International Economics (MA) [CAS/ECON]

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International Economics

Offered jointly by the College of Arts and Sciences , Department of Economics , and the School of International Service , this program offers a rigorous combination of theoretical, empirical, and policy-oriented courses in economics, political economy, and policymaking focused on international trade and finance. It prepares students to analyze the most important issues in today’s global economy, including the macro- and microeconomic causes and consequences of trade and financial liberalization, exchange rate fluctuations, and capital-markets integration. The objective is to gain an in-depth understanding of the market, political, and other forces that have driven the economic globalization process, as well as the private and public actors and institutions shaping international trade and financial developments and policies.

During their course of study, students utilize state-of-the-art statistical software commonly used in applied economics research and policy analysis. The program culminates with a capstone experience addressing a major issue in contemporary international economics. Students are prepared for careers in government agencies, industry associations, financial institutions, multinational corporations, economic consulting firms, think tanks, multilateral institutions, and non-governmental organizations-whether in the United States or abroad.

Admission to the Program

Applicants must hold an accredited bachelor’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of at least B+ (3.30 or higher on a 4.00 scale). Admission is based on the academic record, two letters of recommendation, and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test. Non-native English speakers are required to submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), unless they hold a degree from a U.S.-accredited institution. The minimum TOEFL score for full admissions consideration is 100 on the Internet-based test (IBT) or 600 on the paper-based test. The minimum IELTS score is 7.0.

Applicants must complete MATH-221 Calculus I , STAT-202 Basic Statistics , ECON-300 Intermediate Microeconomics , and ECON-301 Intermediate Macroeconomics , or their equivalents at other institutions, prior to enrollment in the program.

Degree Requirements

39 credit hours of approved graduate coursework, including 15 credit hours in economic theory, 9 credit hours in international economic theory and international trade and investment policy, 6 credit hours in research methodology, 6 elective credit hours, and a 3 credit hour capstone experience

Course Requirements

Core Courses (24 credit hours)

Research Methodology (6 credit hours)

Capstone Experience (3 credit hours)

Electives (6 credit hours)

6 credit hours of SIS courses at the 500-level or above, with approval of program director