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College of Social Sciences & Humanities

Economics

Master's

Build a deep foundation in economic theory, quantitative methods, and analysis tools, and prepare to lead as a professional economist, government official, or consultant, or in other key public or private roles.

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Program Format
On ground
Time Commitment
Part time, Full time
Duration
1 - 2 Year(s)
Entry Term(s)
Fall, Spring
Meets F1 visa requirements
Yes

Program overview

Become an economics leader

Northeastern’s Master of Science in Economics program lets you learn from leading faculty and get a degree that allows you to earn more throughout your career.

You’ll build a foundation in economic theory and quantitative methods, and learn to apply the tools of economic analysis to areas including policy, business strategy, market analysis, and financial decision-making. The STEM-designated curriculum brings an applied approach to the topics and disciplines that drive economic innovation.

You can personalize your degree with a choice of tracks in policy, quantitative analysis, or academics—or opt for a concentration in the fast-growing world of data science. The program includes the opportunity to gain professional experience with an optional full-time paid co-op.

Data Science

The MS in Economics program offers a data science concentration for students interested in applying data-driven analytical techniques to economic and business challenges. This concentration integrates core economic theory with cutting-edge data science methodologies, equipping you with the technical skills and economic intuition necessary for careers in data analytics, financial technology, consulting, and policy analysis.

Completing this concentration demonstrates your expertise in in both economic analysis and modern data science techniques. This interdisciplinary skill-set prepares you for roles in data-driven industries, research institutions, and policymaking organizations.

Northeastern University is the No. 1 U.S. school for co-ops and internships (U.S. News & World Report, 2025), with work opportunities around the globe.

As a student in the MS in Economics program, you’ll have the opportunity to gain built-in work experience with an optional six-month full-time paid co-op.

Recent co-op partners have included Charles River Laboratories, FEMA, Fidelity Investments, McKinsey & Company, Storyminers, Tempus AI, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Wayfair, and many more.

  • Complete the program full or part time in as few as eight courses.
  • Study in Seattle, a finance and investment hub and home to leading financial services organizations.
  • Gain experience as you study—participate in an optional co-op at one of our 3,800 partner organizations where you’ll work and earn a paycheck.
  • Learn from influential and diverse faculty who drive economic change across industries.
  • Benefit from small class sizes, a community-oriented campus, and the perspectives of colleagues from around the globe.
  • Study and network with high-performing, high-achieving classmates from a variety of backgrounds.
  • Use your master’s degree as a stepping stone toward your PhD.
  • Be automatically considered for scholarships when you apply.

College of Social Sciences and Humanities alums connect you with lifelong opportunities. Graduates are building careers at organizations including:

  • Aetna
  • Amazon
  • Boston Planning and Development Agency
  • Berkshire Hathaway
  • Bose Corporation
  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • Concentric Energy Advisors
  • CVS Health
  • Deloitte
  • Federal Communications Commission
  • FEMA
  • Fidelity Investments
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Harvard Business Publishing
  • Huawei
  • Kaplan
  • Kingdomly
  • MGM Resorts International
  • NBC Universal
  • Paydiant
  • Princess Cruises
  • Public Health Institute
  • PwC
  • RAND Corporation
  • S&P Global
  • Scotiabank
  • State Street
  • Straumann Group
  • TD Bank
  • Tempus AI
  • The Home Depot
  • UNICEF

Admissions

Apply to the program

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.


Fall Term

Final deadline for international applicants:June 15
Final deadline for domestic applicants: August 15

Spring Term

Final deadline for international applicants: October 1
Final deadline for domestic applicants: December 15

  • Application

  • Application fee 

  • Personal statement

  • Resumé

  • Three letters of recommendation

  • Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended

    • The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)

  • English proficiency for international applicants

Program objectives

Prepare for success

Gain a solid foundation in economic theory, quantitative methods, and policy—preparing you for multi-industry career opportunities.

Build a practical framework

Learn to apply the tools of economic analysis to areas including policy, business strategy, market analysis, and financial decision-making.

Leverage unparalleled resources

Connect to Northeastern’s top-tier research facilities and partnerships and participate in meaningful outreach opportunities on campus and in our communities.

Available tracks

Policy

Designed for students interested in economic policy and policy analysis, this track offers a focus on applying economic theories to real-world policy challenges, preparing you for roles in government, think tanks, and policy-oriented organizations.

Quantitative analysis

Ideal for students aiming for careers in data-driven decision-making, this track emphasizes advanced statistical, econometric, and computational methods, equipping you with the skills to analyze complex economic data and work in industries such as finance, consulting, and tech.

Academic

Tailored for students considering a PhD in economics, this track includes rigorous coursework in advanced economic theory and econometrics, providing a strong foundation for doctoral studies and academic research.

Market outlook
Industry at a glance
Here's a look at current market trends and the career landscape.

Occupations

Cost of attendance

Tuition and financial aid

  • $50,848 - $54,026
    Tuition in USD

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.

Visit tuition & financial aid

Total Cost of Attendance: This figure reflects the cost-per-credit pricing for the current academic year. The total cost of attendance is dependent on the pace at which students complete the program. Please visit the Student Financial Services site for a more detailed breakdown of pricing per credit and other program fees.

Studying in Seattle

Home to tomorrow's tech leaders

A woman and man are walking and smiling outside a building. The building's entrance displays a large red letter "N" with the text "Celebrating 10 years in Seattle" below it. They are both dressed in business attire.

Known for its history of technological innovation, Seattle is the perfect place to start or advance a career in STEM. Northeastern has strong partnerships with global leaders and startups in the industry, hosts hackathons and other experience-based events, and provides pathways to tech for students of any background.

#1

U.S. city with the most cutting-edge tech workers

(Wall Street Journal, 2023)

#2

Best U.S. city for STEM professionals

(WalletHub, 2024)

#4

Most livable city in the U.S.

(EIU, 2024)

Connect with us

Want more information?

We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team. 

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