MS in Economic Modeling, AI, & Data Science (EMAIDS) Curriculum

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A student in a blue Illini polo studies his textbook while sitting outside of the Siebel Center for Design.

Explore the EMAIDS curriculum, including core coursework, and elective options. Learn how you can tailor your plan of study to build expertise in the economic topics that align with your academic and career goals.

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Curriculum

Required Coursework (16 hours)

  • ECON 500: Microeconomics (4 hours)
  • ECON 506: Programming for Economic Data Analytics (4 hours)
  • ECON 507: Data Analytics for Applied Economics (4 hours)
  • ECON 508: Econometrics for Data Science (4 hours)

Elective Coursework (12 hours)

Choose two of the following electives:

  • ECON 522: Applied Machine Learning in Economics (4 hours)
  • ECON 523: Causal Inference and Policy Evaluation (4 hours)
  • ECON 524: AI and Econometrics (4 hours)
  • One additional 500-level course in consultation with program director (4 hours)

Capstone Course (4 hours)

  • ECON 509: Capstone Project in Economics and Data Science

Additional Requirements

  • Minimum GPA: 3.0/4.0
  • Continuous enrollment is required; students not registered for a given semester must apply for a leave of absence
  • The minimum length of stay in the Program is one year (fall and spring semesters plus one summer session)
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Immersive Capstone

The EMAIDS program culminates in a four-week immersive capstone project that mirrors the pace, expectations, and collaboration of a full-time economic analytics role so you can graduate with practical experience, solving a real business, policy, or economic problem.

Working in a small team, you will define the problem, gather and analyze data, compare economic and statistical models, utilize AI-assisted workflows, and communicate a solution in a professional report and presentation.

You and your team will answer questions like:

  • What is the best location for a new fast-food restaurant?
  • How much should a company pay for insurance coverage?
  • Should a retailer introduce a new product, and what is the optimal price point?