Applied Economics, M.S.

Saint Louis University’s STEM-certified Master of Science in Applied Economics at the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business prepares students to turn economic insight into data-driven decision-making. Designed to meet growing market demand for analytical and technical expertise, the program blends economic theory with rigorous training in applied econometrics, forecasting, and advanced quantitative methods. Students develop the ability to design and evaluate empirical models, analyze complex data, and translate results into clear, actionable recommendations — skills increasingly essential in a world shaped by analytics and emerging technologies.

With a curriculum that moves efficiently from theory to application, the 30-credit program can be completed full time in one year or pursued part time to accommodate working professionals. Graduates leave with a competitive edge in roles requiring advanced modeling, forecasting and analytical problem-solving, along with the ability to communicate insights effectively, collaborate in team-based environments, and approach decisions with professionalism and ethical judgment. 

Curriculum Overview

Saint Louis University’s Master of Science in Applied Economics features a quantitatively rigorous, application-focused curriculum designed to develop advanced analytical and forecasting capabilities. Students engage deeply with modern econometric techniques, including time series and spatial econometrics, while building practical skills in coding, machine learning, and AI-enabled analysis. Courses emphasize the modeling and forecasting of macroeconomic and financial variables, equipping students to interpret complex data and generate meaningful, decision-relevant insights. The curriculum also incorporates ethical decision-making and career preparation, ensuring graduates are not only technically proficient but also prepared to apply their expertise responsibly and effectively in professional settings. 

Careers

The outlook is bright for individuals with graduate degrees who have skills in quantitative analysis and the ability to apply quantitative analysis to economic modeling and forecasting, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Graduates of the applied economics program will be qualified for a range of analysis-related jobs. Possible positions include:

• Research analyst/associate/assistant
• Policy analyst
• Data analyst
• Staff economist
• Strategy analyst
• Business economist
• Market forecaster
• Instructor (e.g., university non-tenure track)
• Doctoral student

The program is STEM-certified, allowing F1 students who graduate from our program to apply for an OPT extension. 

Admission Requirements

The Chaifetz School uses a holistic admissions approach to carefully evaluate all applicants, considering every aspect of their application. While an undergraduate degree is required for admission, a business background is not. Applicants may be required to submit their:

• Completed online application
• Transcript(s) from all previously attended institutions
• 1-2 letters of recommendation
• Résumé/CV

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis once all application materials are received. The average time for admissions decisions is two weeks.

Additional foundational courses may be required of students without sufficient undergraduate background in economics and statistics. For students without applicable undergraduate coursework, ECON 5010 Economics for Managers (3 cr) and OPM 5020 Applied Business Statistics (3 cr) will need to be taken prior to entry into the program. The credit hours associated with these two classes will not count toward the 30 credit-hour degree requirement.   

Requirements for International Students

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents will also need to submit:

• English Language Proficiency Scores: For non-native speakers of English, an official English language test score report is required and must be sent directly to the institution. Scores should be no more than two years old. This program requires a TOEFL score of 80 and an IELTS broadband of at least 6.5 or a Duolingo score of 110.
  • The graduate admissions team in the Business Programs Office reserves the right to evaluate an applicant’s English based on an admissions interview and/or an English language test. Based on the results from either or both, applicants may be referred to INTO SLU for additional coursework. 
• Official Academic Transcripts: An official transcript articulating both GPA and grades for all previous coursework is required and will be evaluated at the time of admission.
  • The graduate admissions team in the Business Programs Office reserves the right to request an applicant submit a WES or ECE evaluation.
• Documentation of Financial Support: After an admission decision has been made and scholarship consideration has been assessed, students will need to complete an addendum form outlining certification of financial support for one year of study (if a student visa is required) that must be submitted with the necessary documentation. Documentation will include:

  • A letter (declaration) of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency providing funds for your tuition and living expenses for the duration of your study at Saint Louis University.

  • A letter (certification) from the sponsor’s bank verifying that such funds currently are available and will be so for each subsequent year of your study at this University. The financial evidence must cover at least the expenses needed for the first year of your study.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The Chaifetz School offers generous scholarships to make a graduate degree from our nationally ranked institution accessible. Applicants to SLU's Master of Science in Applied Economics program are automatically considered for scholarship awards at the time of admission.

For more information about student loans, please visit SLU's Office of Student Financial Services. 

Accreditation

The Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the world’s largest business education alliance and accrediting body of business schools, ensuring continuous quality improvement in terms of curriculum, instructional resources, student selection, career placement and intellectual contributions and qualifications of the faculty. Approximately 5% of business schools worldwide have achieved AACSB accreditation. 

1. Graduates will be able to advance their knowledge of economic and financial theory including empirical modeling.
2. Graduates will be able to demonstrate analytical proficiency with the use of rigorous quantitative techniques employed in the fields of finance and economic forecasting.
3. Graduates will be able to research topics both theoretically and empirically to design and evaluate appropriate modeling.
4. Graduates will be able to clearly articulate, in both oral and written frameworks, the methodologies used and the results of the findings.
5. Graduates will be able to work in teams to simulate group decision-making, prioritization and optimization in a global environment.
6. Graduates will be able to peer review work-in-progress to learn constructive criticism in a collegial environment.
7. Graduates will be able to demonstrate professional conduct with an emphasis on ethical decision-making.

Additional foundational courses may be required of students without sufficient undergraduate background in economics and statistics. For students without applicable undergraduate coursework, ECON 5010 Economics for Managers (3 cr) and OPM 5020 Applied Business Statistics (3 cr) will need to be taken prior to entry into the program. The credit hours associated with these two classes will not count toward the 30 credit-hour degree requirement.  

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

This roadmap is just one example of a semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. There are other plans students can and do take. The plan of study for each particular student is established in consultation with each student’s academic advisor; this roadmap does not replace academic advising appointments.

Roadmap notes:

• This Roadmap assumes full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
• Courses/Milestones marked with an “!” are critical and must be completed in the semester listed in the Roadmap to ensure a timely graduation.
• Course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

For additional admission questions, please contact:

Chaifetz Business Programs Office
Graduate Business Admission Team
314-977-3800
gradbiz@slu.edu