Master's in Applied Economics & Management
The MPS in Applied Economics and Management (AEM) is a master's focused on economics, data and decision-making. This degree will build your analytical and business skills to understand markets, solve complex problems and move into strategy roles.
- Schedule
- Full-time, 10 months
- Format
- In person
- Location
- Ithaca, NY
- Start
- August
- Requirements
- Bachelor's degree
- Total Cost
- $73,946
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Professional Studies
- This program is part of
- Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management
MPS in Applied Economics & Management
Economics is central to how organizations respond to shifting markets, policy changes and global competition. This one-year, STEM-designated MPS in AEM prepares you to apply economic and quantitative analysis to real business and policy decisions.
You’ll develop a working knowledge of econometrics, data analysis and economic modeling, with applications across areas such as financial markets, consumer behavior, technology and public policy. You’ll apply that coursework throughout the program, including a yearlong capstone project in which you work with a team to address a real-world economic or managerial challenge, often in collaboration with an industry partner.
Why choose Cornell?
Choosing Cornell means stepping into a program designed to connect economic thinking with the real business world. You’ll gain the skills, experience and industry connections and opportunities that help you move forward professionally. This combination creates an experience that is both focused and far-reaching.
Ivy League economics
Business + strategy
STEM analytics
Data-driven decisions
Industry capstone
Interesting real-world projects
Focused concentrations
For career alignment
Global CEMS access
Study abroad
Three-school ecosystem
Cross-disciplinary learning + broad electives
Alumni network+ employers
Direct connections
Why this matters now
Markets are evolving quickly. Regulatory environments are shifting. Capital is moving differently. Global competition and policy changes are reshaping industries.
Organizations are operating under increasing uncertainty and relying on those who can interpret what others cannot. The ability to connect economic theory with real-world results is increasingly valuable across business, consulting and policy environments.
Those who can translate complex data into clear insight are increasingly positioned to lead analysis, influence strategy and drive decision-making across organizations.
Program snapshot
The MPS-AEM is a STEM-designated, one-year master’s program that combines applied economics with practical business management training.
You learn how to model decisions, interpret economic data and evaluate how markets respond to incentives, policy and competition. The focus is on how that analysis informs decisions.
Through applied projects, real datasets and selection of a specialized concentration, you strengthen how you structure analysis, interpret results and turn information into clear, actionable insight.
Global experience CEMS Master’s in International Management (MIM)
For students who want a truly global business experience, the MPS AEM offers the opportunity to pursue the CEMS (MIM), a prestigious international credential available only through a select group of top business schools worldwide. Cornell is the only university in the United States that participates in the CEMS alliance.
Through CEMS, you’ll spend a semester abroad at a leading international business school, complete an international internship and engage in collaborative projects with multinational companies. The experience is designed to build global perspective, cross-cultural fluency and the ability to operate in complex international environments.
You’ll also gain access to a powerful global network of corporate partners, alumni and peers across more than 30 countries. The result is a distinct advantage for careers with multinational organizations and roles that require both economic insight and global business capability.
Where this degree takes you
Graduates from this masters program move into roles where understanding markets is essential. Common career paths include:
- Strategy and consulting
- Financial and regulatory advisory
- Market research and economic analysis
- Policy and public sector roles
- Corporate strategy
Graduates enter a wide range of industries including consulting, finance, technology, government and consumer goods. Many roles focus on strategy, analytics, market research and policy analysis, where economic insight and data-driven decision-making are essential. Our students are also supported by career advising, employer engagement and access to Cornell’s global alumni network.
Explore the journey where an MPS in Applied Economics & Management can take you
At Cornell, your MPS in AEM journey combines business, analytics and applied learning to help students translate complex data into business decisions. The journey below highlights how one student leveraged research opportunities, faculty mentorship and quantitative training to launch a career in the energy sector.
“Working as a research assistant helped me realize that I enjoy conducting research in the sustainability sphere.”
Roberto Hasbun, MPS-AEM
From economics student to energy research analyst
Roberto entered the program seeking greater clarity around his career goals and a stronger analytical skillset.
-
Foundations in analytics and business
- Built expertise in economics, statistical analysis and business fundamentals.
- Worked closely with faculty as a research assistant.
- Explored applications of economics and sustainability through coursework and applied projects
-
Career discovery and networking
- Expanded his professional network across finance, accounting and sustainability.
- Refined his interests through hands-on research and faculty mentorship.
- Developed practical analytical skills used by employers in the energy sector.
-
Today: Analyst, APPRISE
Roberto now conducts economic research and statistical analysis focused on energy efficiency and energy assistance programs, applying the skills developed through the program to support sustainability initiatives and climate-related solutions.
Curriculum overview
The rigorous curriculum integrates economic theory with applied quantitative methods.
You develop skills in:
- Applied microeconomics
- Econometrics and statistical analysis
- Risk modeling and optimization
- Market and policy analysis
Coursework is complemented by applied projects and faculty-led instruction, ensuring you gain both analytical depth and practical experience.
Career outcomes
MPS in Applied Economics and Management graduates move into careers across finance, technology, consulting, analytics, marketing and general management at organizations operating across global markets. Recent graduates have joined employers including Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Morgan Stanley, Alibaba Group, Tencent, HSBC and Procter & Gamble. Graduates frequently enter finance-focused and analytical roles, reflecting the program’s strength in business strategy, quantitative decision-making and applied economics.
82%
received job offers
within 6 months of graduation
$87,875
average base salary
for U.S.-based jobs
51%
accepted positions
in North America
Admissions deadlines
Applications open in September with four-round deadlines April through May. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early in the cycle for priority admissions and scholarship consideration. International applicants are encouraged to apply during one of the first three rounds.
September
Application opens
December 1
Round 1 deadline
January 15
Round 2 deadline
March 1
Round 3 deadline
April 15
Round 4 deadline
MPS in Applied Economics and Management FAQS
Your path forward
If this is the direction you want to take, the next step is yours. The Cornell MPS-AEM is designed to help you move forward.