Master of Science in Economics and Data Science

The Master of Science in Economics and Data Science combines core economic theory and econometric methods with foundational instruction in computing skills for data science, including distributed data systems, machine learning and large-scale data processing.

Course work is equally weighted between the Department of Economics in USC Dornsife and the Data Science Program at USC Viterbi. The program trains students to apply modern empirical techniques and to exploit available large data sets to carry out sophisticated economic analyses of relevance to the public, private and nonprofit sectors. At the same time, the program provides budding data scientists with the analytical power of economics to structure empirical projects. As a result, graduates of the program are equipped to participate in a wide range of professional careers.

The program requires a minimum of 32 units.

All information contained here is summarized from the USC Catalogue and is considered non-official. For all rules, regulations, procedures, and outlines, please see the current academic year USC Catalogue. The USC Catalogue supersedes all other publications.

Current students follow degree requirements in effect for the academic year they began their studies at USC.  If you are a current student, please refer to your STARS report or the appropriate USC Catalogue for your year.  Students seeking to advance their catalogue year to follow updated curricula may contact their department advisor.

Published on February 23rd, 2026Last updated on February 27th, 2026