Graduate Studies

Quantitative Economics

“The Economics and Decision Sciences department at WIU provided me with all of the skills necessary to obtain my professional goals. I have found my degree from WIU was widely recognized and well respected. Lastly, and most importantly, the Department of Economics and Decision Sciences provided me with individual attention from professors who truly cared about my development.” – Mark Zobel, Bank of America

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Quantitative Economics is an extremely flexible degree with which graduates find employment in all sectors of the economy. A number of graduates have gone on to doctoral programs in Economics and other disciplines. The department is large enough to offer a wide selection of courses but small enough to provide individual attention. The department has alumni from over 70 countries, providing an excellent opportunity to gain exposure to other cultures.

Emphases are various, depending upon the individual's career goals.

Western also offers an integrated bachelor’s/master’s program for students currently enrolled in the undergraduate program at Western.

Post-Baccalaureate Certificates

Why Choose Economics at WIU?

    • Degree program can be completed in one calendar year or less.
    • Large enough to offer a wide variety of courses and small enough to provide individual attention.
    • All graduate courses taught by faculty holding the Ph.D in Economics.
    • Faculty members who are genuinely interested in students' intellectual development.
    • Advising tailored to students' personal needs and educational goals.
    • Opportunities for interacting with students from other cultures and countries.
    • Opportunities for students to present their research at department seminars.
    • Academic credit for internships and assistance in locating internships.
    • Career development and employment information provided regularly.
    • Success in preparing students for admission to top quality Ph.D. programs

Our Faculty

The faculty members in the School of Accounting, Finance, Economics and Decision Sciences take an active and sincere interest in student success. All of the faculty members teaching graduate courses have the Ph.D. in Economics. Faculty members are also active in research which means the skills students learn will be state of the art. Our faculty members hold doctoral degrees from major research universities such as Northwestern University, The University of Iowa, Iowa State University, University of South Carolina, West Virginia University, University of Tennessee, and University of California at Santa Cruz.

Extracurricular Opportunities

In addition to the department seminars, there is also an active Economics Student Association (ESA). The ESA make at least one professional trip per semester. Usually, these trips are to either St. Louis or Chicago. Federal Reserve District banks are almost always included in these trips but other organizations are also included. Examples include the local Bureau of Labor Statistics offices or other government offices, major commercial banks, trade centers, and research organizations. The variety is limited only by the interests of the participants.

Other Information

Because of their strong analytical skills, alumni have found employment in every sector of the economy. Sampling of employers: University of Minnesota, Caterpillar, John Deere, Hewlett-Packard, Honeywell, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, American Medical Association, Chicago Board of Trade, U.S. Treasury, U.S. Comptroller of the Currency, Tennessee Department of Commerce, Principal Financial Group, Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, Exxon, Illinois Power, Newsweek and Wal-Mart. Students interested in earning the Ph.D. in Economics, who followed the Graduate Advisor’s advice and maintained a high grade point average, have been admitted to a variety of Ph.D. programs in Economics.

Quick View

Degrees Available:

  • M.S.
  • Integrated Bachelor's/Master's

Locations:

  • Macomb

Required GPA:

  • Cumulative: 3.0 or
  • Last 2 years: 3.0

Admission Requirements:

  • Transcripts

Interesting Facts: Fall 2023

  • Currently enrolled: 27
  • International: 23
  • Minority: 1
  • Students with Assistantships: 3

Department Contact Information:

Stipes Hall 431
309/298-1152
Economics@wiu.edu