MA Applied Economics

Applied economics is the use of economic theories, models, and data to solve real-world issues. Students in the Master of Arts in Applied Economics program develop skills in macro- and microeconomics and learn to analyze and forecast economic trends in areas including (but not limited to) budgetary and fiscal policy, international trade, labor, and urban economics. Graduates are prepared for positions as economic analysts in government, private consulting firms, financial institutions, international organizations, and applied policy research institutions.

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Learning Goals

The Applied Economics program has three main goals. You will learn how to:

• Identify an economic conundrum that you want to explain;
• Apply the theoretical tools of micro- or macroeconomics and the quantitative tools of data analysis and econometrics to find a solution to your economic conundrum; and
• Communicate your analysis in a clear and coherent manner that will teach your audience something that it didn’t know before you made your presentation.

Curriculum

The master’s program in Applied Economics requires completing 10 courses for 30 credits total, including six core courses and four electives with three credits each. Full-time students will take three courses a semester plus one summer course and will be able to finish the program in three semesters.

The core courses are listed below:

• Mathematical methods for economics (ECON 6300)
• Applied microeconomic theory (ECON 6301)
• Applied macroeconomic theory (ECON 6305)
• Probability and statistics for economics (ECON 6374)
• Econometrics (ECON 6375)
• Time Series Analysis (ECON 6376)

Admission Requirements

We accept applications for both Fall and Spring admission. Applications for the Spring semester are due October 1 and applications for the Fall semester are due on April 1 (February 1 for students who wish to be considered for a fellowship).

GWU undergraduates are eligible to apply for the Grad2Grad program.

To be considered for admission to the Applied Economics MA program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

Prospective students must also have completed the following courses at the undergraduate level:

• Introductory Macroeconomics (grade of B or higher)
• Introductory Microeconomics (grade of B or higher)
• One semester of college-level calculus (grade of B- or higher)

Applicants must also submit two (2) letters of recommendation and a personal statement.

GRE scores are not required, but they may be submitted with the application.