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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

Program At a Glance

UNITS
64 units

ESTIMATED COMPLETION TIME
3 years

PROGRAM MODALITY
Hybrid

COURSES BEGIN
Fall | Spring | Summer

DEGREE AWARDED
Doctor of Economics


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

 

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.

 

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

Faculty & Research

Request information about the Economics and Data Analysis (DEDA) program

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Frank Frias

Director of Admissions & Recruitment
T: 909-607-3240
E: franklin.frias@cgu.edu