Program Overview
The Master of Science in Applied Economics at the University of San Francisco trains students to apply the theoretical insights and empirical techniques of modern economics to practical problems in the business, government, and non-profit sectors.
This 36-unit program focuses in particular on the skills needed in the increasingly digitized economy. Manipulation and analysis of data using industry-standard programming languages is an integral part of the curriculum from day one. Students learn how to use the tools of economics to grapple with the implications of the new markets and new information sources created by advances in information technology.
About the Program
The Master of Science in Applied Economics generally requires two years of full-time study. In the first year, you will master the core mathematical, microeconomic, econometric and computational tools required for the field and study how these tools are used in cutting-edge academic research and business applications. In the summer after the first year, students typically seek out internships with firms or other organizations in the Bay Area where they can begin to apply and hone their skills in a practical setting.
In the second year, you will enhance your knowledge and skills through advanced courses. The completion of a capstone research project in the graduate seminar will demonstrate and solidify your ability to analyze real-world data, to draw conclusions from this data, and to communicate those conclusions clearly in oral, written and visual forms. You may also choose to take your capstone research to a higher level as a Master’s thesis or to pursue another internship.
Classes are mostly held on weekdays in the late afternoon or evening (starting after 4:30pm), with a few during standard business hours (9 am to 5 pm). Due to the requirements of coursework, students planning to graduate in two years will not be able to work full-time. A flexible three-year option is also available for students who wish to continue full-time employment.
Program Specifics
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For Fall 2026, the program starts on Tuesday, August 25.
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Full-time graduate students usually take 8 to 10 units per semester. Each course is either 2 or 4 units, which typically means enrolling in two to four classes per term. Two-unit courses are half-semester classes (or full-semester courses that meet every other week), while four-unit courses run the full semester.
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In rare instances, a limited number of graduate credits may be transferred from another program, subject to the evaluation of the program adviser. This process of evaluation would take place after a student is accepted into the program and has his/her first advising session with the program adviser. Depending on the syllabus and evidence of coursework, the course may or may not be credited.
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The MSAE program is modern. Students integrate today's data science and AI tools with economic theory from the first semester and apply that combination across a broad range of contexts. Across USF's two master's programs in economics (MS Applied Economics and MS International & Development Economics), graduates have gone on to PhD programs alongside careers in tech, finance, consulting, policy, and energy. The skills we teach are valued across all of these paths.
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Data science programs focus on building models that forecast what will happen. The MSAE program pairs that same modern toolkit with economic theory, which is how we tackle the "why" question. Students learn causal inference methods (experimental design, instrumental variables, difference-in-differences) alongside the data science toolkit, so they can identify cause and effect rather than just patterns. Businesses, policymakers, and product teams need both to make decisions.