USC DORNSIFE and USC VITERBI

The MS in Economics and Data Science (MECDS) is a JOINT PROGRAM of the USC DORNSIFE COLLEGE OF LETTERS, ARTS and SCIENCES and the USC VITERBI SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING. The program combines core economic theory and econometric methods—at a relatively high level for a master’s program—with foundational instruction in computing skills for data science, including distributed data systems, machine learning, and large-scale data processing.

Two Powerful Disciplines

The Analytical Framework of Economics

The Computational Techniques of Data Science

Two Formidable Programs

USC Economics 7th Worldwide in Econometrics (REPEC)

USC #2 in New Hires by Tech Giants (College Transitions)

One Valuable and Rewarding Degree

Invest in your future with the MECDS at USC.

 

PROGRAM INFORMATION

The MECDS program equips students to apply modern empirical techniques and to exploit available large data sets to carry out sophisticated economic analyses of relevance to the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.  At the same time, and perhaps more important, the MECDS provides budding data scientists with the analytical power of economics to formulate meaningful questions, devise effective research strategies, and interpret and communicate results.

  • The MECDS degree requires 8 four-unit courses:

    4 courses in Economics (USC Dornsife)

    4 courses in Data Science (USC Viterbi)

    MECDS is a STEM-designated program.  International students on F-1 visas who graduate from STEM-designated programs are eligible to apply for the 24-month optional practical training extension (STEM OPT).

  • Typical MECDS economics curriculum:

    ECON 500: Microeconomic Analysis and Policy (required)

    ECON 513:  Practice of Econometrics (required)

    ECON 570:  Big Data Econometrics (recommended for most students)

    ECON 5xx:  Elective

    Students with specific interests or previous experience in machine learning may choose to substitute a second elective for ECON 570.

    Choose from electives in financial economics, economic consulting, advanced econometrics, macroeconomics, among many others.

  • The data science curriculum develops skills related to computational thinking, programming, data systems, machine learning, privacy, and visualization.

    Students without programming experience:

    DSCI 510: Principles of Programming for Data Science

    DSCI 549: Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science

    DSCI 550: Data Science at Scale

    DSCI 5xx:  Data science elective (options include DSCI 551 or 552, among others.

    Students with programming experience:

    DSCI 551:  Foundations of Data Management

    DSCI 552: Machine Learning for Data Science

    DSCI 553: Foundations and Applications of Data Mining

    DSCI 5xx: Data science elective

    Elective options in deep learning, visualization, and user experience, among others.

  • Applicants must have one year of calculus, a course in statistics, and courses in introductory microeconomics and macroeconomics.  Intermediate economics courses are preferred.

  • Current USC undergraduates who wish to apply for the MECDS through the progressive degree program should visit the “Progressive Degree Program” header below.   The requirements for all other applicants are as follows:

    1. Statement of Purpose:  maximum two pages
    2. GRE Scores:  no more than five years old; GMAT not accepted; GRE General Test at home is acceptable;  ETS code for USC is 4852.
    3. Transcripts:  Visit the link for instructions.
    4. Three letters of recommendation: at least two from college faculty members.
    5. English Proficiency (international students only): Visit the link for instructions.

  • Current USC undergraduates who wish to apply for the MECDS through the progressive degree program should visit the “Progressive Degree Program” header below.  All other applicants should use the application link below and note the application deadlines.

    Applications for Fall 2025 are now open.  Apply here

    Early Decision Deadline:  March 15, 2025

    Final Deadline for Fall 2025:  April 15, 2025

    Applicants who reply by the early decision deadline will receive a response as soon as possible.  All applications received by April 15, 2025 will be considered.

  • USC undergraduates may apply for the progressive degree program once they have attained 64 units (excluding AP, IB, and transfer units prior to high school graduation) except for their final semester at USC.

    PDP requirements for MECDS:

    1. Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
    2. ECON 203, ECON 205, and ECON 317 (or acceptable substitute) required.  ECON 303, ECON 305, and ECON 318 preferred.
    3. GRE scores not required.
    4. Letters of recommendation not required.
    5. Application Form:
    6. Complete the application form with respect to remaining undergraduate courses in consultation with your undergraduate advisor, then contact the program director (Mark Moore, mpmoore@usc.edu) for assignment to a graduate advisor to complete the form.
    7. Undergraduates with appropriate coursework may waive one economics course and/or one DSCI course.  Contact the program director for more information.

     

Special Events

    Webinar: Learn About the MECDS!

    Join us on  January 9, 2025, 7 PM – 8:30 PM, PST.

    To register, click here.

    USC PDP Information Session

    In-person PDP event coming in SPRING 2025.   Time and place TBA.