The DEDA is a comprehensive doctoral program that combines rigorous theoretical and practical training in applied economics and data science. The program focuses on developing the analytical and quantitative skills that prepare students for careers in public, private, and non-profit organizations (NGO’s), where they will work as high-level analysts and leaders. Students choose whether to emphasize microeconomics or international development.

This program is offered in-person with some coursework offered in an hybrid/online modality and can be completed in approximately three years of full-time attendance (eight units/semester).

Note: The PhD in Economics, not the DEDA, is intended for students who specifically wish to prepare themselves to be professors.

Program Outcomes

• This practice-oriented degree provides rigorous and advanced training in economic research methods, along with practical training in applied economics and data science.  

• Students will learn analytical and quantitative skills that prepare students for analyst careers in public, private, and nonprofit organizations.  

• Students also receive leadership training and training in working in multidisciplinary teams. 

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 64 units is required for the degree. Additionally, students are required to complete the Practical Experience Milestone.

Prerequisites

Students entering with a BA/BS should have three or more years of professional experience and the following prerequisites (16 units):

• ECON 308 - Math for Economists (4 units)  
• ECON 381 - Probability & Statistics for Econometrics (4 units)  
• ECON 313 - Microeconomic Analysis (4 units)   OR ECON 316 - Consumer Theory and General Equilibrium (4 units)  
• ECON 302 - Modern Macroeconomics: Analysis, Policy and Applications (4 units)  

Please note that ECON 308 - Math for Economists , or its equivalent, is a prerequisite for ECON 308 and ECON 381.

Students entering with an MA/MS in Economics are assumed to have the equivalent of this coursework but should take courses as needed; any prerequisites needed are in addition to the 64 units required for the DEDA.

Coursework

Research Tools (24 units) 

• SP&E 489 - Computational Tools for Social Science (4 units)  

• ECON 382 - Econometrics I (4 units)  

• ECON 383 - Econometrics II (4 units)  

• SP&E 487 - Visualizing Data (4 units)  

• ECON 384 - Time Series Econometrics (4 units)  

• Students will select one course from:

  • ECON 377 - Causal Modeling, Big Data, and Machine Learning (4 units)  

  • MATH 462 - Mathematics of Machine Learning (4 units)  

  • MATH 351 - Time Series Data Analysis (4 units)  

Transdisciplinary Studies (6 units) 

Six units of Transdisciplinary Studies (TNDY) courses will be chosen in consultation with the student’s academic advisor(s). These courses are generally 1- or 2-unit intensives and may be completed over the summer. One purpose of these courses is cross-disciplinary cohort building, and courses should be taken in person. Topics will cover elements of the following: problem-focused approaches, systems thinking, transdisciplinary communication, wicked problems, leadership, conflict resolution, project management, etc.

Field-of-Study Electives (16 units) 

• ECON 317 - Game Theory and Asymmetric Information (4 units)  
• Twelve units should be chosen in consultation with the student’s academic advisor(s). Most students will select Applied Microeconomics or International Economics and Development Policy (IEDP).

Practicum Courses (10 units)

DEDA students will take 10 units of practicum coursework. Coursework components should be chosen in consultation with advisor.

• SP&E 502A - DPE Practicum: Foundational Skills (2 units)   
• SP&E 502B - DPE Practicum: Intermediate Skills (4 units)  
• SP&E 502C - DPE Practicum: Integration and Application (4 units)  

Capstone Courses (8 units)

DEDA students will take a total of eight units of Capstone courses, one during the first year; one during the second year; and the 4-unit Completion course during the final semester of the program.

• SP&E 501A - DPE Capstone: Proposal (2 units)  
• SP&E 501B - DPE Capstone: Progress (2 units)   
• SP&E 501C - DPE Capstone: Completion (4 units)  

Division of Politics and Economics Practical Experience Milestone

Doctoral students in the Division of Politics and Economics must meet the Practical Experience Milestone through one of the following:

• An applied research project with CGU or 5C faculty
• An applied research report submitted to a client
• One or more semesters of relevant work experience between matriculation and graduation
• Another practical or applied work or research experience approved by the department as achieving one or more program learning outcomes

Students must have their milestones approved by the department prior to the submission of their Final Approval Form. This milestone is to be completed during the time to degree at CGU (maximum of 7 years for doctoral students). Extensions of Time to Degree citing the need to complete this milestone will not be approved. Students can have a maximum of 3 years of experience for the Practical Experience Milestone.