Economics

Total enrolment: Applied Track 50 to 60 students, Science Track 20 to 30 students

MSc Economics is an internationally oriented, two-year Master's program taught in English. You can choose between an Applied Track and a Science Track, select your favourite areas of specialization and study for a semester at a renowned international partner university. The program provides students with a thorough understanding of economic theories and state-of-the art empirical methods, applying them to a broad range of policy and business topics.

One Program, Two Tracks:

The master's program is a two-year full-time program for students holding a bachelor's degree in economics or a related field. You can apply either for the Applied Track or the Science Track.

The Applied Track prepares students for careers in economic policy, society, and business. The Science Track is tailored to the needs of students pursuing a career in scientific research.

Opportunities and Choice:

Our students care most about the big economic questions such as poverty, inequality, sustainable growth, globalisation, or economic freedom. The program caters to these interests by offering 11 areas of specialisation. Students can choose from such a broad range of subjects because WU is one of the biggest universities for economic education in Europe.

A Global Network of Renowned Partner Universities

WU has a strong network of international partner universities whose course offerings are flexibly integrated into our curriculum. The WU Economics Master's Program allows you to study (almost) any area you are interested in at some of the internationally most renowned academic institutions.

A Quality Degree with a Sterling Reputation in the Job Market

For many decades WU alumni have been taking top positions in business, government, and society. Hence employers in Europe and beyond appreciate the value of a WU degree. Our graduates pursue a broad range of careers as they have acquired the skills necessary to master many challenging tasks.

A Science Track for Aspiring Young Researchers

The Science Track at WU equips students with the necessary theoretical and methodological knowledge to pursue a career in scientific research. Internationally publishing professors closely interact with a small group of students to develop their skills. As a graduate you may take a research position, apply for a challenging international PhD program or use the fast-track option into the selective Economics Ph.D. Program at WU.

Experiencing Economics Beyond Academics in Vienna

Vienna is the capital of Austria and one of the biggest cities in the European Union. You find plenty of opportunities to get involved into economics as there are many international organizations, headquarters of international companies, Austrian governmental institutions, research institutes, think tanks, NGOs etc. Even the current head of state is an economist who has published in Econometrica.

Leading in Research

The WU Department of Economics has consistently belonged to the top group of economic research institutions covered by the Handelsblattranking, the most authoritative research ranking for Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. In the most recent survey the WU Department of Economics was ranked number two in Austria (head-to-head with the University of Vienna).

The Economics Master's Program at WU offers an Applied Track and a Science Track. The majority of students choose the Applied Track as they prepare for careers in government, business or society. The Science Track is designed for students pursuing a career in scientific research. A major feature of the program is the application of rigorous quantitative analysis emphasizing data to a broad range of policy and business issues.

Applied Track: The Applied Track focuses on problem-solving skills based upon a thorough understanding of economic theories and methods. It covers a broad range of economic policy and business issues. In the second year students have ample choice to individualize their studies. See Curriculum Applied Track

Science Track: The Science Track puts a strong emphasis on mathematical and statistical foundations and on analytically rigorous advanced courses in economic theory and methods. For highly qualified students the Science Track offers a fast-track option into the Economics Ph.D. program at WU.See Curriculum Science Track

In the first half of the first semester there is an introductory phase jointly taught for both tracks which students have to pass to continue their studies. Thereafter separate mandatory courses are offered for the two tracks.

The areas of specialisation offered in the Economics Master's Program cover a broad range of economic topics and analytical approaches. The courses are closely related to the research conducted at the WU Department of Economics.

Students of the Applied Track choose four areas of specialisation, students of the Research Track choose three. Any of the eleven subjects below can be freely selected. If students decide to go for a semester abroad, they can design their own area of specialisation from the big number of field courses offered at international partner universities.

For each area of specialisation there exists a corresponding Research & Policy Seminar. Students work in small groups to develop their own research projects, closely interacting with instructors.

Microeconomics, Competition and Regulation

• Industrial Economics
• Regulatory Economics
• Behavioral and Experimental Economics

International Economics, Money and Finance

• International Economics
• Money, Credit and Finance
• Economic Development
• Spatial Economics

Labor Markets, Inequality, Economic and Social Policy

• Labour and Organisational Economics
• Economics of Distribution
• Public Sector Economics
• Economic and Social Policy