MS Admissions & Funding

The MS in Applied Economics program offers a prime location in the nation’s capital, unique research and internship opportunities, and a rigorous curriculum with dedicated faculty mentors.

Our students, however, are our greatest asset. A new class of 30–40 students joins us each fall, and about 15 each spring. Some are recent college graduates, and others have years of work experience and continue working while pursuing this career-enhancing degree.  Many are from countries outside the United States. Representing diverse backgrounds and disciplines, our students form a close-knit community within the department.

All newly admitted students are invited to an orientation session in the first few weeks of the program, where they can discuss the program and bond with fellow classmates. Students are also encouraged to join faculty and alumni at department events throughout the year, including  presentations by guest speakers, practical workshops, special seminars, social events and more.

Application Requirements 

We do not require GRE scores. Choosing not to submit them will not affect our review of your application. Applicants should have a good command of English and mathematics.

There is some flexibility with prerequisite requirements, depending on circumstances. For example, applicants who have not taken college-level calculus may take a college-level course online or at a local college prior to enrollment to meet the prerequisite. Please direct any questions regarding application requirements to the MS program director at [email protected].

Application Deadlines

• February 1 (Fall or Summer applicants seeking funding)
• April 1 (Fall or Summer enrollment generally, but funding may not be available)
• Applications for Fall enrollment submitted after April 1 from well qualified applicants may be considered, but acceptance may be limited by course seat number constraints.
• October 1 (Spring enrollment)

Math Skills Preparation

We use calculus throughout the applied economics program. If you want to get a head start with strengthening or brushing up your math skills, get a copy of the textbook used in ECON 6300, Mathematics for Economists, by Carl P. Simon and Lawrence E. Blume.

There are other resources out there to help you refresh your calculus skills, such as:

• Khan Academy’s math courses
• Chegg’s Calculus and Economics Help

Funding

The University (through CCAS) and the Applied Economics program provides funding to our students in multiple ways: 

• Many students receive financial support from the University that partially offsets tuition costs.
• Recent BA or BS degree graduates of GWU receive a 10 percent tuition discount from the University.
• Graduates of U.S. historically Black colleges and universities are eligible for special tuition grants.
• The program offers paid positions for students to work as research assistants with our Economics Department faculty.
• The program hires graduate students to work as graders for undergraduate courses. 
• The program offers some funding for students who are working in an unpaid internship that contributes to their applied economics degree.