Master of Science in Applied Economics and Data Intelligence
Overview
Our graduate program combines skills in programming and data collection, management, and mining, with training in economic reasoning and modern econometric analytics. A joint effort between the Economics and MET Departments, the program equips students with a robust skillset poised to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving landscape of data-driven industries.
Five Reasons to Get a Master's Degree in Applied Economics and Data Intelligence at UNLV
- Dual Expertise Advantage: Gain a competitive edge with combined expertise in economic analytics and advanced data management—key skills for the data-driven economy.
- Practical Programming Skills: Acquire hands-on experience in building data systems and mining data, essential for today’s technology-driven workplaces.
- Training in Modern Econometric Analytics: Develop in-depth knowledge of quantitative economic modeling and advanced statistical methods to prepare for complex data challenges.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Benefit from an interdisciplinary approach that melds economic reasoning with MIS expertise, making you a versatile asset.
- STEM Advantage: Our STEM-designated program makes our graduates valuable in markets that highly value quantitative skills. International students can also qualify for an extended post-degree work authorization in the U.S.
Become the Next Data Pioneer: Where Econ and MIS Converge
Our program empowers students with a dual toolkit: the predictive power of economic modeling and analytics, combined with the technical prowess in data management, collection and programming from MIS expertise. By blending rigorous econometric training with practical experience in programming and data system construction, the program prepares our graduates to be participants and pioneers in the data-driven future.
In this program, you will gain hands-on experience with various analytical models and decision-support tools. Our students use these skills immediately to gather, analyze, interpret and present the critical information needed to gain an advantage in marketing, operations, product and technology innovations, financial services, human resource management, and many other areas.
Develop Your Skills Through Mentorship from Industry Experts
Our economics and MIS faculty are world-recognized experts in their fields who publish work in top-tier international academic journals and are deeply engaged in their respective communities. Our students have the opportunity to work with these professors on real-world projects to receive valuable hands-on experience.
"Our faculty prepare students to tackle the complex issues facing businesses and governments in a modern world inundated with information. Our students learn to transform complex data and marshal it to solve any challenge, regardless of size. Prepare yourself for the future with this STEM-designated degree – the path to boundless opportunities and success starts at UNLV!"Nicholas Irwin, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Economics
Career Options
The demand for professionals who possess analytical expertise and technological proficiency has never been higher. Upon receiving their degree from this program, our graduates find themselves at the forefront of this demand, ready to embark on diverse career paths. They secure jobs as consultants, data analysts, and data scientists in the following fields:
- Consulting
- Technology
- Data science
- Forecasting
- Gaming and hospitality
- Market analysis
- Healthcare administration
- Banking and finance
Data analysts are highly sought-after professionals who can expect great salaries, even at the entry-level. The degree prepares graduates for a variety of positions, including:
- Business intelligence analyst
- Data analyst
- Data scientist
- Data engineer
- Quantitative analyst
- Data analytics consultant
- Operations analyst
- Marketing analyst
"Being enrolled in the program allowed me to understand fundamentals on topics in a way I wouldn't have done otherwise. I also met Dr. Hu who improved how I approach learning. I hear her voice in my head at work all the time and to this day, she's still the best instructor I've ever had."Sia Seko, M.S. Applied Economics & Data Intelligence, Spring ‘20
Admission Requirements
The program is open to graduates from all undergraduate disciplines. To be considered, applicants must have the following:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year institution in the United States or an approved equivalent.
- Minimum GPA of 2.75 for the bachelor’s degree or 3.00 for the last 60 credit-hours.
- Proof of English proficiency (international students).
- Undergraduate coursework in the following:
- Calculus or mathematical economics, or equivalent.
- Statistics or econometrics, or equivalent.
- Note: We practice a holistic approach to reviewing applications. As such, we may accept alternative evidence of the demonstrated mathematical/statistical maturity in lieu of quantitative coursework requirements.
- Undergraduate coursework in microeconomic theory is highly recommended but not required.
- GRE/GMAT (optional effective fall 2024)
Program Structure
Our program is designed to develop analytical aptitude of students, fostering professional expertise required for generating powerful predictions through data modeling and analytics to drive critical business decisions.
- Requires 36 credit hours (12 courses), that may be finished in as little as 18 months.
- Most courses are offered during late-afternoon and evening hours, convenient for working and full-time students.
The core economics and MIS curriculum includes courses in:
- Software concepts
- Advanced software concepts
- Data management
- Big data analytics for business
- Quantitative methods for economics
- Microeconomic theory
- Econometric approaches to causal analytics
- Advanced econometric methods
- Data-driven forecasting methods for business, or business analytics
In addition to the coursework, the program requires completion of a culminating capstone experience. The capstone may entail completing one of the following:
- A client project in MIS
- An instructor-supervised empirical group project in economics
Both the Economics and MET Departments offer accelerated/bridge programs that enable high-achieving undergraduate UNLV students to start on their master of science in applied economics and data intelligence. The programs allow undergraduates to enroll in approved master’s-level courses in economics and/or MIS which can fulfill economics and/or MIS elective requirements for their bachelor’s degree. Then, assuming formal admission to a master’s program, the graduate requirements attached to these courses will be effectively waived.
The intention is to allow current undergraduate students to obtain a master’s degree via an accelerated route requiring fewer credits, thus shortening time to degree. For more information about the accelerated program in economics, email economics.gradcoord@unlv.edu. To learn more about the accelerated/bridge program in MIS, email han-fen.hu@unlv.edu.
Application Deadlines
Fall Term:
May 1 – International applicants
Aug. 1 – Domestic or permanent residence applicants
Spring Term:
Oct. 1 – International applicants
Dec. 1 – Domestic or permanent resident applicants
Summer Term:
This program does not admit students for the summer term
Program Advisors Contact
Lee Business School
Department of Economics
Emir Malikov, Ph.D.
Lee Professor of Economics and Graduate Coordinator
702-895-2792
emir.malikov@unlv.edu
Lee Business School
Department of Management, Entrepreneurship, and Technology
Han-fen Hu, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Graduate Coordinator
702-895-3796
han-fen.hu@unlv.edu
Prospective Student Contact
Lee Business School
Graduate Student Services
702-895-3655
LEEogss@unlv.edu
Catalog Information
Visit our Degrees Directory to view our catalog information.