Applied Economics and Management Master’s Program: Finding Your Niche, Furthering Your Career

Address real-world problems, gain technical skills, develop specialized industry knowledge—and earn an Ivy League graduate degree—in about one year.

The STEM-designated Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Applied Economics and Management from the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University is designed with flexibility in mind. With six concentration areas, a host of electives available from across the college of business, and plenty of hands-on learning experiences, this program can be tailored to fit your goals—no matter where you are on your career trajectory.


What Makes Our MPS in Applied Economics and Management Unique?

At the Dyson School, you can expect to learn from a diverse and distinguished faculty, participate in enriching classroom discussions, embark on a real-world problem-solving project, and find career planning resources and support. Our MPS in AEM degree stands out from other applied economics or management master’s programs in many ways, including:

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Exclusive International Opportunities

In addition to a rigorous curriculum and the signature capstone project, the Dyson School offers the option to pursue an international business credential. Cornell is the only university in the US to offer the CEMS Master in International Management. In partnership with the Paris-based CEMS, a global educational alliance of leading business schools, multinational companies, and nongovernmental organizations, this program includes a semester-long experience at a top-tier international business school.

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Campus-Wide Connections and Collaborations

The Dyson School is part of the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, which is also home to the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration and the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management. With three schools under one roof, plus access to other schools and colleges at Cornell, you’ll get to explore topics, interact with faculty, meet peers, and find opportunities outside your immediate area of study.

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Expansive Alumni and Employer Network

The value of a graduate degree from the Dyson School extends beyond academics. The people you meet during your time on campus—as well as Cornellians around the world—remain connected through the Big Red Alumni Network. These connections pave the way for capstone project partnerships, mentorship, and employment.

Program Overview: The MPS in Applied Economics and Management at a Glance

Our STEM-designated master’s in applied economics and management is a flexible graduate program that prepares you for career advancement in a variety of fields.

Degree Awarded

MPS in Applied Economics and Management

Location

Ithaca, NY

Program Format

Full-time residential and STEM-designated

Program Schedule

1 year


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Our Curriculum: What and How You’ll Learn at the Dyson School

This is a fast-paced one-year program. Your 30 credit hours will include core requirements in three main areas: quantitative/computational methods, leadership, and management communication. You’ll also participate in a team-based, problem-solving capstone project with an industry partner. 

You’ll be able to customize your MPS in AEM degree based on your professional goals and interests by choosing a concentration area and rounding out your coursework with electives from hundreds of options across Cornell.

Explore the MPS in AEM Curriculum

Choose a Concentration: Gain Specialized Skills and Knowledge

No matter where you are in your career—or where you want to go—specialized knowledge will set you apart. At the Dyson School, you’ll customize your MPS in AEM degree by choosing one of six industry-focused concentrations. 

Your concentration accounts for about one-third of your graduate coursework; it’s also where you’ll find your academic advisor. Throughout the program, you’ll get personalized academic and career guidance from a subject matter expert in your field of interest.

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Capstone Projects: Gain Practical Professional Experience

One of the hallmarks of the MPS in Applied Economics and Management program is the yearlong, problem-solving capstone project. You and a team of peers will address a contemporary managerial or economic issue and have the option to work alongside an industry partner. You’ll gain experience with project planning and team management; data collection and analysis; and presenting and communicating your insights.

Challenge accepted. One recent student team researched consumer shopping habits with an eye toward reducing food waste, while another explored how telehealth became more widely adopted and accepted during the COVID-19 pandemic. These are just a few examples of how MPS in AEM students turn challenges into solutions across sectors and industries for real-world clients.

Learn More About the Capstone Project
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Why STEM-Designated Matters: An MPS Degree for Today’s Professionals

The Dyson School has always prepared students for the ever-evolving fields of applied economics and management. Today, that means ensuring your education covers the technical competencies demanded by employers. Our STEM-designated MPS in Applied Economics and Management program includes coursework in econometrics, predictive analytics, machine learning applications in business, and Python programming.

Among our six industry-focused concentrations is technology management; the required and elective coursework in this area dives deep into strategic innovation in digital industries.


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CEMS MIM: An International Opportunity Only Available at the Dyson School

The CEMS Master in International Management (MIM) is an international business credential that can strengthen your employment opportunities, especially if you’re interested in pursuing a career with a multinational corporation.

In partnership with CEMS, a global alliance in management education, this prestigious international program allows you to spend a semester abroad at another top-tier business school—and Cornell University is the only institution in the United States to offer this certificate. Through the study abroad component, a rigorous international curriculum, and engaged project work, you’ll build cultural competency, develop professional connections, and gain an incredible edge in today’s global economy.

View CEMS MIM Program Details & Requirements

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Our Faculty: Learn from Dedicated, Experienced Scholar-Practitioners

The Dyson School—and the greater SC Johnson College—is home to a renowned faculty with a wide range of expertise. You’ll learn from award-winning educators, widely published scholars, and industry-leading practitioners. Their engagement goes beyond the classroom; they also serve as academic advisors and career mentors.

Meet Our Faculty
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Our Director: Meet Professor Aija Leiponen

An expert in innovation strategy in digital industries, Professor Aija Leiponen is fascinated by the emergence of decentralized platforms and applications based on blockchain technology. Her recent research examines the conflicts and cooperation in wireless communication standard development and explores the implications of markets for big data.

As program director, Leiponen works with faculty, staff, partners, and alumni to ensure the AEM curriculum stays relevant and that learning and networking experiences stay plentiful. Also part of the program faculty, Leiponen teaches in the technology management concentration.


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Career Support: Networking and Professional Development Opportunities at the Dyson School

Our graduates advance in their companies, pursue management positions with other organizations, switch industries, and start careers in entirely new industries. Wherever you hope to go after earning your applied economics and management master’s degree, we can help you get there. 

Our career management team offers assistance with self-marketing campaigns, one-on-one coaching, group workshops, and online resources. Career support isn’t just an office or a service; it ranges from networking with industry partners through your capstone project to finding an alumni mentor.

See How We Support Your Career

The Dyson School Experience: A Connected, Collaborative Community

As a graduate student at the Dyson School, you’ll find a strong community that facilitates connections with classmates, faculty, and staff. From team-based projects to social gatherings, you’ll be surrounded by ambitious peers from not just the MPS in AEM program, but other graduate programs across the college of business.

Our Program

The Dyson School’s flexible, industry-relevant MPS in AEM program offers an unparalleled graduate school experience. We combine Ivy League rigor with practical experiences to prepare you for professional success in a global, technologically driven economy. You’ll learn from a world-class faculty, engage with industry partners, receive personalized career support, and have access to exclusive international learning opportunities.

See More Reasons to Choose Dyson

Our Campus

The Dyson School is an exciting place to learn. With stately academic buildings, stunning scenery, and a steady stream of activity, Cornell University is located in the vibrant college town of Ithaca, NY. We’d love to show you around campus, whether you meet us in person on the AgQuad for an upcoming social or explore from home. In the Finger Lakes region of New York, you’ll have much to see and do beyond campus.

Explore Our Campus

Our Expertise

The Dyson School is highly regarded in financial services, consulting, technology, consumer packaged goods, and agribusiness, among other areas. Our faculty members are among the world’s leading scholars, innovators, and practitioners in these fields—and curriculum and student opportunities reflect this expertise.

Discover Our Industry Advantages

MPS in Applied Economics and Management Admissions

If the MPS in AEM program at the Dyson School feels like the right fit for your next educational endeavor, we can’t wait to learn more about you and your professional goals. As you plan to apply, you’ll need to gather and prepare items such as your statement of purpose, a video essay, and letters of recommendation. 

Our MPS in AEM admissions page has all of the details you’ll need to get started, including an overview of the process and a checklist of materials you need to submit with your application.

VIEW ADMISSIONS DETAILS

Dates and Deadlines: A Look at the Admissions Timeline

Interested in applying to the Dyson School’s MPS in Applied Economics and Management program? Our application period opens in the fall, and you’ll have a few rounds of deadlines to consider.

  • December 1 Round One
  • January 15 Round Two*
  • March 1 Round Three
  • April 15 Round Four

*CEMS MIM applicants must submit a completed application by January 30 for consideration. International applicants are encouraged to apply within the first two rounds.

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Request Information: Learn More about Our Applied Economics Graduate Program

Exploring economics master’s degrees and want to learn more about the Dyson School’s program? Our admissions team is here to answer your questions about everything from course requirements to the application process. Just complete the information request form, and someone will be in touch soon.

Go to the Request Form

The Dyson School MPS in AEM Degree: Your Questions Answered

There’s a lot to consider as you research and compare graduate programs. In this section, we answer a few of the most common questions we get about the Dyson School’s MPS in Applied Economics and Management degree. If the information you need isn’t covered here, contact our admissions team; they’re happy to help.

Next Steps: Applying to the Dyson School

Ready to take your career to the next level with a graduate degree in applied economics from the Dyson School at Cornell University? We encourage you to begin your application today.

To get started, register or log in to the Cornell Graduate Admissions website.