Application Information
Before Beginning our Online Application
Mode of Instruction - Mostly in person with only limited online offerings
Our program is fundamentally an in-person program, and will remain so. We do sometimes offer "mostly online" sections of certain courses. However, students should not assume that online or "mostly online" sections will be available.
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 2023 enrollment: Wednesday December 14, 2022
Please note: The spring term in our DC location begins on February 27, 2023. Spring enrollment is only possible for domestic applicants to the Washington, DC 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 or international F-1 visa applicants: Wednesday February 8, 2023
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 2023 enrollment: Wednesday June 14th, 2023
Please note: Domestic applicants and international applicants who already reside in the U.S. on existing visas that permit study (G-4, H-4, etc.) can apply for fall enrollment 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. International applicants with a 3-year bachelor's degree should read the information posted on this page of the UMD Graduate School website. Applicants with 3-year degrees from India can be admissible, for example, if their 3-year bachelor’s degree has already been earned at the time of application, and if their degree is in economics or a closely related field, with strong grades.
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 whose previous degrees were earned in non-English speaking countries 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