Master of Science in Quantitative Economics

Overview

The Master of Science in Quantitative Economics (MSQE) degree can be completed in as little as one year, emphasizes practical applications and interactive learning, is a STEM designated degree, and includes close collaboration with members of a world-class economics faculty and forecasting team.

The program has been designated as a Certified Forecaster Program by The International Institute of Forecasters (IIF), and is ranked 6th in the nation for the 2019 Top Master of Financial Economics Programs.

The program’s sister organization, CERF, is one of only six university-based forecast centers in the country that is included in the Wall Street Journal’s Economic Forecasting Survey.

Quick Facts

"This program provided me with a challenging mathematical-oriented degree that focused on real-world applications. It's fantastic preparation for either career advancement or a Ph.D. program." Molly Clancy Senior Quantitative Modeler, Control Insights, and Analytics, Google

Program Highlights

The M.S. in Quantitative Economics degree emphasizes practical applications in curriculum and interactive learning, including close collaboration with members of a world-class economic faculty and economics forecasting team. With a strong emphasis on the development of applied economic concepts and theory, this unique evening program rigorously prepares our students in mathematics, statistical analysis and research. Click here to learn more about our courses.

Certified Forecaster Program

The M.S. in Quantitative Economics has been designated as a certified forecaster program by The International Institute of Forecasters (IIF) and has been ranked 4th in the nation for Quantitative Financial Economics Programs.

Center for Economic Research and Forecasting

There is no substitute for quality experience. Students in our M.S. in Quantitative Economics program put to practice the curriculum they learn in class at Cal Lutheran’s Center for Economic Research and Forecasting (CERF).

In close collaboration with faculty, our students work in a thriving professional environment to create customized reports for businesses, government, and nonprofit organizations. Students use their applied economists skills to:

• Perform rigorous econometric analysis
• Create and understand valid models and forecasts
• Analyze options and make recommendations
• Present and defend the analysis and recommendations in writing and in formal presentations.

On a larger scale, students help develop annual Ventura and San Fernando Valley counties’ economic forecasts, as well as Oregon’s.

This is a serious program. It’s not easy. You need to be able to do the math and you need to work. But when people see the M.S. in Quantitative Economics on your resume, they know what it means. You will bring the tangible, real-world skills and high-level problem solving abilities they need. It makes a big difference.

Julia Kaminskaya ‘13, M.S. in Quantitative Economics

Curriculum

The following is the list of courses required to obtain a Master of Science in Quantitative Economics.

Econometric Series

• ECON 510 Econometrics 1 (3 credits)
• ECON 511 Econometrics 2 (3 credits)
• ECON 512 Econometrics 3 (3 credits)
• ECON 513 Modeling (3 credits)

Microeconomic Series

• ECON 520 Microeconomic Theory - Part 1 (3 credits)
• ECON 521 Microeconomic Theory - Part 2 (3 credits)

Macroeconomic Series

• ECON 530 Macroeconomic Theory - Part 1 (3 credits)
• ECON 531 Macroeconomic Theory - Part 2 (3 credits)

Financial Economic Series

• ECON 543 Introduction to Financial Economics (3 credits)
• ECON 544 Financial Economics II: Theory and Practice of Derivatives (3 credits)
• ECON 545 Financial Economics III: Risk Management for Financial Institutions (3 credits)

Topics

• ECON 555 Economics and Environmental Policy (3 credits)
• ECON 542 Operations Research (3 credits, Elective)

4+1 Option

If you're an undergraduate business major at Cal Lutheran, you can earn your M.S. in Quantitative Economics in only one year by taking courses during your senior year.

Admissions

Admission decisions for regular graduate standing are based on a review of the following materials in the candidate's file:

1. Bachelor's degree with demonstrated quantitative ability
   • Calculus: One year required with grade of B or better
   • Statistics: One course required with grade B or better; One year recommended
   • Econometrics: One course with a B or better is highly recommended
   • Computer Programming: Some familiarity and a willingness to learn is required
2. Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher (or equivalent)
3. GRE of 1000 or GMAT of 500 (may be waived, depending upon candidate's academic background)
4. Two letters of recommendation
5. Personal Statement
6. An interview with an Admission Counselor
7. Work experience preferred but not required

Foundation courses may be needed for those who do not meet prerequisite requirements into the program. Such foundation courses do not count towards the degree

Program entry point is typically late August (Fall Term). In some cases other entry points are possible.