Why USC's MS in Applied Economics and Econometrics Is So Popular? Career Paths and Admission Cases

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The Master of Science in Applied Economics and Econometrics at the University of Southern California has become a top choice for international students seeking employment in the U.S., thanks to its STEM designation and three-year OPT. Leveraging USC's top-tier overall ranking and LA's geographic advantages, the program equips students with core skills in policy evaluation, market forecasting, and data analysis, providing a solid professional foundation for those aiming to work in Silicon Valley or the public and private sectors. Housed in the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, the program offers strong research and career resources, including authoritative research centers such as the Center for Applied Financial Economics and the Los Angeles Behavioral Economics Laboratory. Outstanding students may also have the chance to participate in nationally funded research projects and serve as research assistants. CheersYou(清柚教育) provides in-depth analysis of the college's strengths and real admission cases, helping applicants fully understand the program's competitiveness and the broad career prospects in finance, consulting, technology, and beyond, thereby guiding them in precise study-abroad planning.

The Master of Science in Applied Economics and Econometrics at the University of Southern California has long been one of the popular graduate applications. The Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences (Dornsife College), where the program is housed, boasts very strong career resources. CheersYou(清柚教育) has prepared a very detailed introduction—let's take a look!

 

1. University Details

 

The University of Southern California (USC), also known as SC or Southern California, is the oldest top-tier private research university on the West Coast of the United States. Founded in 1880 in Los Angeles, California, it is a member of the Association of American Universities and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities. USC ranks 27th in the 2022 U.S. News Best National Universities, with numerous colleges ranked in the top 10 nationally, leading in various professional fields. USC has produced many globally renowned directors and also cultivated numerous outstanding talents in politics, business, and technology, ranking among the top four in influence in Silicon Valley.

 

2. Program Introduction

 

The Master of Science in Applied Economics and Econometrics at USC equips students with tools and methods to understand complex policies, industry trends, analytical strategies, and modeling. Students learn to evaluate policies and programs, make forecasts, track consumer behavior, and design marketing campaigns.

This program is STEM-designated, offering a three-year OPT after graduation, which is very friendly for those who wish to work in the U.S. after graduation.

 

 

Program Website: https://dornsife.usc.edu/econ/ms-aee/

 

3. College Advantages

 

The Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, where the MS in Applied Economics and Econometrics is housed, has as many as 40 research institutes under its umbrella. The Department of Economics, which hosts this master's program, features five major research centers:

 

 

  1. Center for Applied Financial Economics (CAFE)

  2. Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR)

  3. Institute for Economic Policy Research (IEPR)

  4. Los Angeles Behavioral Economics Laboratory (LABEL)

  5. USC Dornsife INET (Institute for New Economic Thinking)

 

USC's Los Angeles Behavioral Economics Laboratory (LABEL) also offers research assistant positions to outstanding students in this program. Thus, enrolling in this program provides opportunities to participate in experimental economics and neuroeconomics projects funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF).

 

4. Curriculum

 

Students can choose their own graduate-level economics courses or select one of the following tracks to specialize in a key economic field:

These include Economic Policy and Development, Big Data Economics, Economic Consulting, Behavioral Economics, and Financial Economics. The program requires students to complete at least 12 credit hours in their chosen track.

 

5. Target Audience

 

The MS in Applied Economics and Econometrics (MS AEE) is suitable for students aiming to work in economic consulting, finance and banking, social policy, data analysis, and related fields.

 

6. Career Directions and Development

 

Students in this program typically pursue one of three career paths: the first group chooses to continue into a Ph.D. program in economics in the U.S.; the second group pursues careers related to economic consulting and "big data" analysis; the third group seeks employment in international organizations such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

 

7. Application Timeline and Requirements

 

Application Deadline: The deadline for fall admission is April 1.

 

Application Materials Checklist:

- Resume/CV

- Transcripts

- GRE scores

- English language proficiency scores

- Personal statement/essays

- Three letters of recommendation

 

8. Admission Cases

 

CheersYou(清柚教育) has also helped students gain admission to this program. Below are the offers received by our students~

 

 

 

 

If you would like to learn more about student backgrounds, please feel free to consult with a CheersYou(清柚教育) advisor.