two applied economics students sit in class

MS in Applied Economics

Earn your MS in Applied Economics (MSAE) at the University of San Francisco and develop the economic reasoning, quantitative skills, and technical tools to solve real-world challenges in business, technology, finance, consulting, and public policy.

Learn to work with data using econometrics, Python, R, and machine learning — and go beyond identifying trends to understand why they happen and what organizations should do next.

  • Build In-Demand Analytical Skills — Develop hands-on experience with Python, R, SQL, econometrics, data visualization, and machine learning. Use real-world data to build models, test hypotheses, and communicate clear, evidence-based recommendations.
  • Go Beyond Data Analysis — Data can show you what is happening. Applied economics helps you understand why. Through a four-course econometrics sequence, causal inference, and experimental methods, you will learn to evaluate cause-and-effect relationships and turn evidence into actionable insight.
  • Understand Today’s Digital Economy — Study how businesses, consumers, and digital platforms make decisions. Apply economic theory to pricing, market design, consumer behavior, competition, technology, and public policy.
  • Study in San Francisco — Learn in one of the world’s leading centers for technology, finance, innovation, and entrepreneurship. USF’s Bay Area location places you near global companies, startups, consulting firms, financial institutions, and public-sector organizations.
  • Prepare for Careers Across Industries — Graduates apply economic analysis and data skills in technology, finance, consulting, government, research, and other sectors. MSAE alumni have built careers at Apple, Amazon, BlackRock, Bloomberg, Google, NVIDIA, PG&E, Visa, CalPERS, Disney Streaming, T-Mobile, and more!

Support For Your Success

Applicants from a range of academic and professional backgrounds are welcome. Admitted students who would benefit from additional quantitative preparation may participate in USF’s Summer Bridge Math Program. The program reviews calculus, linear algebra, statistics, hypothesis testing, and other tools used in graduate economic analysis.

A STEM Designated Graduate Degree

The MSAE is a STEM-designated program. Eligible international graduates may apply for up to 36 months of Optional Practical Training through post-completion OPT and the STEM OPT extension.