Master of Applied Economics

The Master of Applied Economics (MAE) degree is an industry focused program that prepares students with cutting edge skills in big data management, data analytics, advanced econometrics, and machine learning that are in high demand in business and consulting, government, and research organizations.

The program is ideal for economics students looking to gain more advanced skills but is also a great fit for students coming from other disciplines. Graduate level economics is an excellent complement to computer science, engineering, statistics, math, and other STEM fields. The MAE program is also a great option for students trained in business and other social sciences like finance, political science, philosophy, anthropology, and psychology that want to improve their career prospects by developing advanced quantitative skills. Classes are taught by leaders in their respective fields and are kept small enough to allow for extensive interaction between students and instructors.

Please note that the MAE course sequence is designed for students beginning in the Fall semester. Students who start the program in the Spring should be aware that completing the degree may require an additional semester.

Career Placements

Graduates of the MAE program have been placed successfully with a wide range of employers that put applied economic tools to work including Boeing, Charles River Associates, John Burns Research and Consulting, the USDA, and Douglas County Public Utility District. These students are applying their understanding of advanced econometrics, data analytics, and machine learning deployed in Python, R, and SQL to analyze electricity markets, real estate investing, agricultural commodity markets, and a range of other industries.

Examples of the great work being done by graduates of the MAE program:

Estela Navarro (class of 2023) is a power scheduler Douglas County PUD. Estela uses predictive models based on weather and demand trends to accurately forecast day-ahead electricity load curves. LinkedIn.

Eram Tafsir (class of 2023) uses Python, R, and Tableau analyzes a wide range of industries with predictive and machine learning models at Charles River Associates. LinkedIn.

Hunter Rowher uses predictive models to analyze real estate investment strategies as a Data Scientist at John Burns Research & Consulting. LinkedIn.

Highlights from the 2025 class

Students in the 2025 MAE class used advanced econometric and machine learning methods to examine questions critical to a wide range of industries including sports, energy, and nutrition.

Overview of the MAE program:

• Rigorous Academic Training. The program provides strong foundations in economic theory, quantitative methods, applications, and research analysis.
• Multiple Career Paths. Our goal is to enhance students’ competitiveness to succeed in professional careers in business, consulting, government, and research organizations, among others.
• Flexible Learning Schedule. Our program allows for different programs of study, but most students complete the program in one year.
• STEM designation. Our Master programs received the STEM designation by U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics. This gives international students the possibility to extend their Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to two years before moving to a work visa (such as the H1-B).

Applying to the MAE Program

The MAE degree is designed so that well-prepared students can complete it in two semesters (1 year). Some students take longer particularly if additional preparation is needed to fulfill economics, math, or statistics requirements. The MAE program can be started in either the fall or spring semester, so applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Please email Dr. Michael Brady (jluckstead@wsu.edu) if you plan to apply.

No GRE is required. Applications can be submitted at https://gradschool.wsu.edu/apply/.

Scholarship funds of approximately $3,000 are sometimes available. Assistantships are not provided for students in the MAE program.

Don’t hesitate to contact the MAE Program Director Dr. Jeff Luckstead (jluckstead@wsu.edu) if you have any questions.

 Main admission requirements:

1. GPA. Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Business, Finance, Engineering, or related fields, with a cumulative GPA of 3 or higher (out of a scale of 4). If your GPA is below 3.0, we may still consider your application if your transcript shows good grades in Economics, Statistics and/or Math courses.
2. Undergraduate courses requirements:
Expected math classes
1. Calculus (Equivalent of WSU Course: Math 171 or Math 202)
2. Statistics (Equivalent of WSU Course: Stat 212 or EconS 310)
Expected economics classes
1. Intermediate Microeconomics with Calculus (Equivalent of WSU Course: EconS 301)
2. Intermediate Macroeconomics (Equivalent of WSU Course: EconS 302)
3. Econometrics (Equivalent of WSU Course: EconS 311)
Click Here to find equivalent courses in the WSU catalog.