Application Information
Before Beginning our Online Application
All instruction currently online
All instruction is currently online. This is true for all classes in our Washington, DC "location" and also in our College Park "location." The mode of instruction for the fall of 2021 has not yet been determined. Decisions about when to resume at least some in-person components in our program will prioritize the health and safety of our students, staff and faculty.
Application deadlines:
For domestic applicants seeking spring enrollment: Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Please note: Spring enrollment is only possible for domestic applicants to the Washington, DC-based version of our program (ECAO). 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 applicants: Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Please note: International applicants who 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 2021 enrollment: Wednesday, June 30, 2021
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 email masters-econ@umd.edu.
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 Applicants must also meet the minimum TOEFL or IELTS requirement.
5. A non-refundable application fee of $75 is required.
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 program code to enter in your application 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