Learn to turn data into direction for business organizations.
Join us for an online open house to get your questions answered about graduate programs and the admissions process. Meet admissions staff, financial aid professionals, faculty, and academic advisors from various graduate programs. Learn more about your journey at UMass Boston.
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Develop the analytical skills employers value through a program that combines economic theory with applied research. Learn alongside supportive faculty who are invested in your success and help connect you with career opportunities across government, consulting, finance, technology, and more. Graduate ready to put your knowledge to work with confidence as a professional economist.
Conduct original research through a capstone or thesis and develop professional communication skills by presenting your findings. Graduate with the experience needed for careers as research economists, policy analysts, or for PhD-level work.
Here’s where this degree can take you:
UMass Boston’s Applied Economics MA opened doors I had never imagined possible. Through rigorous quantitative training, hands-on research and teaching opportunities, alongside close faculty mentorship, I developed the skills and confidence to pursue a career as an economist. UMass Boston connected me to internships and leadership opportunities across the Boston community, experiences that were transformative in shaping my career trajectory.Michelle B., ’24
One of the program’s greatest strengths is its flexibility for working professionals. While pursuing my degree, I continued to work full-time. The skills I was developing were so immediately applicable that I was promoted while still completing my degree. Beyond the numbers and the data, what truly sets this program apart is the community. I was able to cultivate meaningful, lasting relationships with everyone from the program director and administrative staff to the faculty members.Brian M., ’23
The program provided me with the skills to excel in the country’s premier doctoral program for heterodox economics. The emphasis on empirical applications is invaluable. Gaining competency in STATA along with practical know-how of statistical modelling was crucial for my success in my PhD coursework. It offered a unique space for exploring alternative paradigms that reach beyond the mainstream orthodoxy. This sets UMass Boston apart at a time when critical inquiry is more important than ever.Michael T., ’22
The Applied Economics program at UMass Boston played an important role in shaping my ideas and understanding about the economy. The faculty’s diverse economic perspectives created a rich learning environment and a well-rounded education. Their mentorship strengthened my research and analytical skills for real-world application. From data analysis to communicating complex findings, I continue to use the tools I gained from the program daily in my work as a journalist covering political economy.Bansari K., ’21
Deadlines:
Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.
Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the program-specific requirements.
Estimate Your Program Cost: Get a feel for your expected program costs using the Graduate Program Cost Calculator.
Program Cost Information: Significant on-campus tuition discounts are available to residents of Massachusetts, the other New England states, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. For more detailed information on costs, visit the Bursar's website to learn more about Regular Session Tuition & Fees for in person courses and Special Price Tuition & Fees for online courses. Please refer to Financial Aid for more information.
Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:
Learn more about the Accelerated Master's Program for current UMass Boston undergraduate students.
Required Courses (17 Credits)
Electives (9 Credits)
Complete at least three of the following courses. At least three credits must be from a 600-level ECON course not already required for the program.
Research Capstone or Thesis (6 Credits)
Candidates may substitute some or all of the six required credits with independent study credits that result in a capstone of thesis.
For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.
Complete 32 credits from ten courses including five required courses, three electives, and a research capstone or thesis.
Capstone: Completion of a research paper and oral presentation.
Statute of limitations: Five years.
Graduate Program Director Jonathan Cogliano
jonathan.cogliano@umb.edu
Outreach Coordinator Chloe Manning
chloe.manning@umb.edu
Serve as a teaching and research assistant, supporting faculty projects, leading classroom discussions, and helping design and analyze research. Economics students also contribute to published work in top journals, including the Gastón Institute for Latino Community Development and Public Policy, coauthoring studies on housing, labor, demographics, and community resilience.
Explore the department and college that supports your journey in Applied Economics.
