A career accelerator for future leaders in applied economics.
The Doctor of Economics and Data Analysis (DEDA) is a groundbreaking interdisciplinary program that transcends traditional economic theory by blending in-depth knowledge of data science and applied economics with real-world problem-solving. With an emphasis on translational research and interdisciplinary collaboration, DEDA sets itself apart from other economics programs. Beyond developing technical skills, the program highlights the importance of leadership and collaboration, preparing you to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and lead multidisciplinary teams in making data-driven decisions and implementing innovative solutions to complex economic and societal challenges.
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The DEDA program offers a career-friendly, non-dissertation-based degree tailored for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in economics and the analysis of economic data. With options for online learning and intensive in-person experiences, the curriculum offers flexibility for working professionals. Our goal is to cultivate expertise in data analytics, promote leadership and innovation, and hone practical problem-solving skills. By equipping students with these essential tools, the DEDA program prepares them to become future leaders across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Program Highlights
- Career Accelerator: Unlike traditional PhD programs, DEDA is a non-dissertation program designed for professionals looking to establish or advance their careers outside of academia. The transdisciplinary approach provides invaluable experience working with experts from a variety of backgrounds, just as you do in professional settings.
- Purpose-Built Curriculum: The DEDA curriculum not only provides the most advanced training in economics and data analytics, but also teaches practical application by developing communication and leadership skills.
- Real-World Impact:The DEDA program is designed to equip you with the skills to address complex economic issues, foster innovation, and drive positive change. This is achieved by emphasizing the application of economic principles and data analytics to real-world situations, while encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and problem-solving.
Program At-a-glance
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64 units
required units
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Doctor of Economics and Data Analysis
degree awarded
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Hybrid
modality
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Spring, Summer, Fall
program start
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3 years | full time*
estimated completion time
Faculty
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C. Mónica Capra
Professor of Economic Sciences
Research Interests
Experimental Economics, Behavioral Economics, Neuroeconomics
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Mark Abdollahian
Full Clinical Professor
Research Interests
Strategic Decision Making, International Political Economy, Sustainable Development
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Gregory DeAngelo
Professor of Economic Sciences
Director, Computational Justice LabResearch Interests
Criminal Justice, Law, Applied Econometrics
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Robert Klitgaard
University Professor
Research Interests
Public Policy, Economic Strategy, Institutional Reform, Corruption
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Tyler Reny
Assistant Professor
Research Interests
American Politics, Racial and Ethnic Politics, Political Behavior, Public Opinion, Political Psychology, Data Visualization
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Joshua Tasoff
Associate Professor of Economic Sciences
Research Interests
Behavioral Economics, Experimental Economics, Animal Welfare Economics
Curriculum
DEDA consists of 64 units. You can complete your degree within 28 months, incorporating 5 semesters and 3 pre-semester summer intensives. Your coursework will include core courses, advanced topics, interdisciplinary courses, and a capstone project.
Transdisciplinary Core Courses (6 units)
A unique feature of CGU professional doctorate programs is a shared Transdisciplinary core curriculum created to prepare business leaders. You will learn and collaborate with a diverse cohort of industry professionals on applied projects.
Students can choose 3 of the following courses:
- Leading Change and Innovation (2 units)
- Transdisciplinary Collaboration and Communication (2 units)
- Action in Crisis (2 units)
- Stakeholder Problem-solving (2 units)
- Systems-thinking (2 units)
- Diversity and Team Leadership (2 units)
Core Courses (16 units)
- Game Theory and Asymmetric Information (4 units)
Field course (select 3 courses, 4 units each) from one of the following fields:
- International and Economic Development Policy
- Applied Micro: Behavioral and Experimental Economics
- Applied Micro: Crime and Law Economics
Data Analysis (24 units)
- Computational Tools for Social Sciences (4 units)
- Econometrics I (4 units)
- Econometrics II (4 units)
- Data Visualization (4 units)
- Causal Modeling, Machine Learning & Big Data (4 units) OR Math of Machine Learning (4 units)
- Time Series Analysis (4 units)
Practicum (10 units)
- Practicum: Foundation (2 units)
- Practicum: Intermediate & Advanced Skills (2 units each, taken two times)
- Practicum: Integration and Application (2 units each, taken two times)
Capstone (8 units)
- Capstone: Proposal (2 units)
- Capstone: Progress (2 units)
- Capstone: Completion (4 units)
Your work will be assessed through course exams, research papers, presentations, group projects, practicum, and a capstone project. DEDA does not require a dissertation.
Learning Outcomes
The DEDA program equips you to become a translational researcher, capable of thinking and performing in an integrated, interdisciplinary manner. It prepares you to step into the role of an innovative investigator, forging new paths in your field. Upon successful completion of the DEDA program, you will be able to:
- Articulate the key theories, principles, and concepts in economics, and critically assess their practical value and application
- Demonstrate fluency in statistical techniques, as well as machine learning techniques, for applied economics
- Analyze and interpret complex data sets using econometric and machine learning algorithms, including crawling online content and defeating data hurdles
- Develop and submit grant proposals, create pre-analysis plans, and generate grant reports/interim reports for research projects
- Write reports on technical topics for a non-technical audience, effectively communicating complex concepts in economics and data analytics, and collaborate with practitioners, policymakers, and other stakeholders to ensure practical relevance and applicability
- Exhibit leadership skills in translational research, including the creation and use of new curricular elements and approaches, critical examination of research processes and methods, and leadership roles in a multidisciplinary collaboration aimed at problem-solving
Who Should Apply
Our DEDA degree was designed for working professionals who hold a master’s degree in economics or a related field and want to advance their careers outside of academia and research positions. In some cases, high-quality students with a BA/BS in economics or a related field, and at least 3 years of professional work experience, may be admitted. Your cohort may include students who hold jobs such as:
- Actuary
- Budget Analyst
- Consumer Behavior Scientist
- Data Scientist
- Economist
- Investment Banker
- Statistician
- Vendor Manager
Application Guidelines
| University Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $80 (fee is non-refundable) |
| Official Transcripts | Undergraduate/graduate Applicants must submit a sealed, official transcript from every undergraduate and graduate institution that has granted the applicant a degree. Electronic transcripts sent to admissions@cgu.edu are also accepted. For undergraduate coursework, applicants are required to submit proof of a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Unofficial copies of transcripts are accepted for review purposes, but official copies will be required upon admission. Applicants currently earning a degree that will be completed prior to attending CGU are required to submit a transcript showing work in progress for evaluation purposes. Once the degree has been granted, a final official transcript documenting the degree conferred must be submitted to CGU. International applicants are advised to review the International Transcript Guidelines for additional information on submitting international transcripts. |
| English Proficiency Exam | Required (international applicants only) A valid score on one of the following examinations TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE, Duolingo English Test is required of all non-native English-speaking applicants. The examination is not required for the following applicants:
CGU’s school code for the TOEFL exam is 4053. International applicants are encouraged to visit our International Applicants page for more information, including score requirements. |
| Resume | Applicants must submit an up-to-date copy of their resume. |
| Program Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Statement of Purpose | Please submit a 2-3 page statement of purpose that details your academic and/or professional achievements, your specific areas of research interest within your desired field of study, why you are a strong candidate for graduate studies at CGU, and your career goals. |
| Letter of Recommendation | 2 letters required When filling out the online application, please enter references acquainted with your potential for success who will submit a written recommendation on your behalf. In most academic departments, references from faculty members who can speak to your academic ability are preferred; applicants with substantial work experience may request professional references. Please do not enter family members as references. You will be required to input information for your recommenders (whether they are submitting online or not) in the “Recommendations” section of the online application. Please follow the directions in this section carefully before clicking on “Recommendation Provider List” to input the names and contact information for each recommender. You will have an opportunity to indicate if the reference writer will be submitting online. These reference writers will receive an email from CGU with instructions on submitting an online recommendation. Recommenders who are indicated as offline will not receive an email from CGU with instructions to submit. These reference writers can submit via traditional mail and should use the supplemental New Student Recommendation Form. Recommenders can also email their letter of recommendation to the Office of Admissions at admissions@cgu.edu. |
| Standardized Test Scores | GRE (optional) Applicants who have taken the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test are invited to submit scores but are not required to do so. Applicants who feel that their Grade Point Averages do not adequately represent their ability to succeed in a graduate program may find it helpful to submit GRE scores for consideration. CGU’s school code: |
Key Dates & Deadlines
CGU operates on a priority deadline cycle. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit complete applications by the priority dates in order to assure maximum consideration for both admission and fellowships.
Once the priority deadlines have passed, the University will continue to review applications for qualified candidates on a competitive, space-available basis. The final deadlines listed are the last date the University can accept an application in order to allow sufficient time to complete the admissions, financial aid, and other enrollment processes.
Spring 2027
Priority Deadline – November 1, 2026
Final Deadline (International) – November 15, 2026
Final Deadline (Domestic) – December 1, 2026
Classes begin – January 19, 2027
Summer 2027
Priority Deadline: February 1, 2027
Final Deadline (International) – March 1, 2027
Final Deadline (Domestic) – April 1, 2027
Classes Begin: May 17, 2027
Fall 2027
Priority Deadline: February 1, 2027
Final Deadline (International) – June 1, 2027
Final Deadline (Domestic) – August 1, 2027
Classes Begin: August 30, 2027
Cost & Aid
ESTIMATED TUITION (CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS, NON-RESIDENTS, INTERNATIONAL)
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition rates.
STUDENT FEES (PER SEMESTER)
| $245 Student Fee |
| $150 Technology Fee |
| International Student Services Fee**: $802 fall semester, $898 spring semester **Applies to all international students (F-1 visa only) who are registered in coursework, doctoral study, or continuous registration. The fee is assessed each fall and spring semester for annual ISO accident and sickness plans and administrative fees. Subject to changes. |
For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s Cost of Attendance 2025-2026.
| Program | 64 units |