required Courses

  1. MATH 120 Calculus I
  2. ECON 201 Principles of Macroeconomics
  3. ECON 202 Principles of Microeconomics
  4. ECON 310 Economic Statistics
  5. ECON 411 Intermediate Macroeconomic Analysis
  6. ECON 412 Intermediate Microeconomic Analysis
  7. ECON 415 Introduction to Econometrics

  Restricted Elective Courses

  Students are to complete four economics courses at the 300-level or above. At a minimum, two of these courses must be from the following:

  • ECON 416 Time Series Analysis
  • ECON 445W Economic Fluctuations and Forecasting
  • ECON 455W Cost-Benefit Analysis

  The BS in Quantitative Economics requires a minor. Although any minor is acceptable, the department recommends that students in this program minor in statistics, mathematics, or computer science. For more information, please check the catalog description of the program.

  If you are interested in learning more about the program, please contact the Interim Department Head Dr. Christopher Elias. 

• Master of Science in Applied Econometrics  Expand dropdown
   

  This STEM designated degree program provides an organized and carefully developed study of applied econometrics. The program seeks to meet the need for empirically-oriented applied econometricians. In addition to the sequence of core courses, the program stresses research opportunities and the use of quantitative approaches. Extensive application of computer techniques is integral to the program.

  Students develop expertise in hypothesis testing and model building for the analysis of complex public policy issues, such as monetary and fiscal policy, consumer and business behavior, health care analysis, and forecasting.

  This is a designated STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) program.

  Required Courses

  • ECON 511  Mathematical Economics
  • ECON 514  Econometric Analysis 
  • ECON 515  Econometrics Analysis II 
  • ECON 601  Macroeconomic Analysis 
  • ECON 602  Microeconomic Analysis 
  • ECON 604  Research Seminar in Economics 

  Restricted Elective Courses

  Students are to complete four economics courses at the 500-level or above. At a minimum, two of these courses must be from the following:

  • ECON 516  Time Series Econometrics
  • ECON 537  Microeconometrics in Healthcare
  • ECON 545  Econometric Forecasting and Policy Analysis

  If you are interested in learning more about the program, please check the catalog description., of the program or contact Graduate Program Coordinator Dr. Christopher Elias. 

• Combined BS + MS in Quantitative Economics Expand dropdown

  The Combined Program marries the Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics (BSQE) and the Master of Science in Applied Econometrics (APEN). The program prepares students to pursue career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) fields including business, government, and the nonprofit sectors.

  Students also receive an excellent foundation for success in Ph.D. programs in Economics and Public Policy. The Combined Program in BS + MS is appropriate for students who wish to seek jobs in the private and public sectors that require data analysis skills, or for those who want to continue studying economics at the PhD level. Students completing the combined program will earn a Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics and Master of Science in Applied Econometrics at the same time after completing 142 credit hours in approximately 5 years.

  Students in the Combined BS + MS program must attain both a 3.0 overall and major GPA before being admitted to the program at the time of application for admission.  Applications for admission to the program are due to the Graduate School in the student's junior year. Although there is no minimum credit hours to be completed to apply, the program requires students to complete the following courses before they can be admitted to the graduate portion of the program:

  • ECON 201  Principles of Macroeconomics
  • ECON 202 Principles of Microeconomics
  • ECON 310 Business Statistics
  • ECON 411 Intermediate Macroeconomics
  • ECON 412 Intermediate Microeconomics
  • ECON 415 Econometrics
  • MATH 120 Calculus I

  Students in this joint program complete twelve credit hours of graduate classes in their fourth year. In their final year (fifth year), students take a number of restricted elective courses. Furthermore, the combined program requires students to complete a research seminar course in their final semester in which they intensively work on a research project with a faculty advisor.

  If you are interested in learning more about the program, please check the catalog description of the program please contact the Interim Department Head Dr. Christopher Elias.

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