MBA/MS in Quantitative Economics Dual Degree Program

Training in the related fields of management and economics is professionally desirable in an increasing number of areas. Boston University meets this need by providing a coordinated program leading to both MS in Quantitative Economics and MBA degrees. Obtaining the two degrees separately would normally require six terms in residence, but through careful course selection and by eliminating overlapping courses, the dual degree may be obtained in five terms full time (80 units). In this way, the entire program may thus be completed in two calendar years (two academic years and two summers; two academic years and one summer for well-prepared students). The degree may also be obtained on a part-time basis through enrollment in the Part-Time MBA program. In this format, the dual degree requires 71 units. The MS in Quantitative Economics is a STEM-designated degree program.

Application

Prospective students are required to submit two applications: one to Questrom School of Business and one to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. Within each application, candidates should express their interest in this particular dual degree program. Candidates will then receive separate decisions from each school regarding admission to that portion of the dual degree. Applicants must be accepted by both schools in order to be eligible to complete the dual degree. Please note that candidates may be admitted to one but not both of the schools in which the dual degrees are housed and may choose to pursue that individual degree. If an applicant is not admitted to the MBA program but still wishes to be considered for a Master of Science, they will need to contact the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences to inquire about pursuing the Master of Science in Quantitative Economics degree on its own. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early in order to meet the deadlines of both schools.

Applicants to this program should have, or be expecting, a bachelor’s degree from an institution recognized by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, and they should have adequate academic preparations in economics and mathematics. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test is required. Dual degree applicants currently enrolled in either the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences or Questrom School of Business full time are advised that they may not apply beyond the end of the first term of enrollment.

Learning Outcomes

For the MS portion of the dual degree (same as for the MS in Quantitative Economics):

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of fundamental economic principles and be able to apply these ideas to analyze public policies, business practices, and real-world events.
• Have the ability to apply mathematical methods, through modeling and large-scale data analysis.
• Acquire in-depth knowledge in several areas of economics, as well as a broad perspective on the subject.
• Be able to conduct scholarly and/or nonacademic work in a professional and ethical manner.

Course Requirements

Candidates normally register for three terms in Questrom School of Business and two terms in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS), but they also may cross-register and take courses in both schools during most terms.

Full-time MBA students must successfully complete a minimum of 40 units in Questrom and 24 units in the Department of Economics; the remaining 16 units may be taken in Questrom, the Department of Economics, or, with prior approval, elsewhere in the University. For students in the Part-Time MBA program, the degree is 71 units, including 28 Questrom units, 24 Economics units, and 16 units taken in Questrom, the Department of Economics, or elsewhere in the University. For part-time students in the MBA/MS in Quantitative Economics program, please note: Many of the economics classes are only available during the day. You should not expect to be able to complete the MS degree entirely in the evening.

Requirements in quantitative methods and micro- and macroeconomic theory are the same as those for the MS in Quantitative Economics. The minimum requirements for the respective degrees must be fulfilled in this dual degree program. Subject to the respective program directors’ approval, certain course substitutions may be permitted.

Core Competency Requirement

In addition to passing the necessary number of eligible course units, students in all five master’s programs (MSQE, MSEPP, MAGDE, BA to MSQE, and MBA/MS in Quantitative Economics) must demonstrate core competence in microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics, and econometrics. Prior to academic year 2024–2025, they are required to do so by passing the MS Comprehensive Exam. For students who start the master’s programs in or after the spring term of 2024, the core competency requirement will be satisfied by taking and earning passing grades in all four master’s core courses—CAS EC 501, CAS EC 502, CAS EC 507, and CAS EC 508.

Language Requirement

There is no foreign language requirement for this degree program.