University at Buffalo (UB)
MS in Econometric and Quantitative Economics (STEM)
The STEM-eligible MS in Econometric and Quantitative Economics (MS EQE) program focuses on providing advanced knowledge and proper utilization of mathematical and quantitative skills required of economists in practical applications. Students may choose the general, financial or international track, depending on their unique career goals.
STEM Program
This degree program has been approved by the State of New York Education Department, and is listed by the US Immigration Customs Enforcement as a STEM-designated degree, focusing on mathematical and statistical theories that prepare our students to perform a wide gamut of business research, including cost-benefit analysis, researching market trends and forecasting future changes in economic activity in various sectors of the economy. Additionally, students work with large data sets related to financial, international, and experimental issues, and branch out into areas such as health and hi-tech research requiring strong mathematical, statistical and econometric tools.
Did You Know?
Domestic students pursuing STEM degrees are eligible for a variety of regional and national scholarships from organizations like the National Science Foundation.
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Degree Requirements
To earn the MS in Econometric and Quantitative Economics degree, students must complete 36 credit hours and pass the Comprehensive Exams. The degree has been designed to be completed within three semesters.
The 36 credit hours consist of 12 courses (3 credits each). The following 9 courses are required for the General degree:
(the Financial and International focus have different required courses)
The additional three courses are made up of the approved electives, one of which can be outside the department. Please contact an advisor to view sample course plans.
Current UB Economics undergrads who have completed 405 or 407 or 480 may request a waiver for 505 or 507. or 580.
Masters students must obtain prior approval from the instructor and submit that approval to the department before registering for courses outside of the listed courses for their degree program.
Financial or International Economics Focus
If a student wishes to focus their MS in EQE degree in the Financial or International disciplines, the department offers two MS degree sub-plans which students may transfer into after successful completion of their first semester. Please note: Students do not need to declare a focus when they first apply to the MS-EQE program.
International Students: 24-Month Visa Extension
The MS in Econometric and Quantitative Economics qualifies as STEM Opt Eligible. F-1 students with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) degrees in fields listed on the STEM Designated Degree Program List are eligible for the 24-Month OPT STEM Extension.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the MS in Econometric and Quantitative Economics can expect a career in analytical, financial and international economics; or economic consulting; teaching at the community college level; performing research at a government agency or think tank; or preparing to enter a PhD program in economics or a related business field. Our students are especially qualified to embrace research-oriented positions due to their familiarity with technical economic concepts. Employers placing a greater emphasis on extensive technical quantitative skills often pay a premium for employees who maintain this skill set.