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Master of Science in Economics

In organizations of all sizes and sectors — from finance to government and regulatory agencies — there is a need for experienced professionals who can see past short-term turbulence to examine long-term trends.

The Master of Science in Economics program from the Drexel School of Economics integrates training in core economics, rigorous quantitative methods and policy analysis to give students an understanding of how markets and economies function. Required classes for this STEM-designated degree provide a solid foundation in the more technical areas of economics, including micro- and macroeconomic theory, statistics and econometrics.

Informed by Drexel’s over 100-year history of partnering with industry leaders, such as Comcast, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, JPMorgan Chase, UBS and more, the program features renowned faculty and a curriculum built on experiential learning — allowing students to put their skills in data analysis and forecasting into practice through real-life data sets and applications.

This master’s program is ideal for those interested in becoming practitioners in industry, the financial sector, government, regulatory agencies or international organizations. Available options for rigorous training in mathematics and advanced theory also make this program ideal for students who aspire to a PhD in Economics or plan to work in economic research.

Housed in Our Business School

Unlike other programs, our School of Economics is part of Drexel's LeBow College of Business, providing access to a wider variety of courses and a vast array of experiential learning opportunities.

A STEM-designated Degree

LeBow’s MS in Economics is a STEM-designated Degree Program. Students with an F-1 visa can apply for a 24-month OPT Extension if they meet noted criteria.

Faculty Experts Lead in the Classroom

Research-active faculty provide unrivaled access as experts who understand recent developments in theory and applied methods and how they are being used to address current economic issues.

Real-World Experience for Real-World Impact

Research-driven consulting projects, industry speakers, case competitions and other engagements allow students to learn from companies such as Pennsylvania Distilling Company, Blue Line Solutions and more.

Program Rankings

#1

MS in Economics in Pennsylvania

#8

MS in Economics in the Northeast

#41

MS in Economics in the U.S.

Source: TFE Times, 2024 Best Master’s of Economics Programs

MS in Economics Curriculum

Economics and related business electives are offered in many disciplines, including managerial economics, public finance, game theory and health economics. Students can also take courses in other Drexel LeBow disciplines such as finance or management. Courses are also available through Drexel’s Public Policy program and Mathematics Department.

Learn more about this program in the Drexel catalog
View MS in Economics sample plans of study

Program Options

Offered on campus in Philadelphia, Drexel LeBow’s MS in Economics is available in both full-time and part-time options to fit the student’s individual needs. The program can be completed in as little as 18 months or on a more relaxed timeline.

Full-Time on Campus

Complete in as little as 18 months

Part-Time on Campus

Complete in 24 to 36 months

Tracks

Students can choose from three tracks to customize their learning experience.

Public Policy Track

Economics is indispensable for understanding the intended and unintended consequences of public policies and other interventions. Students in this track combine coursework in economics with courses in either public policy offered through the College of Arts and Sciences or courses in urban strategy offered through the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design. This track is ideal for students who wish to pursue careers in government or nonprofits.

Applied Industry Track

The study of economics provides students with insight into market dynamics, pricing mechanisms, sources of competitive advantage and the macroeconomic environment within which firms operate. Students in the applied industry track combine those skills with acumen in decision making and negotiations gained from courses in management, organizational behavior and marketing. The result is a student uniquely poised to solve future business challenges. This track is ideal for students seeking roles in private industry.

Academic Research Track

Success in many doctoral programs require that students have a solid foundation in quantitative reasoning. Students in this track may supplement the economics curriculum with courses in mathematics, and with the approval of the instructor, doctoral level courses in economics. This track is ideal for students who seek to enter PhD programs in business, public policy, public health, economics or other social sciences.

Experiential Learning for Graduate Students

A practical, hands-on approach is embedded into graduate programs at LeBow, integrating experiential learning across all components of the student experience. Research-driven consulting projects, industry speakers, competitions and other engagements allow students to learn from companies such as Philadelphia Gas Works, Lavazza and more.

Learn more about graduate experiential learning

Caleb Fitzpatrick, MS '24

The economics faculty were enormously helpful to me. They were engaged, active and willing to help.

Research Assistant

Federal Reserve Bank of Boston

Read more about Caleb
Cramer Student Photo 4

I had access to top-ranked research in international trade.

Associate Economist

Read more about Kristopher
Leigh-Ann Wilkins

The network here is so strong — when you are looking for an internship, those connections are there.

Quantitative Analyst II

Read more about Leigh-Ann

More Ways to Study Economics

Related Graduate Economics Minors

Graduate minors highlight Drexel’s collaborative and interdisciplinary spirit by allowing students to take interrelated graduate-level courses outside of their graduate program. Students can enrich their graduate studies in economics with supplemental knowledge and skills that provide additional professional expertise and focus.

Examples of minors that may benefit MS in Economics students include:

  • Computer Science
  • Business Analytics Management
  • Project Management (offered online)
  • Health Economics
  • Finance

Browse graduate minors in the Drexel Catalog

Dual Degrees

While earning an MS in Economics, students can also choose to pursue another LeBow graduate degree; the College offers the ability to share up to 15 credits between two of its degree programs allowing students to maximize their time and financial investment.

Explore dual degrees

Career Outcomes and Support

With top-notch service, resources and programming through Drexel LeBow’s Office of Graduate Career Services and access to our alumni and partners, students are empowered with the tools and knowledge to successfully navigate today’s job market and achieve their career goals.

See where recent Drexel LeBow MS in Economics graduates landed jobs after completing their master's degree.

While earning your MS or MBA degree, after graduation or even years later, the LeBow Graduate Career Services team offers career coaching and more.

Campus and Facilities

Gerri C. LeBow Hall from Pearlman Plaza Sunset

Our 12-story, 177,500-square-foot home, Gerri C. LeBow Hall, is at the heart of the Drexel University campus, which is located in Philadelphia’s University City neighborhood, home to the city’s vibrant research and technology corridor.

Being located in Philadelphia, and within a short distance of New York and Washington D.C. means Drexel LeBow students have access, not just to our 1700+ industry partners but also to a wealth of experience from leaders in the business, research and governmental fields.

Learn more about LeBow’s campus and community

LeBow News & Events

Connect with Us

To learn more about Drexel LeBow’s master’s programs, students are encouraged to attend an information session or request additional information.

Graduate Office

215.895.2115