CEU application details
Program Description
The goal of the MA in Economics, Data and Policy (2 year) program is to provide students with a range of skills and specializations related to economics that they can effectively apply in various careers after their graduation. Data-based approaches and an emphasis on the economic policy process are two hallmarks of the program. More specifically, the program is designed to provide students with:
- a skill-based and interdisciplinary approach to studying economic problems;
- the analytical skills needed to analyze these problems;
- the data science skills needed to analyze these problems;
- the writing and presentation skills necessary to communicate these problems to a broad audience.
According to its mission, CEU PU “aims at excellence in the mastery of established knowledge, courage to pursue the creation of new knowledge in the humanities, the social sciences, law and management, and engagement in promoting applications for each, in particular through their policy implications [emphasis added].’’ Thus, by drawing out and emphasizing the policy-relevant aspects of state-of-the-art economic and data science, the “MA in Economics, Data and Policy” program is directly conducive to the fulfillment of the University’s mission.
Interdisciplinarity is another central tenet of the CEU PU mission. In addition to the various specializations offered, each with an emphasis on a different skill set, the multi-disciplinary approach is built into the program through a host of cross-listed courses offered by other academic units at CEU PU, such as the Department of Public Policy, the Department of Network and Data Science, and the International Relations Department. Thus, students going through the program have the opportunity to be exposed to a wide range of perspectives, regardless of which track they choose.
Faculty expertise is provided by a diverse, world-class permanent research-focused faculty with PhD degrees from some of the leading universities in the world, such as Harvard, Princeton, LSE, Cambridge. Their expertise is complemented by practical knowledge through the engagement of professors of practice and visiting lecturers with pertinent work experience in the industry, government, and policy.
Entry Requirements for the Program
See the admission requirements on the website of the Department of Economics and Business.
Learning Outcomes
The program is intended to provide students with the skills required of a 21st century economist and prepare them for a broad range of careers from government and research to the private sector.
Upon completion of the program, all students are expected to possess the following skills:
- Solid analytical foundations in microeconomics and macroeconomics
- Command of basic statistical (data science) concepts and software needed to analyze economic data
- Some familiarity with the economic policy process and ability to debate economic policy issues
- The ability to communicate effectively in writing and via presentations
Additional track-specific learning outcomes include:
- Global Economic Policy track:
- Familiarity with the institutional makeup of the global economy
- Using the analytical tools of economics and statistics to evaluate or formulate economic policy
- Understanding of the broader socio-economic and political economy context of policy making
- Familiarity with pertinent issues in some sub-fields of economic policy making such as health, poverty, education, fiscal policy, etc.
- Research (pre-PhD) track
- Familiarity with advanced concepts and models in macroeconomics and microeconomics
- Familiarity with advanced econometric methods with emphasis on causal inference
- The ability to conduct original academic research in economics
- Data Science track
- Familiarity with advanced statistical methods and concepts, including modern “machine learning” methods and the ability to apply them to economic issues
- The ability to use advanced statistical methods to address prediction problems in economics
- The ability to understand and write computer code
- Finance track
- Demonstrate advanced theoretical and practical skills to understand the economic forces underlying financial markets and institutions
- The ability to understand and evaluate financial regulation, including the sustainability aspects of such regulation
- Communicate and articulate finance, problems and ideas to both professional and non-professional audience