Master of Science - Quantitative Economics

Data-driven, results proven!

The Master of Science in Quantitative Economics (MSQE) is an extremely flexible, STEM-designated degree with which graduates find employment in all sectors of the economy. A number of graduates have gone on to doctorate 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.

The MSQE Integrated Masters Program allows students to use nine semester hours of B-level and 500-level Economics and Decision Sciences classes to concurrently satisfy either the BA in Economics and the MSQE or the BB in Economics and the MSQE degree. Students may choose from the following: ECON 581B, ECON 500B, ECON 504B, ECON 506B, ECON 507B, or up to three 400B elective courses in Economics or Decision Sciences (G suffix in the catalog). The exact bridge courses are determined by the student’s undergraduate and graduate advisor. More information may be found at the MSQE Integrated Program.

 

Why Quantitative Economics @ WIU?

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Apply for the MSQE at WIU!  

  • STEM-designated program means opportunities to learn technical and quantitative skills highly sought after in the job market
  • Large enough to offer a wide variety of courses yet small enough to provide individual attention
  • All graduate courses taught by faculty holding a Ph.D. in Economics 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 and success in preparing students for admission to good to top-quality Ph.D. programs
  • Interdisciplinary opportunities

Departmental Assistantship Opportunities

We offer a limited number of graduate assistantships, which are awarded on a competitive basis. The awards range from two-thirds time (requiring 13 hours of work per week) to full-time (requiring 20 hours of work per week). Both awards carry full tuition waivers for multiple semesters and a summer term, as well as a stipend for two semesters, contingent on maintaining a 3.0 GPA and satisfactory academic progress. Students work for the School of AFED as well as assisting faculty with courses. Limited research assistantships may also be available.

Assistantship recipients must satisfy all of the admissions prerequisites without any deficiencies. To be eligible for an assistantship, entering graduate students must have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and remain in good academic standing. A GRE score is required for those not coming from AACSB-accredited institutions. 

Apply for Departmental Assistantship                        Apply for WIU Assistantship through the Graduate School

*Including summer coursework

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • How long does it take to complete the MSQE? If a student enters the program with no deficiency courses to complete and works closely with the graduate advisor, two calendar years is standard. The 33-hour curriculum can be completed in under two years (including summer courses). Qualified WIU undergrads can complete it in less time via the MSQE Integrated Program.   
  • Can you waive the application fee? Under most circumstances, the department cannot waive application fees for new students. Current WIU students may have the fee waived.
  • I'm an international student. What do I need to know about joining WIU? A large proportion of MSQE students are international. A major strength of the program is the diversity of the student body. The person in the next seat might be a Fulbright Scholar, the recipient of a Mandela scholarship, a German exchange student, or a Peace Corps Fellow, all studying and interacting in a friendly environment that is conducive to learning. The Center for Global Studies provides student services to WIU's international students and can ask routine questions. WIU offers International Student Scholarship opportunities.
  • Where do your students go after graduation? We boast an extremely high placement rate, amongst the highest at WIU. Recent students landed jobs at large regional and international firms, such as John Deere, KPMG, Caterpillar, and Bank of America. A number of students choose to continue their studies at the doctoral level; we have a strong record of placing MSQE students in funded Ph.D. programs.  
  • Are there funding opportunities? The department offers a limited number of graduate assistantships, which are awarded on a competitive basis. A student receiving a graduate assistantship for the academic year also receives a tuition waiver for all classes taken during the academic year and one summer session. Fees cannot be waived. Limited research assistantships may also be available. MSQE students have found employment in other areas on a regular basis. This employment is almost always in the form of a graduate assistantship which also includes a tuition waiver. WIU has many other opportunities through the Graduate School. 
  • Do I need to take the GRE to be admitted? No, the GRE is not required for admission to the program. However, it is required for departmental funding decisions. 
  • How large are the classes? Will I get lost?  The average class size at the 500 Level is 15 students. Graduate classes are usually capped at 25 students.  
  • Tell me about your faculty and curriculum. What areas of study do they specialize in? The MSQE curriculum is up-to-date and taught by a dedicated, research-active, and caring Ph.D. faculty. Faculty have unique specializations. We have a strong behavioral and experimental economics group, as well as monetary policy, development, and resource economics specialists. Faculty regularly guide student theses and have a record of publishing with students. 
  • Can I do an internship as an MSQE student? Yes, we offer an internship course, ECON599, typically taken over the summer. Students apply for internships as they would regular jobs, and the department allows course credit.

Apply for the MSQE at WIU!