Graduate Programs with Better Opportunities
In the USA
Graduate Programs with High Job Placements and Strong Salary Potential in The USA
If you're a graduate admission candidate exploring your next step, it's worth considering graduate programs that go beyond traditional programs but still leverage your analytical foundation. In this post, we highlight top graduate programs known for high job placements, excellent annual salary potential, and solid career trajectories.
Each program overview includes why it's a fit for econ grads, typical job roles, salary data, admission requirements for international candidates, and funding or assistantship options—plus examples of universities offering these programs.
Each entry below outlines why it's a fit, typical job roles, salary ranges, admission requirements for international students (including IELTS, GRE/GMAT), funding options, and top universities offering each program.
🎯 1. Data Science / Data Analytics
Why it's a great fit:
Economics grads have strong statistical and problem-solving abilities—perfect for analyzing big data, building models, and making data-driven decisions.
Career Roles:
Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Business Intelligence Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer
Salary Potential:
Entry-level: $75,000–95,000
Mid-career: $120,000–150,000+
Admission Requirement for International Candidates:
Bachelor’s with quantitative coursework (economics, statistics, math, or engineering)
IELTS: 6.5–7.5 | TOEFL iBT: 90–100
GRE: 310+ (Quant 160+ preferred; some programs waive it)
Programming experience (Python, R) strongly preferred
Funding/Assistantship Opportunities:
Many STEM-designated programs offer teaching/research assistantships and scholarships.
Top Universities Offering This Program:
Carnegie Mellon University
University of California, Berkeley
University of British Columbia
University of Melbourne
💹 2. Financial Engineering / Quantitative Finance
Why it's a great fit:
Combines economics with high-level math, statistics, and programming to tackle complex financial problems in banking and investment.
Career Roles:
Quantitative Analyst (Quant), Risk Manager, Algorithmic Trader, Portfolio Analyst
Salary Potential:
Entry-level: $90,000–120,000
Experienced: $150,000–300,000+ (bonuses common)
Admission Requirement for International Candidates:
Bachelor’s in Economics, Math, Engineering, or related field
IELTS: 7.0–7.5 | TOEFL iBT: 95–105
GRE: 320+ (Quant 165+ highly recommended)
Strong math and programming background (C++, Python)
Funding/Assistantship Opportunities:
Limited assistantships; partial merit scholarships available in top schools.
Top Universities Offering This Program:
Columbia University (MFE)
NYU Tandon
ETH Zurich
National University of Singapore (NUS)
🏛️ 3. Public Policy / Public Administration (MPP/MPA)
Why it's a great fit:
Public policy blends economics with real-world impact, making it ideal for those pursuing careers in government, development, or NGOs.
Career Roles:
Policy Analyst, Government Economist, Public Affairs Manager, NGO Consultant
Salary Potential:
Entry-level: $60,000–75,000
Experienced: $90,000–130,000
Admission Requirement for International Candidates:
Bachelor’s degree in any field (econ or social science preferred)
IELTS: 7.0+ | TOEFL iBT: 100+
GRE: 305–320 (optional at many schools)
Experience in public service or volunteering is a plus
Funding/Assistantship Opportunities:
Fellowships (e.g., Fulbright, Rotary), assistantships, and tuition waivers available at many top programs.
Top Universities Offering This Program:
Harvard Kennedy School
London School of Economics (LSE)
University of Toronto
Hertie School (Germany)
💼 4. MBA (Master of Business Administration)
Why it's a great fit:
Great for future leaders, entrepreneurs, and strategists. Economics grads bring valuable analytical skills to case-based learning.
Career Roles:
Product Manager, Strategy Consultant, Investment Banker, Business Development Manager
Salary Potential:
Post-MBA: $100,000–150,000+
Senior roles: $200,000–300,000+ (with bonuses)
Admission Requirement for International Candidates:
Bachelor’s degree (any discipline)
IELTS: 7.0–7.5 | TOEFL iBT: 100+
GMAT: 650–740 | GRE: 310–325
2–5 years of work experience typically required
Essays, interviews, and leadership potential are key
Funding/Assistantship Opportunities:
Merit scholarships, need-based aid, and global fellowships (e.g., Forté, DAAD) widely available.
Top Universities Offering This Program:
INSEAD
Wharton School (UPenn)
London Business School
IIM Ahmedabad (PGP equivalent to MBA)
🧠 5. Behavioral Science / Behavioral Economics
Why it's a great fit:
For students fascinated by decision-making and psychology, this program bridges cognitive science and economics, useful in policy, UX, and finance.
Career Roles:
Behavioral Analyst, UX Researcher, Policy Designer, Consultant
Salary Potential:
Entry-level: $60,000–80,000
Experienced: $100,000–130,000+
Admission Requirement for International Candidates:
Bachelor’s in Economics, Psychology, or Social Science
IELTS: 6.5–7.5 | TOEFL iBT: 90–100
GRE: 305–320 (varies; some programs waive)
Research experience is advantageous
Funding/Assistantship Opportunities:
Some programs offer research assistantships and merit scholarships.
Top Universities Offering This Program:
University of Chicago (MAPSS)
University of Warwick
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Cornell University
🌿 6. Environmental Economics / Sustainability Studies
Why it's a great fit:
This interdisciplinary program combines environmental science, policy, and economics, great for tackling global issues like climate change.
Career Roles:
ESG Analyst, Sustainability Consultant, Environmental Economist, Climate Policy Advisor
Salary Potential:
Entry-level: $60,000–75,000
Experienced: $100,000–130,000+
Admission Requirement for International Candidates:
Bachelor’s in Econ, Environmental Studies, or Policy
IELTS: 6.5–7.5 | TOEFL iBT: 90–100
GRE: Optional for many programs
Passion for sustainability often emphasized in SOP
Funding/Assistantship Opportunities:
Available at many public and international universities; external scholarships are common.
Top Universities Offering This Program:
Yale School of the Environment
University of Oxford (MSc in Environmental Change)
University of Copenhagen
Australian National University
For economics graduates, the path forward is wide open. These graduate programs offer not only high job placement rates but also access to industries with growing demand and strong annual salary outcomes. Whether you’re drawn to data science, finance, policy, or sustainability, there’s a graduate program that fits your profile and goals.
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