ECON 626Machine Learning for Economists
- Units
- 0.50
- Level
- Graduate
- Faculty
- Arts
- Subject
- Economics
When it runs
- F24
- W25
- S25
- F25
- W26
- S26
- F26
- W27
- S27
Ran in 1 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: not on the schedule. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.
This course explores a variety of machine learning methods used to analyze complex economic data and inform policy decisions. The course introduces students to predictive methods and exploratory data analysis for high-dimensional data. These methods, such as decision trees and neural networks, are applied to observational data with an emphasis on the analysis of large and/or complex datasets of interest to social scientists and policy makers
Prerequisites
None listed.
Antirequisites
None listed.
Leads to
No course lists it as a requisite.
Discussed on r/uwaterloo
One post or comment in 1 thread mentions ECON 626, January 2021 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.
Winter 2021
Courses for Machine learning/ Deep learning 6 points, 4 comments
“I want to go into the field of machine learning/ deep learning. I would like some input as to which courses I should focus on. Obviously CS has courses in Neural networks and intros to ML/AI. …”
u/anthony5963: “Don't know if its possible, but you could try enrolling in ECON 626. Took an undergrad version of this class taught by Mikko Packalen as well, highly recommend.”
Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026
- Graduate Calendar, Fall 2026The official entry
- Requirements for Fall 2026Waterloo’s requisite checker
- Schedule of Classes, Fall 2026Instructors, rooms, live seats
- Quest Class SearchWhere you enrol
- Course outlinesSyllabi from past terms (UW login)
- UW FlowStudent ratings and reviews
- WClassesPast sections back to 2004, and who taught them