Earn a Master's Degree in Economics & Innovation

A master’s degree in economics and innovation (MEI) equips you with the collaborative and technical skills to become a transformative innovator and difference-maker in solving real-world challenges. In the MEI program, you will learn to tackle the pressing challenges of industry and society by creating value-driven innovations and going beyond technical engineering aspects to successfully bring them to market.

You can select two focus areas: either value-driven innovation or energy economics and global sustainability to meet your specific career interests. When you graduate, you’ll possess a comprehensive perspective and the capability ready for high-impact careers, applying purposeful innovations to create sustainable economic and societal value for all. 

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Degree Information

The M.S. in Economics and Innovation (MEI) program equips STEM professionals with essential industry-driven skills and economic insights to thrive in today’s dynamic global market.

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The MEI program consists of 30 graduate credit hours (10 courses). Students must take 18 credit hours (6 courses) from the program core courses.

  • Four economics core courses and two engineering management core courses make up the six program core courses. 

In addition, students must take 12 credit hours (4 courses) from the designated core course for their selected focus area. Upon graduation, students will earn both a MEI degree and a graduate certificate in the chosen focus area.

Students can also combine four core courses from the two focus areas. By doing so, they will graduate with a general MEI degree. 

Do you want to be a transformative innovator? Chart your path on this track, where you will learn what it takes to drive purposeful innovations that make a meaningful impact. You will master the collaborative processes that create unique value for customers, stakeholders, and society.

Are you interested in solving global energy challenges? Pursue your passion in this track, where you will learn to address global issues at the intersection of energy systems, economic policies, and environmental sustainability through multidisciplinary education and collaboration between engineers and economists.

The MEI program is designed for you to make an impact! We seek highly motivated students who have completed a STEM bachelor's degree in economics, engineering, or science, possess a solid foundation in mathematics, and are passionate about driving innovation in solving real-world problems. We seek students eager to pursue careers that help both the public and private sectors build ecosystems that promote economic and community growth while enhancing the societal impact of sustainable, value-creating technologies and innovations. 

To ensure your success, the program admissions committee will carefully evaluate your academic foundation in mathematics. Applicants must also submit a compelling statement of purpose outlining their career interests and goals and explaining how the MEI program can support their future career paths. 

The MEI program's interdisciplinary nature welcomes well-prepared students from diverse disciplines. The admissions committee takes an inclusive approach to ensure all students, regardless of academic background, can strengthen their foundational knowledge and succeed in the program. In rare cases, leveling courses may be required. 

 

Your Career in Economics & Innovation

image of a dollar sign encircled by a dark green background and lime green ring Estimated Starting Salary

$100,000+

image of a briefcase icon encircled by a dark green background and a lime green outer ring Career Pathways

    • Innovation Strategist
    • Research and Development Manager
    • Technology Economist
    • Economic Development Manager
    • Business Development Manager
    • Policy Analyst

Industry Executive Insights on the Promising Job Prospects

John Lovitt

I've led teams at McDonnell Douglas, HP, Rational Software, and startups, generating billions in revenue and thousands of jobs. The global shortage of skilled professionals to assess technology’s economic and technical viability highlights the need to educate students with the MEI curriculum.

— John Lovitt, retired Silicon Valley senior executive, Missouri S&T Trustee, and S&T alumnus 

John Wagner

The MEI program offers an opportunity to build a workforce with an engineering background also capable of navigating the complex decision-making process surrounding technology investment, particularly in the face of policy uncertainty.

— John C. Wagner, Director of the Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory, Missouri S&T Trustee, and S&T alumnus 

Information for Future Students