Economics and Statistics - MS

College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences , College of Science

About This Degree

The master’s degree in economics and statistics is a flexible, versatile degree that can help students meet two separate career goals. For students with strong quantitative interests in economics, this program consists of rigorous, doctoral-level coursework that serves as excellent preparation for prestigious PhD programs in economics. Students who are more interested in applied mathematics and statistics can pursue this degree and be qualified for careers as statistical analysts for a variety of organizations.

What You Will Learn

The program is focused both on gaining extensive quantitative economics knowledge and applying statistics skills to social science. The first year of coursework consists of high-level economics coursework and two prerequisite statistics courses. The second year is extremely customizable; students can choose from a wide variety of graduate-level courses in statistics and in economics, creating their own schedule based on their research or career interests.

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ADVISING

At a Glance

College: College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences , College of Science

Department: Applied Economics Department , Mathematics and Statistics Department

USU Locations:

  • Logan campus

Faculty: View profiles of faculty members on the department directory.

Program Requirements

Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

The majority of students interested in pursuing further education or work in economics choose to go on to PhD programs. Students can also graduate with the master’s degree and pursue the following careers:                                                

  • Statistical analyst for all levels of government agencies
  • Quantitative analyst for consulting firms

Job Outlook

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND ADVISING

Advising

Man-Keun Kim

Professor, Director of Graduate Studies
Email: mk.kim@usu.edu
Office: AGRS 220A
Phone: (435) 797-2359

I am not a current USU student

I have not applied or been admitted, even if I've taken a USU Concurrent Enrollment course

I am a current USU student

I have been admitted and plan to attend, or continue attending USU

USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

Admission

Admission Requirements

Prerequisite course work for all Masters Degree programs in APEC:

B.S./B.A. in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics, Economics, Environmental/Natural Resource Economics, or a closely related degree.

Or at a minimum evidence of the following coursework:

  • Microeconomic principles
  • Calculus
  • Basic Statistics
  • Intermediate/Managerial Microeconomics or comparable course

Application Requirements:

  • Complete the online application
  • Pay the $55 application fee
  • Score at or above the 40th percentile on the GRE
  • Have a 3.0 or higher GPA on your last 60 semester or 90 quarter credits
  • Provide transcripts of all college/university credits
  • Provide three contacts for letters of recommendation

International students have additional admissions requirements.

Deadlines

The department has the following application deadline for students wishing to receive funding:

  • Fall semester – January 31

The deadline for admission without funding is:

  • Fall semester – June 30

*Candidates for the MS in Economics and Statistics program are accepted in odd years only.

Program Requirements

Although it is not required, some students in this program choose to participate in an internship. Recently, students have found internships at statewide environmental advocacy groups, municipal economic development agencies, and nationally recognized macroeconomic consulting firms.

Plan Options

Students can receive the MS by pursuing one of two options:

  • In the Plan A option, students complete graduate-level coursework and must write a thesis.
  • The Plan B option requires the production of a paper or creative work of art and is expected to reflect equivalent scholarship standards as a thesis.

Financial Aid

The department offers a limited amount of competitive research assistantships, which may qualify out-of-state students for tuition awards. As the availability of these assistantships varies year to year, students should check with the department for more information.

A variety of funding opportunities are available on the graduate school website.

Take The Next Step

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