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2020-2021 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog
University of Pittsburgh
   
2020-2021 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog 
    
 
  Mar 28, 2024
 
2020-2021 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Quantitative Economics, MS


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Program Description

The MQE program trains professionals to become experts who can inform economics and business decisions with sophisticated, state-of-the-art data analysis. Students acquire the knowledge needed to formulate economic questions surrounding alternative policy and business strategies; identify the data needed to answer these questions; read and interpret data; produce forecasts that support core business and policy decision making; build the skills needed to effectively present and communicate data-driven knowledge. The MS in Quantitative Economics qualifies as a STEM designated degree program.

The program is a professional one-year program to be completed during the Fall and Spring semesters. The degree requires 30 credits, equally divided into 10 courses of 3 credits each, over two semesters. Each semester is split into two terms that are 7 weeks long, and each term includes 3 courses, with one of them running over two terms. For students in need of strengthening their mathematical background, the program will offer a summer course in mathematics for economists.

Program Requirements

Admission prerequisites are similar to those necessary for a minor in economics: one semester of calculus, and at least one intermediate-level economics course. Admission with a minor will require the completion of a set of specific quantitative electives. For promising students who do not have the necessary mathematical background, the department offers an intensive remedial “mathematics of economics” course during the Summer term. Students who already have a good mathematical background, but only introductory level economics can be admitted without the need for the remedial course. For foreign students, TOEFL and GRE scores above certain thresholds will be required.

The required minimum TOEFL score is 90, with at least a score of 22 in all of the four sections of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The required minimum IELTS score is 7.0 with at least 6.5 in all four sections. Applicants who are citizens of a country where the official language is English are exempt from submission of the TOEFL or IELTS. Applicants who have completed or are about to complete a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States are exempt from submission of the TOEFL or IELTS. Exemptions on a case-by-case basis are possible for applicants who hold a degree or are currently enrolled in an institution in which the only language of instruction is English.

Students are required to maintain a GPA average of at least 3.0, and receive a grade of B or higher in the capstone course. A student failing to meet these requirements will be terminated from the MS. Students who are delayed in taking the Capstone course could complete the requirements during the Summer.

Academic Support

The students will work closely with the MQE Director and the MQE Administrator on professional development. Students will maintain a professional portfolio that summarizes their progress through the program. Each student will discuss progress toward career plans with the program administrator at regular intervals. The program Administrator will serve as liaison between students and potential employers, and facilitate career decisions and placement.

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