Quantitative Economics

Yeshiva University’s MS in Quantitative Economics (MQE) degree is a 12-month STEM program in which you will master micro, macro, and financial economics. In addition, you will be trained in statistical and computational aspects of economics, with applications to fields such as macro-labor economics, public finance, monetary policy, financial economics and market design.

The Quantitative Edge

The master’s in Quantitative Economics is “quantitative” – and unique – for the following reasons:

• It leads to model-based quantitative analyses via simulation, computation, and estimation of models.
• It emphasizes a broader scope than many applied economics programs.
• It focuses on the mechanisms behind economic and social institutions, in addition to institutional, geographic, and historical details.

The master’s in Quantitative Economics is ideal for students with backgrounds in economics, mathematics, engineering, science, and related fields. The program features project-based coursework and small class sizes, enabling deep interaction with research-active faculty. Classes are held in midtown Manhattan, giving you easy access to professional networking opportunities in some of the city’s most prominent businesses, government organizations, and NGOs. In addition, because the MQE is a recognized STEM degree, international students will be eligible for extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work in the United States for a fixed period of time after graduation. This is the ideal way to apply what you learn in the quantitative economics program to the professional context.

Upon graduation, you will be prepared for a range of analytical and research-based careers, including jobs such as Economist and Econometrician, Financial Analyst, Quantitative Analyst, Compliance Manager, and more. In addition, for students who are interested in doctoral study, we can help you succeed in the global competition for PhD admissions. Our graduates have enrolled in PhD programs at the University of Rochester, the Toulouse School of Economics, and other prestigious universities.

Optional Semester Abroad with Paris 1 University Pantheon-Sarbonne

The MQE has partnered with the Paris 1 University Pantheon-Sorbonne to give selected MQE students the opportunity to spend one semester in Paris, France, taking advanced courses in quantitative economics. In particular, MQE students will have access to the MSc in Models and Methods of Quantitative Economics 'Erasmus Mundus' (QEM). This program is run in partnership with other European universities, including Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Spain), IMW - Institute of Mathematical Economics of Universität Bielefeld (Germany) and Università Ca' Foscari Venezia (Italy), and attracts each year about 50 students from all over the world.

The MS in Quantitative Economics is an intensive 30-credit, 12-month program covering both the theory and practice of quantitative economics. You will receive rigorous training in micro, macro, and financial economics, obtaining broad knowledge of financial and corporate finance and their applications to the financial market. You will also be trained in statistical and computational aspects of economics, with applications to fields such as macro-labor economics, public finance, monetary policy, financial economics, and market design. Classes are kept small to foster personal interaction with faculty members, and to put you in contact with our department’s latest and most cutting-edge research. Econometrics classes are complemented with hands-on lab sessions.

Required Courses:

• Mathematics for Economists - Dr. Ran Shao; syllabus
• Mathematical Statistics - Pablo Crespo; syllabus
• Macroeconomics I - Dr. Omer Acigkoz; syllabus
• Microeconomics I - Ayse Yagli; syllabus
• Econometrics - Pablo Crespo; syllabus
• Microeconomics II - Dr. Gaetano Bloise; syllabus
• Macroeconomics II - Dr. James Kahn; syllabus
• Independent Study (internship or research paper)
• Two Electives (see options below)

Electives:

• Quantitative Macroeconomics - Dr. Omer Acikgoz ; syllabus
• Financial Economics - Dr. Alessandro Citanna; syllabus
• Corporate Financial Economics
• Market Design - Dr. Tadashi Hashimoto; syllabus
• Topics in Game Theory and Industrial Organization
• Monetary Economics

Program Schedule

Year 1 - Fall Semester

• Mathematics for Economists
• Mathematical Statistics  
• Macroeconomics I
• Microeconomics I  

Year 1 - Spring Semester

• Econometrics
• Microeconomics II
• Macroeconomics II
• Two Electives

Year 1 - Summer Semester

• Independent study: Students have the option to complete a 3-4 month research internship in a research laboratory or equivalent institution, or to complete a research paper under the supervision of a faculty member. Students who complete the internship must also submit a written report.

Year 2 - Fall Semester (optional semester at Universite Pantheon-Sorbonne in Paris, France)

Selected students can opt to skip electives in the spring semester, and instead, take two electives at Universite Pantheon-Sorbonne (Paris 1) in Paris, France. The MSc in Models and Methods in Quantitative Economics offers a variety of options for electives. See here for the program description, and see here for a list of first year courses. The program is housed at the Maison des Sciences Economiques, located in downtown Paris. This option is useful to those who want to continue their studies in a PhD program, to specialize in fields that are not covered by our electives, or to pursue a business career in Europe. 

• Official undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts from any college(s) or universities you have attended. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted through the online application for initial review to start the admission process
• Bachelor's degree(s) with a minimum overall 3.3 GPA (4.0 GPA in quantitative coursework including: multivariate calculus or its equivalent, basic linear algebra, advanced calculus, real analysis, or equivalent) from an accredited institution, where all earned degree credits were received towards the degree
• Official GRE score results for verbal, quantitative and writing (no minimum score requirement) (MQE code: 0067)
• Official TOEFL score result is required for international applicants who have completed a bachelor's degree from an institution in a non-English-speaking country. (MQE code: 1698)
• Resume
• Personal Statement (a brief 2–5 pages) describing your goals in pursuing graduate study in economics at Yeshiva University
• Two professional and/or academic recommendation letters (can be requested through online application)