Study Economics in California

California offers flexible, fully online economics degrees offered by respected institutions such as San Jose State University, San Diego State University Global Campus, and National University.

San Jose State University provides a Bachelor of Arts in Economics that can be completed entirely online as a degree-completion program. San Diego State University Global Campus offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Economics tailored for working professionals who want to advance their careers without pausing their education. National University features business-based economics concentrations that deliver a strong understanding of market trends, financial systems, and policy analysis.

These programs make it possible for you to earn a reputable economics degree from a California university while studying at your own pace and location.

Best California Online Economics Degrees

Online Economics Degrees in California

Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online economics degrees in California:

  • San José State University (SJSU Online)
  • San Diego State University (SDSU Global Campus)
  • Cal State East Bay
  • Cal State Fullerton
  • San Francisco State University
  • National University
  • Grand Canyon University

San José State University (SJSU Online)

Bachelor of Arts in Economics (Online Degree-Completion)

San José State University delivers a 100% online, transfer-friendly B.A. in Economics designed for working adults who need flexibility without sacrificing academic rigor.

The program uses accelerated 8-week terms offered five times per year, allowing you to move steadily toward graduation while balancing work and family.

You’ll finish the upper-division portion of the economics major—typically about 60 semester units—building quantitative, analytical, and policy evaluation skills.

Courses are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus, and your diploma is the same SJSU degree with no “online” designation.

Advising focuses on maximizing transfer credits (including AA-T in Economics) so you can reduce cost and time to completion.

Typical costs are published on SJSU Online; the program page lists per-unit pricing and financial aid options for eligible students.

Courses and Curriculum

The online Bachelor of Arts in Economics at San José State University is structured to give you a balanced blend of theory, quantitative analysis, and applied learning. The curriculum builds upon your transferred general education credits, allowing you to focus entirely on upper-division economics coursework. Each course emphasizes analytical problem-solving, data interpretation, and writing skills that prepare you for research, business, or policy-oriented roles.

Throughout the program, you explore the behavior of consumers, firms, and governments, learning how to analyze and predict the effects of policies, market changes, and economic shocks. Core courses introduce microeconomic and macroeconomic models that explain pricing, production, trade, and growth, while specialized classes strengthen your mathematical and statistical abilities. This rigorous foundation allows you to translate complex data into meaningful conclusions for decision-making and policy evaluation.

In addition to core courses, students can personalize their degree by selecting electives in areas such as labor economics, international trade, finance, and development. The integration of quantitative and writing-intensive components ensures you graduate with skills that meet both academic and employer expectations. By combining flexibility with depth, the SJSU curriculum supports diverse career goals and equips you with tools to interpret and shape economic trends across industries.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

  • ECON 100W – Writing Workshop: Economic Reports — Develops professional policy memos, briefs, and data-driven reports that translate economics for decision-makers.
  • ECON 101 – Microeconomic Analysis — Firm and consumer behavior, market structure, welfare analysis, and elasticity with calculus-based tools.
  • ECON 102 – Macroeconomic Analysis — Growth, inflation, unemployment, monetary/fiscal policy, and open-economy dynamics.
  • ECON 103A – Introduction to Econometrics & Research Methods — Regression modeling, causal inference basics, and statistical software for policy analysis.
  • ECON 104 – Mathematical Methods for Economics — Linear algebra and differential calculus applications in optimization and comparative statics.
  • ECON 138 – Business & Economic Forecasting — Time-series models, forecasting accuracy, and scenario planning for firms and agencies.
  • ECON 190 – History of Economic Thought — Evolution of economic ideas from classical to modern schools and their policy implications.
  • ECON 191 – Economic Thought of Nobel Prize Winners — Influential theories and empirical contributions shaping today’s practice.
Popular Elective Courses
  • Money & Banking
  • International Economics
  • Public Finance
  • Labor Economics
  • Industrial Organization
  • Development Economics
Practical Experience

Coursework integrates applied projects—such as policy briefs, data analysis portfolios, and forecasting exercises—so you graduate with evidence of skills employers value. Writing-intensive assignments (ECON 100W) and econometric projects (ECON 103A) help you build a showcase-ready portfolio.

Learning Outcomes
  • Apply microeconomic and macroeconomic theory to real-world markets and policy decisions.
  • Use econometric methods and statistical tools to analyse economic data and draw actionable insights.
  • Critically evaluate trade-offs, incentives, and welfare impacts in public and private sector decisions.
  • Construct clear, professional economic reports and presentations for diverse stakeholders.
  • Interpret mathematical and computational models to inform economic strategy and forecasting.
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply economic reasoning in policy, business strategy or analytics contexts.
Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates pursue roles such as economic analyst, policy analyst, business/data analyst, research associate, financial/market analyst, and consulting or public-sector positions. The degree also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in economics, public policy, analytics, or business.

The San José State University boasts a graduation rate of approximately 75%, reflecting a strong student-completion record and positive outcomes.

Admissions Requirements
  • At least 60 transferable semester units (or 90 quarter units); up to 70 community-college semester units may transfer.
  • Completion of CSU “Golden 4” with C- or higher: Oral Communication (A1), Written Composition (A2), Critical Thinking (A3), and Quantitative Reasoning/Math (B4).
  • Minimum overall GPA of 2.0.
  • Completion of CSU lower-division GE requirements by graduation (advising available to map remaining GE).
Application Deadlines

Three entry points with rolling cycles each year:

  • Spring start: Apply Aug 1 – Nov 15
  • Summer start: Apply Dec 1 – Apr 1
  • Fall start: Apply Feb 1 – Jul 15

San Diego State University (SDSU Global Campus)

Bachelor of Arts in Economics (Online Degree-Completion)

San Diego State University offers a fully online B.A. in Economics via its Global Campus, designed specifically for degree-completion students who have already earned around 60 semester units and want a flexible online path to finish their degree.

The curriculum emphasises data analysis, microeconomics, macroeconomics, and the application of economic reasoning to public policy, business, and societal issues. You’ll develop quantitative, analytical, and communication abilities that align with the demands of today’s economy.

This program is delivered in accelerated online format, allowing many transfer students to complete it in as little as 2 years once admitted, depending on prior credits and course load.

The same degree conferred to on-campus students is awarded—you will earn a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences with a Major in Economics, with no “online” label on the diploma.

The online format includes dedicated academic advising, access to student services virtually, and curriculum taught by faculty from SDSU’s Department of Economics.

The degree completion path requires approximately 57 upper-division semester units to finish after transfer, though exact numbers depend on your transferred credits.

Courses and Curriculum

The online B.A. in Economics from San Diego State University is structured around core economics theory, data-driven coursework, electives oriented to specialization, and liberal-arts breadth. You begin with foundational work in microeconomics and macroeconomics, then advance to data collection, empirical analysis, and specialized economics electives.

Lower-division preparation (often completed before transfer) includes courses like ECON 101 and ECON 102, as well as mathematics and statistics. Upper-division coursework emphasises intermediate theory and data analysis (e.g., ECON 301, 320, 321) and allows you to select electives in areas such as international trade, labor economics, or econometrics.

The curriculum emphasises not just economic models but the communication of results, decision-making under uncertainty, and using data to craft meaningful insights. As an online student you’ll engage in flipped-virtually formats, asynchronous modules, and live-session support. The overall design ensures that you graduate ready to contribute in business, policy, or analytics roles.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

  • ECON 101 – Principles of Economics (Micro) (3 units) — Introduces microeconomic concepts: supply & demand, consumer and producer behavior, market structure, welfare, and resource allocation.
  • ECON 102 – Principles of Economics (Macro) (3 units) — Focuses on macroeconomic issues including national income, inflation, unemployment, monetary/fiscal policy, and open-economy dynamics.
  • ECON 301 – Collection and Use of Data in Economics (3 units) — Emphasises empirical methods: gathering economic data, using spreadsheets, basic regression and statistical tools to analyse economic questions.
  • ECON 320 – Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory (3 units) — Analyses output, employment, inflation, growth models, and stabilization policies in a theoretical and applied context.
  • ECON 321 – Intermediate Microeconomic Theory (3 units) — Examines consumer/firm decision-making, market equilibrium, game theory, welfare and structural models of market behavior.
  • ECON 330 – Comparative Economic Systems (3 units) — Reviews different global economic systems, transitions from planned to market economies, and policy implications in international contexts.
  • ECON 380 – Labor Economics (3 units) — Studies labor supply and demand, wage determination, human capital, discrimination, and policy in labor markets.
  • ECON 441 – Introduction to Econometrics (3 units) — Covers regression modeling, hypothesis testing, causal inference, and practical applications of econometric techniques in economics research.
Popular Elective Courses
  • ECON 365 – Economics of Underdeveloped Areas
  • ECON 360 – International Economic Problems
  • ECON 460 – Economics of Financial Crises
  • ECON 490 – Money and Banking
  • ECON 381 – Economics of Immigration
  • ECON 592 – International Monetary Theory & Policy
Practical Experience

The program supports real-world skills through applied projects, case studies and data-analysis assignments. For example, in ECON 301 and ECON 441 you’ll work with actual economic datasets, perform regression analyses, visualize results, and deliver written reports summing up your findings. These hands-on components are embedded in the online courses so you graduate with portfolio-ready evidence of your abilities.

As a degree-completion student working online, you’ll also engage with peer discussion boards, virtual group work and instructor office hours timed for remote learners — building communication and collaboration skills needed in hybrid or remote roles.

Because the degree carries the same name as the on-campus version, alumni typically report seamless transition into employer networks and graduate-school pathways. According to a program blog, graduates have moved into roles in data analytics, consulting, finance and public policy.

Learning Outcomes
  • Explain and apply microeconomic and macroeconomic models to real-world problems.
  • Use statistical and econometric methods to analyse economic data and interpret findings.
  • Critically assess economic policies, markets and business decisions in terms of incentives, trade-offs and welfare impacts.
  • Develop and communicate well-supported economic arguments, both in writing and orally.
  • Utilize data visualisation and quantitative tools to present economic research outcomes.
  • Operate independently on empirical economic projects and present actionable recommendations.
Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of the program move into roles such as economic analyst, policy analyst, business analyst, financial services analyst, data-analytics specialist, and roles supporting government, nonprofit or corporate strategy. The program also lays groundwork for graduate studies in economics, analytics, business or public policy.

The program’s structure and outcomes are built on the reputation of San Diego State University as a well-regarded institution in California and nationwide. According to the online specialization, the cost structure is $559 per unit for the completion path and the full program cost may range around $31,863 if 57 units are required.

Graduation rate of  San Diego State University is 56%.

Admissions Requirements
  • Minimum of 60 transferable semester units (or 90 quarter units) prior to admission.
  • Completion of lower-division major preparation: ECON 101, ECON 102, ECON 201 or STAT 119/250, one Math course (MATH 120/124/150), and MIS 180.
  • Completion of CSU lower-division general education (Golden Four) with C- or higher.
  • Minimum overall GPA of at least 2.4 for this program.
  • Foreign language proficiency equivalent to completing the third semester or fifth quarter of a non-English language.
Application Deadlines

For the B.A. in Economics Online, applications are accepted for the upcoming Fall term. For example: Fall  entry period is Oct 1 – May 15.

California State University, East Bay (CSUEB)

Bachelor of Science in Economics (Online & Hybrid Available)

California State University, East Bay offers a Bachelor of Science in Economics in which the major comprises 60 semester units and the full degree requires 120 semester units for graduation. The program is delivered in online and hybrid formats, giving working students flexibility while maintaining rigorous academic standards.

The curriculum emphasizes a strong quantitative foundation through courses in mathematics, statistics, programming, and econometrics. Students will learn to analyse microeconomic and macroeconomic phenomena, use data-driven tools and software, and apply economic thinking to real-world business, policy and environmental challenges.

You’ll engage in both theory and applied work: lower-division foundational courses build mathematical and economic basics, upper-division courses involve advanced theory such as game theory, money and banking, and a capstone empirical analysis project. Electives let you tailor your path in areas like industrial organisation, urban economics, environmental economics or health economics.

Courses and Curriculum

The B.S. in Economics at CSUEB is structured to give you a solid core of quantitative tools and economic theory, supported by flexible electives and a capstone experience. You begin with mathematics and statistics, then move into foundational micro and macroeconomics, programming for data analysis, and then progress to upper-division theory and empirical methods.

The major core (60 units) is composed of 21 units of lower‐division core, 21 units of upper-division core, and 18 units of electives. For example, you’ll take MATH 115 or MATH 180, STAT 100 or STAT 110, ECON 200 and ECON 205 early on; upper‐division requirements include ECON 300, 301, 305, 306, 310 and 400; then you select 18 units of electives from topics like environmental or international economics.

As part of the curriculum, you’ll also complete general education, overlay requirements (diversity, sustainability, writing), and free electives to reach the 120-unit total degree requirement. Many courses emphasise applied tools and programming (e.g., CS 100 substitution, ECON 211) so you graduate with tangible analytical and technical skills.

Some of the core courses that you will take include:

  • ECON 200 – Principles of Microeconomics (3 units) — Introduction to individual consumer and firm behaviour, market equilibrium, and welfare economics.
  • ECON 205 – Principles of Macroeconomics (3 units) — Examination of national income, inflation, unemployment, monetary & fiscal policy, and open-economy dynamics.
  • ECON 210 – Quantitative Methods for Economists (3 units) — Builds mathematical and statistical foundations specific to economic analysis, including algebra, calculus, and probability.
  • ECON 300 – Microeconomic Theory I (3 units) — Advanced microeconomic models: optimisation, game theory basics, and strategic interaction.
  • ECON 305 – Macroeconomic Theory (3 units) — Focus on growth, cyclical dynamics, inflation, unemployment, and long-run policy implications.
  • ECON 306 – Money, Banking & Financial Intermediaries (3 units) — Role of financial institutions, money supply, banking systems, and policy impacts.
  • ECON 310 – Introduction to Econometrics (3 units) — Regression analysis, statistical tools in economics, model estimation and inference.
  • ECON 499 – Capstone: Empirical Analysis (3 units) — Senior‐level project where students apply empirical methods to a real economic question and present findings.
Popular Elective Courses
  • ECON 320 – History of Economic Thought
  • ECON 334 – Economics of Information & Organisations
  • ECON 335 – Introduction to Urban Economics
  • ECON 350 – International Economics
  • ECON 360 – Environmental Economics
  • ECON 370 – Health Economics & Public Policy
Practical Experience

In this program you’ll engage in data-driven assignments, case studies and a capstone project (ECON 499) which requires you to gather data, run empirical analyses, interpret results, and present your conclusions. Programming and statistical software play a consistent role, giving you concrete experience that employers and graduate programs value.

Courses such as ECON 211 (Programming for Data Analysts) or CS 100/101 substitutions reinforce your technical toolkit so you can manage large datasets, perform econometric estimation or build predictive models. The integration of theory and applied work helps bridge academic study to practical employment or further study.

The hybrid/online delivery options are designed to support adult learners and transfer students, letting you balance part-time study with professional or personal commitments while still engaging in meaningful, rigorous economics work.

Learning Outcomes
  • Analyze microeconomic and macroeconomic phenomena using formal economic models.
  • Apply statistical and econometric techniques to real‐world economic data and interpret results.
  • Evaluate policy and business decisions in terms of trade-offs, incentives, and welfare effects.
  • Communicate complex economic insights clearly in both written and oral forms.
  • Use programming and analytical tools to support economic research and decision-making.
  • Customize elective pathways to align with career interests in areas such as international, environmental or health economics.
Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of this program are prepared for roles such as economic analyst, policy analyst, data analyst, business strategist, financial analyst, or consultants in government, nonprofits or private industry. The program also builds strong preparation for graduate study in economics, public policy, business analytics or finance.

The university has a reported graduation rate of approximately 46 %, indicating that less than half of entering undergraduates complete within a standard time-frame—so students often benefit from early academic planning and transfer credit optimisation.

Admissions Requirements
  • Completion of lower-division general education and major core requirements (including MATH 115 or MATH 180, STAT 100 or STAT 110, ECON 200 & ECON 205) before upper‐division phase.
  • Achievement of at least 60 semester units (for transfer students) and good academic standing.
  • Minimum overall GPA as required by admissions policies (varies by cohort) and completion of required foundational courses with C- or better.
  • Submission of application through the CSU system with required documents (transcripts, test scores if applicable, statement of purpose if required for transfer review).
Application Deadlines

Fall term applications typically open in October of the preceding year and close in late November, with notification in spring.

California State University, Fullerton (CSUF)

Master of Arts in Economics

California State University, Fullerton offers a Master of Arts in Economics, which is STEM-designated and requires either 30 semester units (thesis option) or 33 semester units (comprehensive exam option) for completion. This program is designed for students who want to deepen their analytical and econometric skills and prepare for professional roles or further graduate study.

The curriculum emphasizes advanced microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, econometric and quantitative methods, applied research, and policy analysis. Students engage in rigorous coursework and choose between the thesis track or the comprehensive exam track to complete the degree.

Instruction is provided by the university’s Department of Economics within the Steven G. Mihaylo College of Business and Economics, connecting you with experienced faculty and regional business and policy networks. The program supports those who aim for roles in consulting, finance, government, or doctoral studies.

Courses and Curriculum

The M.A. in Economics at CSUF centers on core graduate-level courses in economic theory, econometrics and research methods, along with electives that allow specialization. Whether you choose the thesis or exam path, you will build competence in analytical modeling, data interpretation, and economic writing.

Core requirements cover topics such as advanced microeconomic theory, macroeconomic dynamics, research methods in economics, and econometrics. Electives provide choices in applied areas like international economics, labor economics, public policy economics, and financial economics. For the thesis option, you also complete a research thesis under faculty supervision; for the exam option, you prepare a comprehensive exam in lieu of the thesis.

The structure of 30 or 33 units allows full-time students to complete the program in about 12 to 18 months, while part-time students may spread it out over 2 years or more. The program’s flexibility supports working professionals and those seeking timely graduation.

  • ECON 590 – Advanced Microeconomic Theory (3 units) — In-depth study of consumer choice, firm behaviour, game theory, information asymmetries, and advanced applications in market analysis.
  • ECON 595 – Advanced Macroeconomic Theory (3 units) — Examination of growth, business cycles, inflation dynamics, monetary/fiscal policy, and open-economy macroeconomics using advanced models.
  • ECON 598 – Econometric Methods (3 units) — Covers regression analysis, panel data, time-series methods, causal inference, and use of statistical software for empirical research.
  • ECON 599T – Thesis Research in Economics (6 units, thesis option) — Directed research culminating in a written thesis; involves data collection, modelling, analysis and defence under faculty supervision.
  • ECON 599E – Comprehensive Examination in Economics (3 units, exam option) — Preparation for and administration of a comprehensive exam covering core program material in lieu of thesis.
  • ECON 550 – International Economics (3 units) — Study of trade theory, international finance, exchange rates, trade policy and global economic integration.
  • ECON 565 – Labor Economics (3 units) — Analysis of labour markets, wage determination, human capital, employment policy, discrimination and labour market institutions.
  • ECON 580 – Public Policy Economics (3 units) — Application of economic tools to public sector policy problems including taxation, public finance, cost-benefit analysis, and welfare economics.
Popular Elective Courses
  • Financial Economics
  • Economics of Health and Healthcare Policy
  • Environmental and Resource Economics
  • Economics of Innovation and Technology
  • Energy Economics
  • Urban and Regional Economics
Practical Experience

The program emphasises applied research and data analysis: thesis students conduct original research, while exam-option students engage in advanced empirical coursework and project-based assignments. Both tracks require you to formulate research questions, manipulate economic data, apply econometric methods, and present findings in written and oral formats.

Classes involve case studies, economic modelling software, policy briefs and presentations to simulate real-world consultancy, policy analysis or corporate strategy work. This supports transition into professional roles where quantitative and writing skills are valued.

Although primarily on-campus, the program’s scheduling flexibility and evening offerings make it accessible to working professionals in Southern California, allowing you to balance study with employment and integrate research or internship experience into your graduate career.

Learning Outcomes
  • Demonstrate mastery of advanced microeconomic and macroeconomic theory in research and applied contexts.
  • Apply econometric and quantitative methods to economic data and interpret outcomes rigorously.
  • Formulate, conduct and present original or applied economic research (thesis or project-based).
  • Critically evaluate economic policies, business strategies and public programs using economic reasoning.
  • Communicate complex economic analyses clearly in writing and orally to specialized and general audiences.
  • Use economic modelling, statistical software and data visualisation tools to support decision-making and research.
Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates are prepared for careers in economic consulting, public policy, finance, research and government, or for further study in Ph.D. programs in economics or related fields. Alumni have secured roles as economic analysts, policy advisors, data scientists, financial risk analysts and analysts in federal/state agencies or private firms.

The university reports a graduation rate of approximately 71 %, which indicates that a substantial majority of enrolled students complete their degree within expected time-frames and reflects strong institutional outcomes.

Admissions Requirements
  • An accredited bachelor’s degree in economics, business, mathematics, statistics or a related field is required.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 overall and a 3.0 GPA in calculus or equivalent is preferred for the Economics M.A. program.
  • GRE is not required for applicants who meet the GPA prerequisites in calculus and quantitative coursework.
  • Submission of official transcripts, a statement of purpose, résumé/CV, and two letters of recommendation as indicated by the College of Business and Economics.
  • If seeking the thesis option, you must identify a faculty advisor and prepare a research proposal in consultation with that advisor.
Application Deadlines

Applications for the Master of Arts in Economics are accepted for Fall admission each year. Applicants are encouraged to apply by the stated deadlines on the university Graduate Studies portal—typically in late Spring/early Summer of the preceding year.

San Francisco State University (SFSU)

Master of Science in Quantitative Economics (MSQE)

San Francisco State University offers the Master of Science in Quantitative Economics (MSQE), a program requiring 30 semester units for completion. Students who choose the thesis & oral-defense route take 6 units of thesis research plus 6 units of electives; those opting for the written comprehensive exam take 12 units of electives.

The program is STEM-designated and delivers rigorous analytical training in economic modelling and data analysis. The degree length is designed so that a well-prepared student may finish in about 12 to 18 months, while others may complete in roughly 18 to 24 months, depending on prerequisites and course load.

The curriculum emphasises mathematical economics, econometric methods, time-series analysis and advanced theoretical seminars in micro- and macroeconomics. You’ll build strong quantitative and programming skills, enabling you to engage in empirical research, economic forecasting, data modelling and policy evaluation. The MSQE is particularly well‐suited for individuals aiming to enter roles in economics, finance, government, or to pursue a Ph.D.

Candidates may attend full-time or part-time. The cohort size remains small, allowing close interaction with faculty. While the majority of courses are on campus, many of the theoretical and data-analysis modules leverage virtual resources, labs and real datasets.

The program’s structure supports timely completion by students who come into the program with prerequisite coursework in calculus, statistics, econometrics and intermediate micro/macro economics.

Courses and Curriculum

The MSQE curriculum comprises 18 units of core courses plus 6-12 units of electives, for a total of 30 units. Core courses ensure breadth and depth in economic theory and quantitative methods; electives allow specialization in applied areas. You will engage in modelling, empirical work, policy analysis, and writing for professional economists.

The core courses include advanced seminars in micro- and macroeconomics, mathematical economics, and econometrics/time-series methods. Electives may be drawn from areas such as international economics, labor economics, financial economics or public policy. The thesis or comprehensive exam option further influences the elective requirement. Together, the curriculum is designed to provide both theoretical foundation and applied skill-sets for career impact.

Students admitted without full prerequisites may need to complete prerequisite courses (not counted toward the 30 units) before beginning the core sequence. This prepares students for success in the advanced quantitative coursework. Full-time students typically enroll in 9-12 units per semester; part-time options allow slower pacing. Graduation in 12–18 months is common for those entering with strong quantitative background.

  • ECON 701 – Seminar: Microeconomic Theory (3 units) — In-depth study of advanced microeconomic models, including optimization, strategic behaviour and game theory frameworks.
  • ECON 702 – Seminar: Macroeconomic Theory (3 units) — Advanced macroeconomic dynamics, growth theory, business cycles, open economy frameworks and policy implications.
  • ECON 715 – Mathematical Economics (3 units) — Mathematical tools applied to economic theory: linear algebra, optimization, comparative statics and dynamic systems in economics.
  • ECON 731 – Econometric Methods & Applications (3 units) — Regression analysis, causal inference, panel data, cross-section econometrics and software applications in empirical economics.
  • ECON 825 – Applied Time Series Econometrics (3 units) — Time-series modelling, forecasting, ARIMA/VAR models, and applications to macroeconomic and financial data.
  • ECON 830 – Advanced Econometric Methods & Applications (3 units) — Advanced topics such as non-stationary processes, cointegration, structural models, and high-dimensional data methods.
  • ECON 550 – International Economics (3 units, elective) — Trade theory, exchange rates, global integration, and policy analysis in the international context.
  • ECON 565 – Labor Economics (3 units, elective) — Labour supply/demand, human capital, wage determination, discrimination and labour-market policy.
Popular Elective Courses
  • Economics of Innovation and Technology
  • Financial Econometrics
  • Environmental & Resource Economics
  • Energy Economics
  • Urban & Regional Economics
  • Economics of Health & Healthcare Policy
Practical Experience

The program emphasises applied research: students in the thesis track engage in original research under faculty supervision, collecting data, modelling economic phenomena, running empirical analyses, and writing a thesis culminating in an oral defence. Those in the exam track complete rigorous applied coursework and present a written comprehensive exam covering advance theory and quantitative methods.

Students work with real economic datasets and industry-grade tools during econometrics and time-series courses, preparing a portfolio of analytic reports that demonstrate readiness for professional roles. The curriculum’s mix of theory, quantitative modelling, and applied data work ensures that graduates have tangible outputs and demonstrable skills.

While the majority of offerings are campus-based in San Francisco, the program supports flexible pacing and scheduling, making it accessible to working professionals who may study part-time across evenings or summers while engaging in internships or research assistantships in local government, consulting firms or research centres.

Learning Outcomes
  • Demonstrate mastery of advanced micro- and macroeconomic theory in applied and research contexts.
  • Apply econometric and time-series methods to analyse complex economic data and generate insights.
  • Develop and execute original economic research, including modelling, analysis and presentation of results.
  • Critically evaluate economic and business policy decisions using quantitative reasoning and economic models.
  • Communicate advanced economic findings clearly in written and oral formats for academic and professional audiences.
  • Operate programming and modelling tools to support economic forecasting, analysis and decision-making.
Career Preparation & Outcomes

Graduates of the MSQE are well prepared for roles such as economic analyst, data scientist, financial risk analyst, policy analyst, research economist in business, government or non-profit sectors, or for further study in a Ph.D. programme in economics or related fields. The program’s quantitative focus and STEM designation make graduates competitive in analytics-intensive positions.

The university reports a six-year graduation rate of approximately 55 %, reflecting completion and institutional outcomes for undergraduates and providing context for institution-level student success.

Admissions Requirements
  • An accredited bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) with minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • Prerequisite coursework with grades of B or better in: Calculus I, Business Statistics, Intermediate Microeconomic Theory, Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory, and Introduction to Econometrics.
  • Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references familiar with your quantitative ability and writing skills.
  • A personal statement (500-800 words) detailing your interest in the program, career goals, and quantitative background.
  • International applicants: English proficiency exam (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo) unless waived; proof of financial support if on F-1 visa.

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