Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral

What you'll study

This master's programme combines advanced core training in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics with specialised modules and a supervised research component. Teaching balances theoretical rigour and applied methods so you can address empirical questions in development, public policy, labour markets, natural-resource economics and finance.

• Core courses: Advanced Microeconomic Theory, Advanced Macroeconomic Theory, Econometric Methods (including time series and panel data), Mathematical Economics and Research Methods.
• Applied and elective modules: Development Economics, Public Economics and Fiscal Policy, Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, Labour Economics, Industrial Organisation, International Economics, Applied Financial Economics, Policy Evaluation and Impact Assessment.
• Quantitative tools and labs: Practical training in statistical software (e.g. R, Stata, Python), applied microeconometrics, forecasting, and computational methods for economic modelling.
• Research component: A significant thesis or research project supervised by faculty, with options for collaboration with research centres, government agencies or NGOs. Students are expected to design empirical strategies, work with real data and produce a defendable dissertation.
• Structure and duration: The programme typically comprises coursework followed by a research period; full-time students usually complete the degree in around two years, although part-time or flexible arrangements may be available.

Entry requirements

Admission is selective and intended for applicants with a solid quantitative background and prior undergraduate training in economics or a closely related field. Typical requirements include:

• A recognised bachelor's degree in Economics, Finance, Business, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering or a related social science.
• Academic transcripts showing good performance in core quantitative subjects (microeconomics, macroeconomics, calculus, statistics/econometrics).
• A curriculum vitae and a statement of purpose outlining research interests and career objectives.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees familiar with the applicant's analytical abilities.
• Language proficiency: because instruction and supervision are conducted in Spanish, applicants should demonstrate competence in Spanish; some supervisory arrangements may permit work in English but applicants should check programme guidance.
• In some cases, applicants may be asked to attend an interview or to complete a short entrance test in quantitative reasoning or economics.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master in Economic Sciences are prepared for a variety of analytical and research-oriented careers across the public, private and non-profit sectors. Common career paths include:

• Economic researcher or analyst in government ministries, central banks and regulatory agencies, working on policy design, macroeconomic management and fiscal analysis.
• Positions in international organisations and multilateral agencies engaged in development, trade and financial programmes.
• Consultancy roles in economic and policy consultancies, providing impact evaluations, cost–benefit analysis and sector studies.
• Analyst or quantitative researcher in financial institutions, think tanks and research centres focusing on forecasting, risk analysis and applied econometrics.
• Further academic research leading to doctoral studies and careers in university teaching and scholarly research.

Why study at Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral

ESPOL is a leading technical university in Ecuador with recognised strengths in quantitative and applied research, making it well suited for an economics programme with strong empirical emphasis. The university offers access to research groups and laboratories, interdisciplinary collaboration with engineering and environmental faculties, and local networks with public institutions in Guayaquil and national policy bodies.

Students benefit from faculty with regional expertise in development, natural-resource economics and public policy, opportunities to work on real-world data sets, and links to external organisations for internships and applied projects. The coastal location and engagement with industry and port-related economic activity also provide distinctive opportunities to study trade, logistics and regional development issues relevant to Ecuador and the Pacific coast.