Application Information
Before Beginning our Online Application
Mode of Instruction - Mostly in person, but some online offerings
Our program is fundamentally an in-person program, and will remain so. However, we are offering some "mostly online" sections of certain core courses in the Washington, DC version of our program.
Newly enrolled students have the option of choosing between "mostly in-person" and "mostly online" sections of the first term courses, ECON 641 (Microeconomic Analysis) and ECON 643 (Statistics). The "mostly in-person" sections have weekly in-person class meetings, but also some online components, including weekly online discussions. The "mostly online" sections have in-person proctored exams in our Washington, DC suite, but all other class meetings are online.
Students should not assume that it will be possible to complete our whole program online. We are fundamentally an in-person program. All instruction in the College Park version of our program will be done in person. But we do expect to offer some online course options for selected core courses in the Washington, DC version of our program going forward.
We will communicate with our students appropriately if it becomes necessary to adjust our plans. Adjustments could become necessary because of student preferences, the public health situation, and/or policy decisions made by the university, and by federal, state, and local authorities. We will continue to prioritize the health and safety of our students, instructors, and staff.
Application deadlines:
For domestic applicants seeking spring 2022 enrollment: Wednesday December 15, 2021
We are now accepting applications for spring 2022 enrollment at our Washington, DC program (ECAO). Domestic applicants and international applicants who already reside in the U.S. on existing visas that permit study (G-4, H-4, etc.) are welcome to apply.
Please note: Spring enrollment is not possible for international applicants who would need the University of Maryland to sponsor an F-1 visa. Spring enrollment is also not possible for domestic applicants who wish to pursue the degree on our main campus in College Park.
For international F-1 visa applicants: Wednesday February 9, 2022
We are now accepting applications from international applicants for fall 2022 enrollment in our College Park program (ECAM).
Please note: International applicants who will need the University of Maryland to sponsor an F-1 student visa must apply for fall enrollment to the College Park version of our program (program code: ECAM). We do not sponsor visas for students in the Washington, DC version of our program (ECAO). International applicants who already reside in the U.S. on existing visas that permit study (G-4 and H-4 visas, for example) may apply to either version of the program.
For domestic applicants seeking fall 2022 enrollment: Wednesday June 15, 2022
We are now accepting applications for fall 2022 enrollment at our Washington, DC program (ECAO) and College Park program (ECAM) locations. Domestic applicants and international applicants who already reside in the U.S. on existing visas that permit study (G-4, H-4, etc.) may apply to either location, but must pick one.
Please note: Domestic applicants seeking fall enrollment can begin the program in our quarter-based program in DC, or the traditional semester-based program in College Park. The curriculum is identical in both locations. Most domestic applicants prefer the DC location because it's closer to employers in DC, and the quarter-based academic calendar is more flexible and more conducive to pursuing the degree while working during the day. If you are unsure about which location would be best for you, please contact masters-econ@umd.edu before submitting your application.
Standard Admissions Requirements
1. Applicants must have earned a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited
U.S. institution, or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution.
2. Applicants must have earned a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in all prior undergraduate and graduate coursework.
3. Applicants do not need to have majored in economics as undergraduates, but they must provide evidence (via transcript) of having earned grades of B or higher in three introductory courses: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Calculus. AP scores of 4 or 5 are also acceptable.
4. International and domestic applicants with international credentials must also meet the minimum TOEFL or IELTS requirement.
5. A non-refundable application fee of $75 is required.
6. Submitted applications must also include a Statement of Purpose, resume, and Supplementary Application form.
Note: Our application does NOT require GRE scores or letters of recommendation.
We can often be flexible about the GPA and prerequisite course requirements. A's and B's in intermediate economics courses trump lower grades in introductory courses, for example. Relevant work experience can also be helpful. Questions about admissions requirements can be directed to the program director, Dr. John Straub (Straub@umd.edu).
The Application
Applicants can complete the online application via the link at the bottom of this page.
The application program code depends on whether you want to enroll in our 10-course Master of Science degree program, or our 5-course graduate certificate program. It also depends on whether you want to enroll in our downtown Washington, DC location, or on our main campus in College Park (also within the Washington, DC metro area).
4 Program Options
M.S. in Washington, DC: 10-course STEM-designated Master of Science degree in our downtown Washington, DC location
(spring and fall admissions, cannot sponsor international student visas)
Program code: ECAO
M.S. in College Park: 10-course STEM-designated Master of Science degree on our main campus in College Park
(fall admission only, can sponsor international student visas)
Program code: ECAM
Graduate Certificate in Washington, DC: 5-course graduate certificate in our downtown Washington, DC location
(spring and fall admissions, cannot sponsor international student visas)
Program code: z074
Graduate Certificate in College Park: 5-course graduate certificate on our main campus in College Park
(fall admission only, cannot sponsor international student visas)
Program code: z098
Link to the online application