Program Outcomes
Get Upskilled and Computer Savvy
Move beyond spreadsheets and dashboards to turn data into informed decisions, in any arena, including non-profit, business, and in the public sector. Study the analysis of diverse data structures, including how data structures impact model-building.
Understand how theory and institutions impact model-building, and how to navigate underlying uncertainties in model-building. Build and deploy systems of analysis using computer programming.
Turn Your Training into a Career Trajectory
Get to know your faculty and your classmates in an interactive in-person classroom setting. Professionally recognized faculty motivate, explain, and demonstrate advanced tools using industry-leading software and leveraging A/I as an analysis and implementation partner.
Immerse yourself into a faculty and alumni network of analysts, forecasters, and domain experts across many different industries.
Analytically Capable
Through econometrics and causal inference, you’ll learn to distinguish correlation from causality and build models that produce meaningful insights. Leverage causality and/or data patterns in model design. Use modern prediction techniques, including machine learning and deep learning, to build robust data-driven analysis systems.
Build systems that harness many different analytical methods into a single-system that benefits from each of the individual methods. Learn how to structure models for scenario analysis.
Domain Knowledge
Unlike many analytics programs, this degree blends technical skills with deep economic and financial reasoning. You’ll explore how theory drives real-world outcomes — from evaluating economic policy to assessing financial value and risk.
Learn how the economy works and how institutional arrangements impact market function. Study economic measurement and leverage data measurement structures in analysis and in model design.
What You’ll Gain
- Advanced training in machine learning, predictive analytics, and econometric modeling
- Expertise in causal inference, forecasting, and economic policy analysis
- Real-world programming skills for building and implementing models
- Professional communication abilities valued by employers
- A focused, one-year pathway to career advancement in data-driven fields
Center for Economic Research and Forecasting
There is no substitute for quality experience. Students in this program apply the curriculum they learn in class at Cal Lutheran’s Center for Economic Research and Forecasting (CERF).
In close collaboration with faculty, our students work in a thriving professional
environment to create customized reports and forecasts for businesses, government,
and nonprofit organizations. Students use their applied economists skills to:
- Perform rigorous econometric analysis
- Create and understand valid models and forecasts
- Analyze options and make recommendations
- Present and defend the analysis and recommendations in writing and in formal presentations
- Develop annual Ventura and San Fernando Valley counties’ economic forecasts, as well as Oregon’s
CERF garnered the 2019 Zillow Home Price Expectations Forecast Accuracy award and is recognized as one of the five most accurate forecasters in the nation.
Molly ClancyYou develop three important skills in this program: theory, mathematics, and programming. Theory is important, and you get plenty, but what sold me on the program was the hands-on aspect. A common complaint from employers these days is a lack of real-world experience. The classwork is project- and results-oriented. This experience, and the opportunity to work at the Center for Economic Research and Forecasting (CERF) alongside your professors... this program offers much more than just theory. Without the experience of really applying the material while still in school, I wouldn’t have had the options available to me afterwards. This program sets you apart.
Staff Analytics Manager, Google
