DRAFT 2026-2027 Graduate Catalog
Ness School of Management and Economics
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Joseph Santos, Ness Endowed Director
Nicole Klein, Associate Director
David Davis, Professor and Graduate Coordinator (Economics and Business Analytics)
Ekaterina Koromyslova, Professor and Graduate Coordinator (Operations Management and Supply Chain Management)
Ness School of Management and Economics
Harding Hall
605-688-4141
The Ness School of Management and Economics offers an M.S. in Economics and an M.S. in Operations Management (MSOM), with program options designed to support both research-oriented and professionally focused graduate students. Specialized non-thesis options in Business Analytics and Supply Chain Management are available within the MSOM program.
Master of Science in Economics
The M.S. in Economics provides rigorous training in economic theory, quantitative methods, and applied analysis. The program prepares students for analytical careers in business, government, and policy institutions, as well as for doctoral study in economics or related fields. Core coursework includes advanced microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, with a strong emphasis on applied economic research. Students complete a six-credit research thesis and may customize their program through elective coursework in areas such as economics, agricultural economics, finance, and management.
Master of Science in Operations Management - Thesis Track
The M.S. in Operations Management (MSOM) thesis track is designed for professionals seeking advanced expertise in managing technical and operational functions within organizations. The curriculum emphasizes analytical decision-making and leadership in operational contexts. Core coursework includes operations management, project management, and leadership, complemented by elective coursework in three subject areas, namely resources, operations, and analysis. Students in this track complete a research thesis that integrates theory and applied problem-solving.
Master of Science in Operations Management - Non-Thesis Specializations
The M.S. in Operations Management (MSOM) program also offers two non-thesis specializations that build upon the MSOM core curriculum and emphasize applied, professionally oriented learning. Students complete either program with an integrative, strategic capstone course.
- The Business Analytics specialization focuses on data-driven decision-making and managerial analysis. Coursework includes advanced managerial economics, financial management, and marketing strategy and analytics. Graduates are prepared for roles in business analytics, consulting, management, and related fields.
- The Supply Chain Management specialization emphasizes supply chain design and coordination. Coursework includes supply chain management, transportation and logistics, and warehouse management. The specialization prepares graduates for careers in supply chain operations, logistics management, procurement, and distribution across diverse industries.
Coursework in the non-thesis MSOM options is offered in flexible formats, including hybrid and online delivery. Depending on professional and personal commitments, students may complete these programs in 12 or 24 months.
Research and teaching assistantships may be available to qualified students in either thesis track. A limited number of scholarships may be available to graduate students.
Graduate Faculty
Axton Betz-Hamilton, Associate Professor
Whoi Cho, Assistant Professor
Rohini Daraboina, Assistant Professor
David E. Davis, Professor and Graduate Coordinator
Matthew A. Diersen, Griffith Chair in Agricultural Finance and Professor
Xiaozhou Ding, Assistant Professor
Matthew Elliot, Associate Professor
Michelle Fleig-Palmer, Associate Professor
Hailong Jin, Associate Professor
Nicole Klein, Associate Director and Professor
Ekaterina Koromyslova, Professor and Graduate Coordinator
George Langelett, Professor
Hoanh Le, Assistant Professor
Andrea Leschewski, Associate Professor
Shirley Liu, Assistant Professor
Huitian Lu, Professor
Brittany McKnight, Assistant Professor
David Palmer, Professor
Joseph M. Santos, Ness Endowed Director and Professor
Oscar Sarasty, Assistant Professor
Sarah Sellars, Assistant Professor
Craig Silvernagel, Milton Nies Endowed Faculty Scholar and Associate Professor
Nacasius Ujah, Associate Professor
Evert Van der Sluis, Professor
Tong Wang, Professor
Zhiguang Wang, Everett and Bernetta DuBois Endowed Professorship in Business Finance and Investments Analysis and Professor
Biying Yang, Nies Early Career Faculty Scholar of Management and Assistant Professor
Jason Zimmerman, Professor
Programs
Master’s Degrees
Certificates
Accelerated Master’s Option
An accelerated master’s degree option allows students to efficiently utilize their time in college to achieve the advanced degrees sooner. Qualified students enrolled in Ness School undergraduate programs may begin their graduate studies while they complete their undergraduate degree, applying up to 12 graduate program credits to the bachelor’s degree. Students must follow the policy and procedures outlined in SDSU Policy 2:22 Use of Graduate Credit for Undergraduate Degree Requirements.
Accreditation
The Ness School of Management and Economics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).
Student Support and Engagement Opportunities
The Ness School of Management and Economics prides itself on providing excellent academic programs and offering high-quality services to students. A limited number of research and teaching assistantships and scholarships may be available to qualified students. The Management and Economics Graduate Student Association (MEGSA) supports graduate-student engagement opportunities.
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