MS in Applied Economics
Economic analysis is no longer relegated to academicians and a small number of PhD-trained specialists. Instead, economics has become an increasingly ubiquitous and rapidly changing line of inquiry that requires people with the specialized skills to analyze and interpret economic data, and the ability to make decisions about national and global markets and policy. Such skills are a vital part of everything from health care to fiscal policy, from foreign aid to the environment, and from financial risk to real risk.
The Master of Science in Applied Economics program develops skills in economic reasoning and in constructing and estimating economic models through the use of econometrics and other quantitative techniques. This is accomplished by a rigorous and demanding curriculum and a talented and dedicated staff of instructors. The program comprises 10 courses, with classes offered at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center at 555 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., and online.
Admissions Criteria for All Advanced Academic Programs
Program-Specific Requirements
In addition to the materials and credentials required for all programs, the Master of Science in Applied Economics program also requires:
- Resume
- Statement of purpose: Please provide a statement, up to one page in length, describing your personal background and/or a part of your life experience that has shaped you or your goals. Feel free to elaborate on personal challenges and opportunities that have influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree at Johns Hopkins.
- Two letters of recommendation
- Program-specific prerequisite courses:
- One semester of introductory microeconomics, passed with at least a B
- One semester of introductory macroeconomics, passed with at least a B
- One semester of undergraduate statistics, passed with at least a B
- One undergraduate course that covers multivariate calculus, passed with at least a B
Program Requirements
Students in the MS in Applied Economics program must complete:
- Three required core courses
- One customizable core course
- Six elective courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses - Required: | ||
| All three courses are required | 9 | |
| Microeconomic Theory | ||
| Macroeconomic Theory | ||
| Econometrics | ||
| Core Courses - Customizable: | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Macroeconometrics [Time-Series Analysis] | ||
| Macroeconomic Forecasting [Time Series Analysis] | ||
| Financial Econometrics [Time-Series Analysis] | ||
| Microeconometrics [Cross-Section and Panel Analysis] | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select six of the following: | 18 | |
| Macroeconometrics [Time-Series Analysis] | ||
| Macroeconomic Forecasting [Time Series Analysis] | ||
| Bayesian Econometrics | ||
| Financial Econometrics [Time-Series Analysis] | ||
| Microeconometrics [Cross-Section and Panel Analysis] | ||
| Cost-Benefit Analysis | ||
| Computable General Equilibrium Modeling | ||
| Machine Learning in Statistics | ||
| Monetary Economics | ||
| Topics in Macroeconomics and Finance | ||
| Economic Growth | ||
| International Finance (Open Economy Macro) | ||
| Financial Economics | ||
| Financial Intermediation & Financial Markets | ||
| Economics of Investments and Financial Management | ||
| Behavioral Economics & Finance | ||
| Economics of Derivatives | ||
| Environmental & Resource Economics | ||
| Economics of the Labor Market | ||
| Political Economy | ||
| Industrial Organization | ||
| Public Economics | ||
| Development Microeconomics | ||
| International Trade (Open Economy Micro) | ||
| Regional Economics | ||
| Urban Economics | ||
| Economics of Health Care | ||
| Game Theory | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Optional Thesis (AS.440.692)
Students may undertake their own research project as an 11th program course for three additional credits at full tuition. Prior to proposing a project, interested students must clearly identify a research topic and submit a formal proposal for review and approval to the Thesis Research Committee, to be received no later than two months prior to the beginning of the term in which the student plans to enroll in the course. The proposal must follow the Applied Economics Thesis Guidelines, which can be obtained by contacting the program director.
The committee will help identify a mentor who is familiar with the student's prospective inquiry and is willing to provide guidance and oversee the project. The mentor must be faculty teaching at the Johns Hopkins University, but the availability of a mentor cannot be guaranteed. Students must meet with the mentor periodically for discussion of the project's progress, onsite or online, and must complete a research paper, to be approved by the mentor and the committee.
Enrollment of the student is undertaken by the program director.
Prerequisites: All four core courses and Microeconometrics or Macroeconometrics, and one or more Applied Economics courses in the substantive area of the proposed research, plus a strong academic record (at least B+ average) in at least eight program courses.