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Applied Economics, MS

In the San Francisco Bay Area, the development of advanced technologies is altering the way people live and work. Digital markets are fundamentally changing interactions between consumers, businesses, organizations and governments throughout the world. As a next-generation economist with an MS in Applied Economics, you will have the skills to take a leadership role in this dynamic environment.

Apply Now for 2025

The Fall 2025 application is now open. 

The priority application date is January 15.

A Career in Applied Economics

The application of applied economics can be versatile, and a master of science in applied economics opens up career opportunities across multiple sectors. Here is a list of jobs you might pursue with this degree.

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A Leading-Edge Economics Curriculum

To give students the skills needed for the new kinds of jobs being created every day in the AI-powered digitized economy, our curriculum integrates economics and data science from day one. Students gain a foundation in major programming languages like Python and R in their first semester alongside core microeconomic theory. They then learn to apply these tools to acquire, visualize, and analyze data in economic applications as they study topics including pricing, the design of market platforms, and auctions. At the same time, they continue to learn new tools through courses in econometrics, experiments, machine learning, and other aspects of causal inference and research design.

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Join the San Francisco Tech Economics Scene

The San Francisco Bay Area is the birthplace of businesses in the new digital economy. From San Francisco to Silicon Valley, these firms are learning to benefit from massive data flows and dynamic business models that allow them to understand consumers in great detail and adjust their product and service offerings quickly – without interruption. This work demands the type of sophisticated quantitative economists that are graduates of the MS in Applied Economics at USF. With hundreds of these firms in the area, our students easily gain real-world knowledge and experience to launch exciting careers.

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Combine Economics & Business in California's Silicon Valley

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STEM Program

We are designated as a STEM program (science, technology, engineering, and math). Eligible international students may apply to work in the United States for up to three years after graduation via the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program and STEM extension.

Learn More About STEM

A Flexible Schedule for Working Professionals

We offer a flexible schedule that makes it easy for working professionals or students with other obligations to complete their degrees through a three-year, part-time option. Please note that the part-time option is not available for F-1 visa-holding international students.

Make Measurable Impact

The Social Impact Analytics academic certificate program is specifically oriented toward those with minimal exposure to statistics or programming. Whether you're a student or currently working with non-profit organizations, become equipped with the statistical and programming skills that are demanded for modern program evaluation. Learn how to harness statistical data and effectively address today's global challenges. 

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Chat With a Current Applied Economics Student

Get your questions answered by our student ambassadors. Read their stories and connect with them to get the student experience first-hand.

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USF Offers Related Economics Programs

  • Help organizations identify what’s working — and what’s not — in their programs, policies, and interventions that support communities in need. Use data to make informed decisions and drive lasting change.

Applied Economics, MS

The Admissions Team
McLaren Hall, Room 104
2130 Fulton Street
San Francisco, CA 94117-1081