Master of Science in Economics and Policy Analysis

Master of Science in Economics and Policy Analysis

The M.S. in Economics and Policy Analysis (M.S.-E.P.A.) gives students a distinguished and marketable set of skills in economic theory as it applies to policy analysis. In this 13 course program, students learn how to conduct statistical and econometric research grounded in sound economic models using data from multiple sources on different policy issues. In addition, students will be able to explain their results and policy recommendations not only to economists, but also to non-economists, politicians, and the general public.

M.S.-E.P.A. graduates can find employment in the private sector working for corporations in governmental relations departments, in federal and state governmental agencies, in trade associations or lobbying firms, or in the not-for-profit sector.

In this course of study, students will:

• Develop a Master’s level knowledge of applied economic theory.
• Learn the economic and political functions of government and how the two functions interact with each other in the public sector.
• Learn to conduct econometric research -- collect, interpret, manipulate, and analyze policy-related data.
• Develop writing skills to communicate research findings to a variety of audiences including business professionals, economists, policy makers, and the public at large.
• Have the opportunity to participate in Congressional Research Fellowships, if accepted through a separate application process, which will give students hands-on experience in a policy making environment. The fellowships will also allow participating students to develop extensive career networks which lead to employment opportunities.

Graduates can pursue careers in both the private and public sectors as analysts in trade associations, in business development and government relations departments, and in all levels of the public and not-for-profit sector.

PREQUISITE REQUIREMENTS

Students must have completed a course in Principles of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics as well as differential calculus prior to admission to the MS-EPA program.

CURRICULUM

Students in the MS-EPA program complete 13 courses (52 credit hours). The degree consists of 11 required core courses plus two elective courses. Students may apply for a two-course equivalent Congressional Research Fellowship, or in lieu of the fellowship students may take two elective courses. New students will be admitted each fall.

Students may enroll in the program on a full-time or part-time basis. Classes for the full-time program are generally offered during the daytime. The typical full-time student will finish the program in five quarters. Students will be advised to take no more than three courses per term. Students attending the program part-time will typically take two evening courses per quarter and finish the program in six quarters.

Core Courses (44 credit hours):

• WRD 586: WRITING FOR PUBLIC POLICY
• ECO 505: MICROECONOMIC ANALYSIS
• ECO 506: MACROECONOMIC ANALYSIS
• ECO 515: MICROECONOMICS OF MARKET ORGANIZATION
• ECO 516: ECONOMICS OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR I
• ECO 557: INTERNATIONAL TRADE
• ECO 520: ECONOMICS OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR II
• ECO 507: RESEARCH METHODS FOR POLICY ANALYSIS I
• ECO 508: RESEARCH METHODS FOR POLICY ANALYSIS II
• ECO 521: POLICY AND REGULATION IN FINANCIAL MARKETS
• ECO 527: BUSINESS REGULATION & ANTITRUST

Elective Courses (8 credit hours):

• ECO 798: CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP I
• ECO 798: CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP II (TAKEN CONCURRENTLY WITH CRF I FOR A TOTAL OF 8 CREDIT HOURS.)
• ECO 512 APPLIED TIME SERIES AND FORECASTING
• ECO 514 INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATION
• ECO 518 LABOR ECONOMICS AND LABOR RELATIONS
• ECO 550 REGIONAL AND URBAN ECONOMICS
• ECO 558 INTERNATIONAL MACROECONOMICS
• ECO 576 ADVANCED ECONOMETRIC METHODS
• ECO 526 BUSINESS STRATEGY
• ECO 798 ECONOMICS OF INNOVATION

CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

Students in the M.S.-E.P.A. program will have the opportunity to participate in a Congressional Research Fellowship during which students will work full-time on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. for 12-16 weeks. Students will be immersed in policy making, analysis, and research. Students will also have a unique opportunity to develop an extensive network with current and former staffers on Capitol Hill.

The Congressional Research Fellowship is a two-course package in which both courses are taken simultaneously. Students may not take any other courses during the quarter they take the Congressional Research Fellowship courses. Students will be responsible for all expenses incurred during their fellowship.

In order to be eligible for the fellowship, students must have earned a course grade of B or better in ECO 505, ECO 506, WRD 586, and ECO 507 (Research Methods I). In addition to the academic requirements, students must also have departmental approval. Students must participate in a seminar on present issues being addressed on Capitol Hill and appropriate protocol to be followed when in Washington before beginning their fellowship.

M.S.E.P.A. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

1. Satisfactory completion of the college residency requirement.

2. Satisfactory completion of the thirteen required courses.

3. All courses for credit toward the degree must be completed within six calendar years after the candidate’s first term of enrollment in the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. After a lapse of six years a course is expired. An expired course is not acceptable for the purpose of satisfaction of degree requirements and is not applicable to the degree without the written approval of the director of the program or the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business.

Admission

General Admission Requirements

• Completed application form and application fee

Apply online. There is a $60 application fee which may be paid with a check or money order payable to DePaul University. Online applicants may pay by credit card.

• Resume/curriculum vitae

Your professional resume should summarize your work experience and educational background. Please limit it to two pages.

• Official transcripts

Students must send official transcripts from any universities, colleges or community colleges attended. A student's application for admission is considered incomplete until all transcripts are received.

• Educational Credentials For International Students or Programs

Applicants must submit transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, including those attended but from which no credit was earned. Exceptions may be permitted for study-abroad credit when that credit is clearly defined and displayed on the home institution transcript.

• Applicants with non-U.S. educational credentials are required to submit their official educational credentials (e.g., transcripts, mark sheets, degree certificates, graduation diplomas) and evaluation fee directly to one of the three evaluation companies below:

- Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.

- Educational Perspectives​

- One Earth International Credential Evaluation

These evaluators will then provide DePaul with a general evaluation of their studies and certified copies of their international educational credentials which will be used during admission review. Please direct any questions about required credentials to the evaluation company you have selected and not to the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. DePaul will not accept evaluations from any other evaluation companies and will not accept any educational credentials without an evaluation from ECE, EP or One Earth.

• English proficiency

Non-native English speakers who have not completed a bachelor's or master's degree in the United States should submit scores from a recognized English proficiency test. The Kellstadt Graduate School of Business accepts results from TOEFL, IELTS and the Pearson Test of English (PTE).

• Essay Questions

Two essay questions, contained within the admission application, are required for all applicants.

• GMAT/GRE

Applicants to the M.S. in Economic Policy Analysis programs may submit either GRE or GMAT scores. GMAT information including dates, a list of test centers, and applications for the exam may be obtained at mba.com, or by contacting Pearson VUE at (951) 681-3000. The GMAT score report must come directly from Pearson VUE. A test taken more than five years prior to the date of application is not considered valid for admission purposes and would have to be retaken. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) information can be obtained at ets.org/gre​​. Like the GMAT, GRE scores are also valid for five years.

The GMAT can be waived online the following circumstances: applicants to the MBA program who have completed a J.D., M.D. or Ph.D.

• Letters of Recommendation

Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation. These are best received from current or previous employers. Be sure the name of the recommender and applicant name, applicant date of birth and program being applied to of interest are noted on each form.

• Interview

The Admission Committee may require applicants to schedule an interview if necessary.

Deadlines

Applications must be submitted by July 1st. Applications received after July 1st will be considered on a space available basis.