DOUBLE DEGREE
MEADS and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Pathway: A Transatlantic Graduate Pathway in Economics, Data Science and Policy.
MEADS is designed not only as a rigorous graduate programme in economics and data science, but also as a gateway to an international academic pathway with the Department of Economics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Through the Dual Master’s Degree collaboration between the University of Macedonia and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, MEADS is connected with two of Illinois graduate programmes:
- M.S. in Economic Modeling, AI, and Data Science (EMAIDS)
- M.S. in Policy Economics (MSPE)
This connection creates a distinctive opportunity for students who wish to begin their graduate studies in Thessaloniki and continue, under clearly defined academic conditions, toward advanced graduate study at one of the leading public research universities in the United States.
Why Choose MEADS
The MEADS programme offers a rigorous and forward-looking graduate education at the intersection of economics, data science, and artificial intelligence. Students develop the analytical, empirical, and computational skills required for evidence-based decision-making in an increasingly data-driven global environment.
A Strong International Orientation
MEADS is directly connected to graduate study opportunities at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign through the Dual Master’s Degree framework. This collaboration provides students with a structured academic pathway to continue their studies in one of the leading international research environments in economics and data science.
A Structured Pathway to Illinois Graduate Programmes
Successful MEADS students may apply to continue their graduate studies at Illinois through one of two specialized master’s programmes offered by the Department of Economics:
- M.S. in Economic Modeling, AI, and Data Science (EMAIDS)
- M.S. in Policy Economics (MSPE)
Opportunities for Credit Transfer
Eligible MEADS coursework may be transferred toward the Illinois graduate programmes, subject to academic equivalency and minimum grade requirements. This structure facilitates academic continuity and enables students to build upon prior graduate-level training.
Scholarships and Financial Support
High-performing MEADS graduates who continue their studies at Illinois may be considered for merit-based financial support, including:
- partial tuition waivers,
- hourly assistantships,
- and other forms of graduate funding,
subject to University regulations and the availability of funding.
A Direct Connection to Two Illinois Graduate Programmes
The Dual Master’s Degree framework connects MEADS with two graduate programmes offered by the Department of Economics at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, allowing students to pursue specialized academic and professional trajectories.
M.S. in Economic Modeling, AI, and Data Science (EMAIDS)
The EMAIDS programme integrates economics, data science, and artificial intelligence. It provides students with a strong foundation in economic theory and analytical methods, combined with practical training in:
- data science,
- programming,
- econometrics,
- machine learning,
- artificial intelligence,
- and empirical economic research.
This pathway is particularly well suited for students interested in:
- economic modelling,
- applied data science,
- machine learning applications,
- programming for economic analysis,
- causal inference,
- data analytics,
- and quantitative economic research.
M.S. in Policy Economics (MSPE)
The MSPE programme offers advanced training in economic theory, applied economics, econometrics, and policy analysis. It is designed for students seeking strong preparation for careers and research in:
- public policy,
- applied economic research,
- policy evaluation,
- and professional economic analysis.
This pathway is particularly attractive for students interested in:
- environmental and natural resource economics,
- industrial organization,
- financial economics,
- international economics,
- labour economics,
- public economics,
- and applied econometrics.