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Applied Economics & Predictive Analytics

Master of Science (M.S.)

Gain data analytics skills grounded in economic perspectives.

The Master of Science in Applied Economics & Predictive Analytics (MSAEPA) uniquely combines applied economics with hands-on predictive analytics, giving you both the theoretical foundation and practical skills to solve real-world problems using data. No GRE required!

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
2 years
Credit hours:
30
  • Requirements
  • Tuition & Aid
  • How to Apply

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Why earn your master's in Applied Economics & Predictive Analytics?

Graduate Application Deadlines
Fall:
May 15* | Aug. 1
Spring:
Oct. 15* | Dec. 1
Summer:
March 15* | May 1

*Priority deadline

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Accredited by AACSB

Logo of AACSB

UND’s master's in Applied Economics & Predictive Analytics is geared toward students looking to capitalize on the university’s expertise in data analysis and research. Many of our students go into fields like economic research and forecasting. You'll start with a foundation in econometrics and statistical analysis, using industry-standard software such as STATA and programming languages like R and Stata. This foundation will allow you to produce quality research right away. In fact, you will complete an independent study under the supervision of a faculty advisor during your graduate studies.

You will gain skills critical to landing a career in private industry or government. You'll:

  • Be taught to apply techniques in data analytics, informed by economic theory
  • Learn a range of data design structures, such as time series data, cross-sectional data, panel and longitudinal data, and quasi-experimental data
  • Be exposed to machine learning approaches, such as classification and regression trees, clustering methods, model averaging approaches and more

This program, available both on-campus and online, gives you the flexibility to continue your career while earning your master's. Small class sizes and a student-focused culture mean learners receive individual attention and mentorship from engaged faculty members. No GRE required!

The UND MSAEPA program emphasizes applied learning, real datasets and problem-solving in areas like banking, healthcare, energy and government—industries where economic insight and data analysis are crucial.

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M.S. in Applied Economics & Predictive Analytics

  • Conduct research through UND's Institute of Policy & Business Analytics. UND’s faculty are experts in econometrics, policy analysis, energy economics and financial markets, blending academic excellence with real-world applicability.

  • This is a STEM-designated program in the areas of econometrics and quantitative economics. This program qualifies international students for extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) opportunities.

  • Hear from top economic professionals through the Korus Seminar Series and the Williams Distinguished Lectureship Series. Each semester, UND brings four speakers to campus to discuss relevant topics in economics. Attend online or on-campus.

  • Receive personalized career support through the Pancratz Career Development Center. The center is dedicated exclusively to career development for online and on-campus Nistler College of Business & Public Administration students.

  • Study at a Carnegie R1 Institution ranked #144 by the NSF. In 2025, just 187 American universities held the R1 status.

  • Undergraduates in the B.B.A. in Business Economics, B.B.A. in Banking and Financial Economics and the B.A. in Economics are eligible for consideration for the Accelerated Economics (B.A. and M.S.) degree program. You can earn your MSAEPA degree in just one extra year. 

What can you do with a master's in Applied Economics & Predictive Analytics?

132K

Estimated salary for the top 10% market research analysts, 2022

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

13%

Expected employment growth for market research analysts and marketing specialists by 2032

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Data analysts gather data, organize it and use it to write research and present meaningful conclusions. The type of work varies by the type of data being used, everything from sales to social media to inventory. The MSAEPA is ideal for those seeking careers in data analytics, data consulting and forecasting. A master's in applied economics puts you in position to launch a career in:

  • Economic Development
  • Strategic Planning
  • Consulting
  • Financial and Business Analysis
  • Applied Research

Graduates go on to careers in business analytics, economic consulting financial forecasting, policy research and data-driven decision-making roles in sectors such as finance, healthcare, energy and government. UND students with a master's in applied economics have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • U.S. Bancorp
  • UnitedHealth Group, Inc.
  • Vaco, LLC
  • Affiliated Computer Services, Inc.
  • Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

UND offers competitive tuition and a strong return on investment and delivers a high-quality education at an affordable cost. As North Dakota’s flagship institution, UND has strong regional brand recognition and employer partnerships, particularly in the Upper Midwest, enhancing students' career connections and internship opportunities.

M.S. Applied Economics & Predictive Analytics Courses

ECON 411. Economic Forecasting. 3 Credits.

An introduction to Economics Forecasting and Time Series Analysis. The course will cover specifications and estimation of ARMA models, seasonality, non-stationarity, unit roots and forecast evaluations. Empirical applications are used throughout the course. Prerequisite: ECON 410 or ECON 506. S.

ECON 506. Econometrics. 3 Credits.

Econometric analysis of economic and financial data. Topics include simple linear regression, multiple linear regression, and nonlinear regression functions. Techniques for dealing with violations of the regression models assumptions, including multicollinearity, heteroskedasticity, measurement error, endogeneity, and autocorrelation. Additional topics include binary variables, instrumental variable regression, big data, and time-series models. Estimation and testing of economic models will be an important part of the course. Prerequisite: Admission to the MBA or MSAE program, and department consent required. F,S.

ECON 438. International Money and Finance. 3 Credits.

This course aims to help students understand international finance. The course introduces to the students the foreign exchange market, theory of exchange rate in the short run and in the long run, determinants of capital flows, current account balances, two regimes of exchange rates, exchange rate crises, and Euro. Prerequisite: ECON 309. F.

ECON 565. Demographic Methods for Economics. 3 Credits.

We examine the three key demographic processes: mortality, fertility, and migration . The course emphasis will be on model development for each of the processes. Applications include economic policy issues such as pensions, medical insurance , and other current issues. Prerequisite: ECON 210. SS.

ECON 545. Quantitative Methods for Impact Evaluation & Causal Inference. 3 Credits.

This course aims to familiarize the student with the current literature on the economics and econometrics of policy and program evaluation . Prerequisite or Corequisite: ECON 506. S.

ECON 504. Microeconomic Theory & Applications. 3 Credits.

Economic theory and methodology; theory of consumer behavior and demand; theory of production and distribution; equilibrium in commodity and factor markets; general equilibrium and welfare; behavior of economic agents in imperfect competition. Particular attention is given to efficiency and equity ramifications of perfectly competitive economic systems. Prerequisite: ECON 308. Prerequisite or Corequisite: ECON 416. F.

Best Online Applied Economics Master's

#2 Master's Programs Guide

#3 The Best Master's Degrees

#4 Affordable Colleges Online

#4 OnlineU

#4 Intelligent

#9 Online Master's Degrees

Year after year, U.S. News recognizes UND online graduate business programs. It points out our accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the gold standard of business school accreditation. Our students appreciate our affordable tuition rates. Online master's in Applied Economics students pay the same tuition rate regardless of where they live. UND offers 13% lower tuition and fees than comparable institutions in the region.

The fully online format, with both asynchronous and synchronous class options available, allows working professionals to complete the program on their schedule, while the STEM designation enhances employability in technical, data-driven roles and supports OPT opportunities for international students.

Numerous ranking agencies place UND's Applied Economics program in the Top 5 nationally. UND is highly regarded for educational quality, affordability and career outcomes.

UND's Online Master's in Applied Economics & Predictive Analytics

+160

online graduate programs

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

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How are UND's online Applied Economics master's courses offered?

UND's Applied Economics master's is 100% online. You are never required to come to campus.

The Applied Economics master’s courses are offered either synchronously or asynchronously, giving you maximum flexibility to complete the degree in the style you prefer. This allows you to interact with others in real time or stream video of classes at a later date.

In many Applied Economics & Predictive Analytics courses, you'll be expected to participate in "live" discussions held outside of classroom lecture times. These are held at set times, usually in the evenings, which are convenient for most students.

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Synchronous classes are held in real-time. If you’re the kind of learner who likes active discussion and immediate feedback through live interaction, you’ll enjoy this online course format.

Every class is different, but generally, you’ll log into a virtual classroom at scheduled times to:

  • Listen to a lecture
  • Ask questions
  • Participate in class discussions
  • Conduct group activities
  • Participate in video-sharing
  • Have chat conversations
  • Use interactive whiteboards
  • Take live polls

You should prepare for your classes by finishing any assigned readings, compiling questions for your instructor and thinking about how to contribute to the next live class.

Online Applied Economics Student Resources

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

FAQs

Graduates with an MSAEPA degree can pursue various careers, including roles in economic development, strategic planning, consulting, financial and business analysis as well as applied research. 

At the University of North Dakota, students can complete the Master of Science in Applied Economics & Predictive Analytics program in as little as two years. The program is designed to accommodate the varied schedules and needs of students, enabling them to tailor their academic journey to their personal timelines.

Of course! Students can work full-time while pursuing the Master of Science in Applied Economics & Predictive Analytics degree at UND since the program is offered 100% online. Visiting campus is not required and students have the option to pursue synchronous or asynchronous classes for maximum flexibility to learn at their own pace.

While the difficulty of any major can vary for each individual, with hard work and dedication, an MSAEPA can be manageable and rewarding.

Leaders in Economics

See what makes UND leaders in Applied Economics & Predictive Analytics.

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Kevin Dunn
Graduate Adm Officer & Advisor
P 701.777.2975
kevin.dunn.1@UND.edu

 

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