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Our 12-credit Graduate Certificate in Applied Economic Analysis gives you an advantage in the workforce by training you in the quantitative analytic skills that employers value. 

Over the next decade, the outlook for economists indicates the profession will grow 22%  in Montana and 13% nationwide - faster than the average for all occupations.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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About the program

Our Graduate Certificate in Applied Economic Analysis provides advanced training in econometrics and data analysis.This 12-credit certificate may be completed by advanced undergraduate students by setting aside graduate course credit. There is no paper or thesis requirement. After obtaining the certificate, students may choose to apply to our M.S. in Applied Economics program. Graduate credits earned in the certificate can be transferred, allowing advanced undergraduate students to fast-track into a graduate program. (Note: Certificate is not funded by the department, but students may use scholarships toward completion of the program.)

This program is geared toward:

  • Current MSU undergraduates who want to add graduate level skills while completing their undergraduate degree
  • Professionals and MSU employees interested in graduate level economics courses without the commitment of a thesis-based master's program. 
  • Graduate students in other quantitative fields at MSU who would like to add economics or econometric analysis to their toolkit.

Prerequisites

  • Intermediate Microeconomics or Macroeconomics Theory
  • Econometrics or regression analysis equivalent
  • Calculus I and II
  • 3.25 GPA in required courses

Requirements

12 credits. Each course is three credits:

  • ECNS 560: Advanced Data Analytics for Economics
  • ECNS 561: Introduction to Econometrics
  • ECNS 562: Econometrics II
  • Elective course: ECNS 502 (Macroeconomic Theory) or ECNS 503 (Microeconomic Theory)

Sample Plan for Undergraduate Students

  • Junior Year (Spring): ECNS 502 Macroeconomic Theory  +  12 undergraduate credits
  • Senior Year (Fall): ECNS 460 Advanced Data Analytics for Economics + ECNS 561 Econometrics I + 12 undergraduate credits
  • Senior Year (Spring):  ECNS 562 Econometrics II + 12 other undergraduate credits

Students may not double-count courses for their undergraduate and graduate programs. Must obtain a grade of B or better in all coursework to be counted toward the certificate.

Admission into the Graduate Certificate in Applied Economic Analysis program is performed on a rolling basis with applications reviewed year-round. 

Interested in a Master's Degree? Visit our M.S. in Applied Economics page.