The Master of Science in Applied Economics and Finance is a one year program that provides analytical graduate training designed to prepare students for careers in business, international and domestic banking, consulting firms, government, and nonprofit organizations.

Improve your data analysis and finance skills using applied economics and econometrics. Our next cohort starts August 2023. Don't miss out, upgrade your job skill set now. Request a call back or advising session here.

APPLY HERE- deadline for applications Feb 28, 2023

• MS APEF application requirements and program fees here  
• Contact econ_grad_coor@ucsc.edu for questions, phone calls, and advising

This program combines

• Core training in economic theory
• Meaningful applications that students are likely to face in their professional careers 
• More applied orientation than a typical M.A. program in economics 
• More training in economics, statistics, and econometrics than most M.B.A. programs
• Professional development, job preparation, networking opportunities

The curriculum stresses mastery of core principles in micro and macroeconomics and finance.

In addition, each student learns

• How to solve practical problems and to communicate the results clearly
• Advanced econometric techniques
• Programming and statistical software packages (R, Stata, Python)
• Applications using large-scale financial and microeconomic data sets 

Students must pass a comprehensive capstone requirement to receive their degree. This capstone requirement consists of a comprehensive examination, which will take place within two weeks of spring graduation. Students who do not pass the June examination may take it again in August at a date scheduled by the department. 

Program Requirements can be found here.

International students in the M.S. program are eligible to apply for OPT through the Office of International Education. Our M.S. program in applied economics and finance is also eligible for the OPT Stem Extension. For more information please visit the Office of International Education.

Graduates of this program have gone on to successful careers in the private and public sectors with placements at a diverse range of companies and institutions, including ADM Associates, Inc., Anderson Tax, SoFi, Cisco Systems, Seagate Technology, Google, Sony Computer Entertainment, Plantronics, Wells Fargo, Securities and Exchange Commission, all of the big four accounting firms, McKesson Corp., Pepsi Corp., Visa, Square Trade, the California Franchise Tax Board, Guardian News (UK), Blue Cross, the World Bank, Stanford University, and the Bank of Japan. Other graduates have gone on to earn Ph.D.s in economics. 

Applications will be accepted online beginning in October at https://www.gradadmissions.ucsc.edu/.

Apply before February 28, 2023 deadline for application to the fall 2023 M.S. APEF program cohort.

For more information

• Access information session slides with live links to resources for you.
• Contact Galina Hale, Professor of Economics at UC Santa Cruz, M.S. APEF Program Director

Recorded information session below.

Email econ_grad_coor@ucsc.edu to talk with an advisor about the program and your potential for success!

Thank you for your interest in the M.S. Applied Economics and Finance program at UC Santa Cruz