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. About half are from countries outside the United States. Representing diverse backgrounds and disciplines, they 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 happy hours, guest speakers and more.

Application Requirements 

GRE scores are not required, but applicants are welcome to submit them. Applicants should have a good command of English and mathematics.

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

Application Deadlines

• April 1 (fall semester)
• February 1 (applicants seeking fellowship funding)
• October 1 (spring semester)

Math Skills Preparation

Calculus is used often in the applied economics program. If you want to get a head start, 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

In addition to financial support provided by the university, the Applied Economics program provides funding to our students in three different ways: 

• We offer paid positions for students to work with our Economics Department faculty.
• We hire graduate students to work as graders for undergraduate courses. 
• We offer funding for students who are working in an unpaid internship that contributes to their applied economics degree.