
There is an increasing demand for economics professionals with skills in data science, and Boston University’s Graduate School of Arts & Sciences has announced a new program to meet the needs of the evolving industry. The new Master of Science in Applied Economics & Data Science program equips students with a diverse, in-demand skillset and prepares graduates to work in a variety of fields within both the private and public sectors.
Data Science X Economics = A Powerful, Interdisciplinary Master’s Degree
This STEM-designated MS is fully interdisciplinary, taught jointly by the expert faculty in the Department of Economics and the Faculty of Computing and Data Sciences. The curriculum teaches students how markets work, how the government shapes policies, and how to code and predict trends using real data sets.

Build the skills today’s employers demand
Our master’s program equips our students to:
- Build advanced quantitative, analytical, and computational skills
- Apply economic principles to business, public policy, and real-world challenges
- Harness data science and computational tools to solve economic problems
- Deploy mathematical and empirical methods to decode, interpret, and predict economic phenomena
- Drive research and analysis with rigor and integrity
Graduates are prepared to secure in-demand roles such as data scientist, economic and market analyst, business intelligence specialist, and quantitative/policy researcher. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in data science are projected to grow 34% between 2024 and 2034, highlighting the rapidly increasing demand for professionals with data-driven skills.
“Decision-makers in all parts of the economy have access to enormous volumes of data that they struggle to manage and utilize,” says Marc Rysman, Boston University Professor of Economics. “This is creating demand for data scientists with training in critical thinking and theoretical analysis to make the most of any situation. Graduates will be well-positioned for jobs in business, public policy, and research, and trained to become leaders at their institutions.”
This degree will connect students to startups and employment opportunities, particularly in Boston, a major technological and business hub. The city is home to leading companies such as State Street, Boston Consulting Group, Fidelity Investments, Liberty Mutual, and Wayfair, providing ample internship opportunities and full-time roles for graduates.
Who should apply?
The MS in Applied Economics & Data Science is a great fit for you if you have an undergraduate degree in business or economics, familiarity with calculus, statistics, and coding skills you hope to sharpen.
We are ready to prepare you with the tools you need to excel in your industry. We invite you to apply and begin your journey at Boston University’s Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.
About The Author:

Arianna Williams
Media Assistant,
GRS Master of Science, Journalism
