Quantitative Economics, MS

Return to: Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences

Program Description

The MS in Quantitative Economics (MQE) program in the Department of Economics 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 program is a professional 8-month 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. All students are required to participate in a summer course in mid-August that will strengthen their skills in math and computer programming. MQE offers intensive Career Services that prepare students for the workplace, help them network and make mentor connections. The MS in Quantitative Economics qualifies as a STEM designated degree program.

Program Requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university, or have completed an equivalent level of education that the University of Pittsburgh deems comparable to a bachelor’s degree. Applicants must have demonstrated mastery in calculus I and a basic understanding of economics and basic computer programming skills with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in the total undergraduate program.  For foreign students, language-test scores above certain thresholds will be required.

Submission of personal statement with a consideration for a student’s ability to overcome challenges and assert strength in relevant skills. 

Two letters of recommendation, preferably from an academic source, must be submitted online. Letters should be written on letterhead stationery and signed by the recommender. Applications can be submitted prior to receipt of letters.

International applicants must submit test scores in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score (required of applicants whose official native language is not English even if English was the medium of instruction in the foreign schools attended by the applicant) or the Duolingo English Test. The required TOEFL score is 90 (with a minimum of 22 in each section), the required IELTS score is 7.0 (with a minimum of 6.5 in all sections), or the required Duolingo English Test score is 110 or higher. 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 Duolingo English Test, 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. When requesting that TOEFL scores be sent to the University of Pittsburgh use code 2927. 

Academic Support

The students will be academically supported by the MQE director and program director. The students will be supported in their professional development through workplace-readiness workshops, networking events and mentoring programs.

Students are required to maintain a GPA average of at least 3.0 and receive a grade of B or higher in all courses. A student failing to meet these requirements will be terminated from the program.

Contact Information

Department of Economics Chair: Marla Ripoll
MQE Director: Randall Walsh

MQE Program Director: TBD
E-mail: mqeinfo@pitt.edu
www.mqe.pitt.edu