MS in Economic Policy and Practice

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The Master of Science in Economic Policy and Practice (MSEPP) program is an intensive three-semester course of study combining a strong foundation in economics with the management methods appropriate for students interested in careers as policy analysts and decision-makers in government, nonprofit institutions, international organizations, and the private sector. The core of the program provides a foundation in economic theory and its application, quantitative methods, and the basic tools of management analysis. The MSEPP permits in-depth specialization in two policy and management fields drawn from courses offered in both the Department of Economics and Boston University’s Questrom School of Business. Subject to departmental approval, up to four course units can be earned through an appropriate internship providing on-site working experience relevant to economics research and policy making. The MSEPP is a STEM designated degree program.

Applicants to this program should have, or be expecting, a bachelor’s degree in economics, economics and mathematics, or a closely related discipline (from an institution recognized by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences).

Course Requirements

Candidates must complete a minimum of 12 semester courses (48 units). Requirements in micro- and macro-economic theory, statistics and econometrics are the same as those for the MS in Quantitative Economics.

The MSEPP requires:

  • Four economics core courses (EC 501, EC 502, EC 507, and EC 508) plus, if needed, EC 505

These courses provide the basic analytic and quantitative training needed for the entire program. See Master’s Program description for details.

  • Two management core courses

These courses cover some fundamental aspects of management methods, including data analysis, financial analysis, or accounting principles.

  • Two fields, each consisting of two appropriate courses selected from the economics Master’s offerings in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS) and the MBA offerings in the Questrom School of Business. Possible fields include:
    • Economic Development
    • Finance
    • Health
    • Industry
    • International Trade and Finance
    • Labor Economics
    • Marketing
    • Money and Capital Markets
    • Public Economics
    • Environmental Economics
    • Markets and Regulation
  • Two additional elective courses

The field and elective courses make effective use of the students’ analytic and quantitative skills acquired through the economic core courses, and reinforce this training by providing further opportunities for the application of mathematical modeling and quantitative methods. All field and elective courses emphasize critical thinking and problem solving; some of these courses also aim to advance the students’ knowledge of quantitative methods; and many of them require students to undertake independent research, scholarship, or field projects.

For exact program requirements, see the departmental rules and regulations.

Graduate Internships

Subject to academic advising and departmental approval, up to 4 course units can be earned through an internship providing on-site working experience relevant to economics research and policymaking.

Language Requirement

There is no foreign language requirement for this degree.

Core Competency Requirement

In addition to passing the necessary number of eligible course units, students in all five master’s programs (MSQE, MSEPP, MAGDE, BA/MSQE and MBA/MSQE) must demonstrate core competence in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Statistics and Econometrics. Prior to academic year 2024-2025, they are required to do so by passing the Master’s Comprehensive Exam. For students who start the master’s programs in or after the spring semester of 2024, the core competency requirement will be satisfied by taking and earning passing grades in all four master’s core courses — EC501, EC502, EC507 and EC508.

Time Requirement

All courses and examinations must be completed within 3 years of the original registration in Boston University’s Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. International students may be subject to additional restrictions imposed by the terms of their visas, as governed by the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO).

The Master’s Programs Rules apply to all master’s degrees.