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In today’s fast-paced job market, the demand for experts who can analyse big data and apply it to real-world economic challenges is at an all-time high. From business and finance to policy-making and political science, industries are embedding data in every decision, interaction, and process – creating a state of “data ubiquity” and a growing need for those who can transform all of this data into actionable insights.
Drexel University’s new Master of Science in Economics and Data Science is designed to fill this gap. It’s the first programme of its kind in the Philadelphia region and one of the few in the US, offering a unique opportunity to study both fields together. Offered jointly by the top-ranked, AACSB-accredited LeBow College of Business and the College of Computing & Informatics, it brings together the best of two colleges from one R1 doctoral university.
“What sets our MS in Economics and Data Science apart is the seamless integration of two distinct yet complimentary disciplines,” says Associate Professor Weimao Ke. “This joint programme is a fusion of the faculty expertise in both economics (within the LeBow College of Business) and data science (within the College of Computing & Informatics).”
Outside of engineering, economics and data science are among thehighest-paying master’s degrees in the US (Forbes 2025). This programme unites them at the graduate level, giving students the analytical tools employers desire while teaching them to think like economists.
Through the programme, students build a strong foundation in both disciplines. Data science coursework teaches them to process, manage, and analyse data, extracting meaningful insights from complex information. Economics courses provide a structured framework for interpreting that data — helping students understand causation, forecast trends, and apply their findings to financial markets, business strategy, and government policy.
“The programme starts by ensuring students have the core tools in their toolbox through coding, statistics, and math to operate at a high level. Students then receive solid grounding in theory so they can understand and formulate questions that apply to the real world in policy and business situations,” says Associate Professor Christopher Laincz.
The MS in Economics and Data Science allows students the flexibility to select electives and certificates in data science, business, or a related field such as finance, machine learning, or mathematics. With the choice of five electives, students can further pursue a certificate in data science or business or prepare themselves for a PhD programme and research career.
Graduates of the MS in Economics and Data Science are equipped to leverage data, economic principles, and advanced computing to drive key organisational decisions. Source: Drexel University
Experiential learning for real-world impact
The MS in Economics and Data Science stands out for its emphasis on hands-on learning. After mastering theory, students learn to test and validate economic models and advanced machine learning algorithms with real-world data. “The interdisciplinary STEM programme provides students with frameworks to understand causes and effects through economics coursework, while the data science curriculum equips them with computational methods and tools to process and analyse massive data in various domain applications,” explains Ke.
“This approach prepares our graduates with a strong foundation in theory and technologies highly demanded in both public and private sectors, where it’s critical to have the skills to perform data analytics as well as the ability to present results in perspective.”
Within and beyond the classroom, all faculty members are highly engaged with students, no matter where they are from. “International students have the same opportunities as domestic students for internships and research,” says Ke. “They can work with the faculty and receive guidance and mentoring through the data science club, independent studies, research projects, and more.”
Ke himself is a three-time recipient of the university-level Outstanding Mentor Award from the Graduate Students Association. “I have substantial international experience and have mentored hundreds of students, many of whom are international,” he says.
The MS in Economics and Data Science equips graduates for data-driven roles in business, government, and academia. Source: Drexel University
A multidisciplinary skill set that advances your career
Diverse career opportunities abound for graduates of this master’s programme. They can pursue private sector or public sector careers as analysts of all stripes: marketing analysts, financial analysts, policy analysts. “Moreover, because academic research is data-driven and requires these skills, with some guidance, students could opt for PhD programmes in a variety of related fields — economics among them,” says Laincz. “One of our first international students in our previously related programme (MS in Economics and Computer Science), landed a job as a software engineer for Facebook.”
As the programme is STEM-designated, international students can apply for a 24-month Optional Practical Training extension. Anyone needing career guidance or support can access LeBow’s Center for Career Readiness, which is always available to help.
At Drexel, students can find a whole suite of tools and knowledge necessary to successfully navigate today’s job market and anticipate business needs. There are workshops, employer events, and networking opportunities to enhance and develop communication skills and an understanding of American business culture. Those who prefer more one-to-one support can seek individual coaching and interview practice as well as résumé, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile feedback. There’s even a course entitled “Foundations of Career and Professional Development” that provides instruction in professional etiquette and career development.
Thanks to Drexel’s top-notch service, resources, and programming, many graduates have gone on to pursue successful careers. Coupled with a well-established undergraduate co-op programme, the university’s reputation is strong among employers. “Employers know our students are well-trained and high-quality,” says Laincz.
Apply to the Master of Science in Economics and Data Science today.
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