The College of Applied Economics (CAEc) is designed to create career opportunities in research, agriculture, consulting, banking, manufacturing, education and the public sector. The programs offer excellent opportunities for inter-disciplinary approach to providing a well-balanced economic education program emphasizing rigorous study, critical thinking, independence, problem solving, creativity, and flexibility for qualified students in the region.

College of Applied Economics (CAEc) was established per Board Resolution No. 2782, Series of 1999, during the 85th meeting of the Board of Regents at the Durian Hotel in Davao City.

The Bachelor of Science in Economics program is a diverse, fascinating discipline that addresses a range of issues on the local, regional, national, and global scales. This course plays a central role in shaping the broad framework of society at every level. It provides undergraduate training in theoretical and applied aspects of economics, mathematics, and statistics. Although primarily interested in explaining the behavior of individuals, economics also addresses the collective behavior of businesses and industries, governments and countries, and the globe as a whole. The discipline is crucial to understanding and solving the major problems and challenges the world faces today, such as global warming, climate change, poverty, development, unemployment, inflation, exchange rates, and recession.

The BS Economics program is designed to equip students with knowledge in economic theory and its applications and with essential skills for undertaking economic analysis. This degree program is designed for students who prefer more courses in mathematics and the sciences, focusing on the technical and practical aspects of Economics. The BS program requires more major (Economics) courses and thus fewer opportunities for customizing the program of study (CMO 32, s. 2017).

Under the Development Economics specialization, undergraduate students will be able to identify and analyze real-world socioeconomic and developmental issues using the concepts, theories, and methodologies in economics. Particularly, students may be able to examine changes and improvements that raise living standards. The focus of this specialization includes issues in health, education, inequality, and poverty.

The specialization in Monetary and Financial Economics is designed to equip students with the economic analysis of how central banks and financial markets work. This includes analyzing the effects of monetary institutions and policy on economic variables such as commodity prices, wages, interest rates, employment, consumption, and production. It also explores how time, risk, opportunity costs, and information influence decisions in financial markets.

Furthermore, the Resource and Environmental Economics specialization equips students with knowledge in economic theory applied to environmental and resource analysis, including resource allocation and the impact of human activities on the environment. The program emphasizes applied mathematics, statistics, and technical economic analysis.

Moreover, the Master of Science in Economics program is designed to develop advanced knowledge and skills for understanding economic and social environments. It strengthens analytical and decision-making abilities necessary for solving complex economic problems.