Master of Arts in International Economic Relations: Quantitative Methods
American University
Key Information
Campus location
Washington, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 - 6 years
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
USD 1,922 / per credit
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
Introduction
The MA in International Economic Relations: Quantitative Methods (STEM) course of study (MAIER: QM) provides a focused graduate education in quantitative methods and econometrics combined with International Economics and Political Economy. The result is a MAIER: QM degree that ideally positions you for a professional career in international business and finance, government, or the nonprofit sector. Students with this degree develop extensive skills in data analysis, geographic information systems, and/or statistical programming, making them competitive and appealing candidates for research-oriented professional positions.
Our Washington, DC, location allows you to accept internships in organizations that can bridge to permanent job opportunities after graduation. MAIER: QM students can pursue the degree on a full- or part-time basis. Combining these features, this degree is unique among Washington-area programs. The STEM designation of the MAIER: QM degree may enable F-1 international students to be eligible for a 24-month extension of their Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States. For more information, please consult with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
Student Cohort
The MA in International Economic Relations: Quantitative Methods (MAIER: QM) degree is part of the International Economic Relations (IER) program at the School of International Service. Students pursuing this degree will collaborate with their cohort and will work closely with students pursuing the MA in International Economic Relations (MAIER), the other degree in the IER program.
Admissions
Curriculum
Core (12 credit hours)
- SIS-616 International Economics (3)
- SIS-665 International Trade Relations (3)
- SIS-666 International Financial Relations (3)
- SIS-751 International Political Economy (3)
Quantitative Research Methods (9 credit hours)
Complete one of the following options:
Option I: Standard Track
- ECON-623 Applied Econometrics I (3)
- ECON-624 Applied Econometrics II (3)
- SIS-600 Statistics, Research Design, and Research Methods for International Affairs (3)
Option II: Accelerated Track
- ECON-623 Applied Econometrics I (3)
- ECON-624 Applied Econometrics II (3)
- 3 credit hours from the Approved International Economic Relations (IER) Third Methods Course List
Advanced Econometrics and Quantitative Methods Concentration (9 credit hours)
Complete 9 credit hours from the following:
- DATA-612 Statistical Programming in R (3)
- DATA-613 Data Science (3)
- ECON-665 Economic Experiments and Impact Evaluation (3)
- ENVS-654 Geographic Information Systems (3)
- ITEC-600 Programming Tools for Analytics: Python (3)
- ITEC-610 Applied Managerial Statistics (3)
- ITEC-670 Database and Big Data (3)
- SIS-750 Research and Professional Methods in International Affairs (3) (approved quantitative topics)
- STAT-520 Applied Multivariate Analysis (3)
- STAT-522 Time-Series Analysis (3)
- STAT-627 Statistical Machine Learning (3)
- STAT-628 Spatial Data Analysis (3)
Capstone (3 credit hours)
Complete one of the following:
Note: The thesis or substantial research paper must relate clearly to the field of international economic relations.
Practicum
Complete 3 credit hours from the following with a grade of B or better:
- SIS-793 Practicum in International Affairs (3) (topics)
Substantial Research Paper
Complete 3 credit hours from one of the following with a grade of B or better:
- SIS-794 Substantial Research Paper with Coursework (3)
- SIS-795 Master's Research Requirement (1-3)
Thesis
- SIS-797 Master's Thesis Supervision (1-6) (6 credit hours required; may include 3 elective credit hours)
Elective (3 credit hours)
Complete 3 credit hours from the following, or other approved courses:
- ECON-603 Introduction to Economic Theory (3)
- SIS-691 Internship in International Affairs (1-6)
- SIS-692 International Internship (1-6)
- SIS-730 Skills Institutes in International Affairs (1) (topics)
- SIS-797 Master's Thesis Supervision (1-6)
Scholarships and Funding
Need-based Aid
Awards go to students with demonstrated financial need. AU determines your need based on the information you provide on the required financial aid applications.
Merit-Based Aid (Scholarships)
All students who apply to AU are considered for most merit awards, including Deans' and Presidential, on the basis of their admissions application.
Student Employment
Income from work-study jobs is to be used exclusively for educational purposes. Award amounts vary; hourly wages are determined by the employer and job category.
What you will need
- Financial Aid School Codes (FAFSA 001434 and CSS Profile 5007)
- Parent and Student Federal Student Aid Identification
- Parent and Student Social Security Numbers
- Federal Tax Forms to include W2s, 1099, etc.
- Non-Custodial Parent Contact Information