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Economics and Applied Econometrics (M.S.)

Find opportunities across economic specialties.

In today’s job market, economists with quantitative skills and experience in empirical research are in high demand. Our economy is increasingly data-driven, requiring workers who are skilled in analyzing and interpreting economic data to make decisions about national and global markets and economic policy.

This program equips you to apply economic analysis to any situation while expanding your opportunities and preparing you to thrive.

30 credits
$33,480*
1-2 years*

*Total cost and time to complete the program varies, depending on curriculum choices, personal schedules and program fees.

Program Highlights

Practical Economics

Econometrics uses economic theory, mathematics and statistical inference to quantify economic phenomena. In other words, this program turns theoretical economic models into useful tools for economic policymaking.

Whether you intend to work in private industry, government or academia, in the United States or abroad, this program provides a balance of diverse applied courses and core microeconomic, macroeconomic and econometric theory.

The M.S. in economics and applied econometrics also offers excellent preparation for students considering further work in a Ph.D. program either at the University of Delaware or elsewhere.

Underpinning this program is a strong emphasis on quantitative skills applicable to the private and public sectors as well as a focus on faculty and student research.

Program Requirements

All students complete courses in microeconomic and macroeconomic theory and econometrics, including at least three of the five graduate econometrics courses offered.

Students also take electives in a wide range of fields, such as development economics, industrial organization, labor economics, financial economics, behavioral economics and household finance.

This degree is ideal for students who have majored in economics as undergraduates and who seek more specialized training in applied econometrics and economic theory.

For the most accurate and up-to-date degree requirements, visit UD’s course catalog. Under the Department of Economics, select “Display Programs” to find your degree and view course options and sequencing.

STEM Business Program

This STEM-designated business program builds the quantitative, analytical and technical skills employers prioritize today, such as data analysis, AI fundamentals, financial modeling and technological proficiency. STEM occupations are high earning, with a median wage double that of non-STEM fields, and are projected to grow faster than overall employment, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Career Opportunities

We have excellent success in placing our graduates in professional positions where employers value their experience and skills. The Lerner Career Services maintains job listings, coordinates job fairs, student recruitment programs, and provides career planning and placement assistance. The economics faculty also provides job interview coaching and guidance.

Where Our Graduates Work

  • Bloomberg
  • Cigna
  • Citi
  • JPMorgan Chase
  • KPMG
  • Sallie Mae
Economics FAQ

Program Overview

What is distinctive about your programs?
  • A Personalized Approach: Our program is small enough that every student receives individual attention.
  • Real-World Application: We emphasize applied economics and offer a robust array of econometrics courses. Our graduates are consistently placed in meaningful roles that demand practical, data-driven skills.
  • Communication & Teaching: Funded Ph.D. students often teach departmental courses. This provides valuable experience in public speaking and complex communication—skills that are highly prized in both academia and the business world.
How long does it take to finish the degree?
  • Master’s Degrees: These are three-semester programs. Students typically take three courses per term. In the third semester, students may either complete a research paper (ECON 868) or opt for a tenth elective course.
  • Ph.D. Program: Students generally require two years for coursework and an additional three years to complete and defend the dissertation.
What do you mean by “equivalency” for Ph.D. applicants?
While you cannot use credits from another degree to earn a UD Master’s, some prior graduate work may reduce the credits needed for a Ph.D.
  • Direct Entry (with prior Master’s): If you earned an Economics Master's from a comparable university, you may only need the 21 Ph.D. credits.
  • Combined Program (without prior Master’s): Students complete our M.S. in Economics & Applied Econometrics (30 credits) plus the Ph.D. requirements (21 credits), earning both degrees upon completion.

Note: The Graduate Committee evaluates these requests individually.

Admissions & Prerequisites

How can I increase my chances of being admitted?
A strong mathematical foundation is the best predictor of success.
  • Minimum Requirement: A two-course undergraduate calculus sequence that includes multivariate calculus.
  • Highly Recommended: Courses in linear algebra and differential equations.
Does UD accept a 3-year bachelor’s degree from another country?
No. A three-year degree is not considered equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree. Applicants must complete one additional year of post-graduate study in their home country before applying to our graduate programs.

Financial Aid & Funding

How does financial aid differ between the Master’s and Ph.D. programs?
Financial support is structured differently depending on the degree level.
Ph.D. Funding (TA/RA Positions)
  • Availability: We fund a limited number of incoming Ph.D. students via Teaching or Research Assistantships.
  • Minimum Scores: To be eligible, applicants must have a TOEFL iBT of 4.5 (on the new 1–6 scale) and a GRE Quantitative score of 156.
  • Duration: Most Ph.D. students remain funded for five years, contingent upon satisfactory academic performance.
Master’s Funding (Tuition Scholarships)
  • Availability: Master’s students are not eligible for TA or RA positions.
  • Support: We offer a limited number of tuition discounts for highly qualified Master's applicants.
  • External Support: Because aid is limited, we strongly advise international Master's applicants to secure an outside sponsor.
When are funding decisions made?
Decisions for the fall semester are finalized in February. We cannot provide specific feedback on an individual's chances of funding until the full application is reviewed by the Graduate Committee.

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Admissions Information

Learn more about master of science in economics and applied econometrics admissions requirements, deadlines, tuition and financial aid available to you.

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