The Progressive Degree program (PDP) provides USC undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree as they finish their undergraduate degree. It’s a terrific way for a student to deepen their education and prepare for a successful career. Most progressive degree students earn a bachelor's degree plus a master's degree in approximately 5 years.
A student enrolled in the Department of Economics' PDP will earn a Master of Science in Applied Economics and Econometrics (MS AEE) graduate degree. The MS AEE is a STEM designated program, which allows international students on F-1 visas to apply for a 24-month extension of their optional practical training (OPT). The Department's PDP program is open to Econ majors and non-Econ majors at USC.
Progressive Degree students pursuing an MS in Applied Economics and Econometrics must successfully complete at least 32 graduate-level units in addition to all undergraduate requirements. Details about the graduate-level requirements are below.
Core Courses: 12.0 units
*Must be passed with a "B" grade or higher – ECON 500 and ECON 501 – or student must retake the course
Additional Econometrics Course: 4.0 units
or
ECON Tracks (minimum of 3 courses from one track) 16.0 units: If you wish to specialize in a field like Big Data Econometrics, Financial Econometrics, etc., you may take electives in a track as defined below.
Economic Policy and Development
Big Data Econemtrics
Economic Consulting
Behavioral Economics
Financial Economics
For additional information about the MS AEE program, please schedule an appointment with the Director of The Master's program Dr. Ratika Narag (narag@usc.edu). For additional information about the program requirements and application process, please schedule an appointment with the Master's Program Advisors Alexis Teodoro (ateodoro@usc.edu) or Jazmin Valenzuela (jazminva@usc.edu).
