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Combining economic modeling and Quantitative Methods
to solve everyday problems.
Who We Are
In the GW Department of Economics, students develop the analytical and statistical skills needed to understand how markets work, how prices are determined and how trade policies are designed. With courses on everything from government regulation to the economics of crime, our undergraduate majors and minors explore the economic underpinnings of countless social, governmental and international issues. Our graduate students publish in top-tier research journals and pursue prestigious careers around the world.
Located within walking distance of the Federal Reserve, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and dozens of major consulting firms, our department brings economics to life through unique internships and practical research. Our alumni are prepared to thrive in a variety of careers across the private, public and nonprofit sectors.
In striving for inclusive excellence, the GW Department of Economics supports the American Economic Association Best Practices for Economists' Building a More Diverse, Inclusive and Productive Profession.
Stay up to date on all of our department happenings and events with our newsletters and videos as well as our events calendar.
Join the Graduate Programs Virtual Open House: October 17–27
Registration is open for the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences 2023 Open House! The online event includes program-specific information sessions and opportunities to engage with current graduate students, faculty and our admissions team.
The Economics Department is hosting an information session for prospective graduate students on Friday, Oct. 20 at 10:00 a.m. and Monday, Oct. 23 at 10:00 a.m. EDT.
MS in Applied Economics Info Session: September 26
Join us online for an information session discussing the field of economics and the GW Master of Science in Applied Economics program.
Our Programs
Undergraduate Degrees
A degree in economics can be a bridge to all kinds of careers and advanced degrees, from financial forecasting and consulting to international development. Whether undergraduate students choose to major or minor in economics, or pursue one of our combined degree options, they each have access to the department’s dedicated advising support. The department offers a Bachelor of Arts, a STEM designated Bachelor of Science, and a minor.
Masters Degree In Applied Economics
GW’s STEM designated Master of Science in Applied Economics provides students with the tools to succeed as economists in today’s data-driven world. Our graduates draw meaningful implications from data and integrate economic analysis into their professional lives. They apply economic theory and quantitative methods to real-world scenarios such as measuring the impacts of government programs and forecasting economic trends.
Doctoral Degree
Producing about 10 graduates each year, the STEM designated PhD in Economics program is a community of scholars from around the world. Coursework ranges from microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics to the economics of industry and labor. PhD students engage in research with faculty and publish their own work in respected journals including Economics Letters, Journal of Macroeconomics and European Economic Review.
Upcoming Economics Events
Our Unique Location
The George Washington University Department of Economics is located in downtown Washington, D.C., within walking distance of the Federal Reserve, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Cato Institute, the Government Accountability Office, the Economic Policy Institute, Pew Charitable Trusts, Brookings Institution, the White House and dozens of major consulting firms.
Economics Department by the Numbers
“The master’s program taught me to use programming skills, econometric tools and economic theory to propose solutions to topics such as automation, inequality and trade efficiency. I apply the concepts and models that I learned in class on a daily basis in my job as an analyst in an economic consulting firm.”
Mario Escarcega
MA ’18
Applied Economics