The public economist as the state’s business economist

Since the winter semester of 2009/2010, the Freie Universität Berlin has offered an academic program unique in Germany: the Master of Science in Public Economics. 

The four-semester program particularly conveys theoretical and empirical skills, qualifying for economic policy analysis on a scientific level. Its graduates qualify for work in basic research in public finance, in applied economic research, as well as in policy analysis and consultation. Potential employers are therefore primarily chairs of public finance, economic research institutes, ministries and federations. In addition, the program provides an excellent preparation for a PhD in economics (see PhD-Fast-Track).

The theoretical and empirical topics of the four-semester program are very demanding. The core area which has to be completed compulsorily is based on sound methodological knowledge in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. Having these skills already at the start of the study is therefore an essential requirement in order to complete the program successfully. 

In the core area the model-theoretical and econometric knowledge acquired in undergraduate studies is deepened, so that the students obtain extensive analytical skills for dealing with economic policy issues. On this basis, the students can specialize in various policy fields or intensify the study in certain economic fields by choosing elective courses from four fields. For example, the students can specialize in labor market policy (in the identically named elective field) and in tax policy (in the elective field of Taxes and Social Policy). Also the fundamental question of the extent to which government action is necessary in a market economy is represented by its own elective field (Public Policy). In addition, the program offers the opportunity to study macro-economic policy issues (in the elective field Macroeconomics and Public Policy). 

In general, the program focuses very much on the economic methods of policy analysis. Nevertheless, relevant business or jurisprudential skills as well as institutional and cross-disciplinary skills can be acquired in certain elective fields. In addition, the program supports the vocational orientation of its graduates by requiring them to complete either a three-month internship or research project.as part of their studies. 

The Master of Public Economics is aimed at highly motivated students who are interested in an in-depth scientific training in the economic methods of policy analysis and consultation. 

Please feel free to contact us for further information. 

We are looking forward to receiving your application!

You can find a short presentation of the Master's program Public Economics here.

 

Partners Bundesministerium der Finanzen (BMF) Deutscher Industrie- und Handelskammertag (DIHK) Deutsches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (DIW) Berlin - Abteilung Makroökonomie ifo Dresden