MS Quantitative Economics at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

The Master of Science in Quantitative Economics (MQE) is an intensive, STEM-designated professional degree that builds skills in economic modelling and intuition, data science and econometrics, and analytic storytelling and professionalism. It is a full-time cohort programme of about 40 students with no electives, a Fall-to-Spring structure and a Spring capstone course (Data Design for Economic Applications).

Faculty: Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Department of Economics | Duration: 8 months (two semesters, full time only) | Intake: Fall only; no spring start | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

A fixed cohort curriculum over fall and spring semesters beginning with a mandatory two-week orientation (Basecamp), with no comprehensive exam and a capstone course, Data Design for Economic Applications, in the spring.

Career pathways

Graduates work as financial analysts, data scientists, economic analysts, investment analysts and quantitative traders at firms such as Booz Allen Hamilton, FedEx, Lincoln Financial Group and Moody's Analytics, and in investment banks, consulting companies and government agencies.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Equivalent of a four-year degree from a US institution (a three-year Indian degree needs a two-year master's as well); transcripts showing mastery of Calculus I (at least one semester, not business calculus) and basic economics; competitive applicants have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above and applicants under 2.75 are not considered. Application through GradCAS: four 150-word statements and two letters of recommendation (at least one academic; one required). GRE/GMAT not required. Rolling admission until June 1, 2027 (March 15 for merit scholarships). International applicants: TOEFL minimum 90 (22 in each section) or IELTS minimum 7.0 (6.5 in each section), scores within the past two years, unless exempt.

Domestic applicants: USD 48,934 a year (2026-27). Pennsylvania-resident graduate tuition, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, MS in Quantitative Economics (MQE) Program, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

International applicants: USD 64,220 a year (2026-27). Out-of-state (non-PA resident) graduate tuition, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, MS in Quantitative Economics (MQE) Program, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

Entry terms (Fall, Spring, Summer) and deadlines are set by each school or department; the University's graduate catalog lists Fall, Spring and Summer terms for new graduate students.

Graduate and professional applications are made online to the school or department of intended study, with deadlines set by each school or department; official English-test results are required from applicants from countries where English is not the official language.

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