M.A. in Economics

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 75

1. Academic Qualifications: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution. The degree should be relevant to the chosen field of study for the postgraduate program.

2. Grade Point Average (GPA): The minimum GPA requirement for admission to most postgraduate programs at George Mason University is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.  

3. English Language Proficiency:  

• IELTS: Overall score of 7, with no individual band score below 6.5
• TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 88 , with no band less than 20.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 120

George Mason University recognizes the importance of making higher education accessible to a diverse range of students, including international students. As such, the university offers a variety of scholarships to help offset the cost of tuition and support the academic pursuits of international students.

1. Global Excellence Scholarship: The Global Excellence Scholarship is a merit-based award available to incoming international undergraduate students. It recognizes academic achievement, leadership skills, and contributions to the community. The scholarship amount varies and is renewable for up to four years.

2. INTO Mason Scholarships: INTO Mason, a partnership program that helps international students transition to university life in the United States, offers scholarships to students who enroll in Pathway programs. These scholarships can help cover tuition costs and are awarded based on academic merit.

3. College and Departmental Scholarships: Many of George Mason University's colleges and academic departments offer scholarships to international students who excel in specific fields of study. These scholarships may require students to meet certain academic criteria and demonstrate a strong commitment to their chosen area of study.

4. Graduate Assistantships: International graduate students at George Mason University have the opportunity to apply for graduate assistantships, which provide funding for tuition and stipends for work as research or teaching assistants. These assistantships offer valuable hands-on experience while helping to offset educational costs.

5. International Baccalaureate Scholarships: International students who have completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) program may be eligible for scholarships based on their IB scores and academic achievements. These scholarships are available to both undergraduate and graduate students.

6. Private Scholarships: George Mason University encourages international students to explore private scholarship opportunities from external organizations, foundations, and government agencies. The university's scholarship office can provide guidance and resources to help students find and apply for these scholarships.

7. Fullbright Scholarships: International students seeking advanced degrees may be eligible to apply for the prestigious Fullbright scholarship program, which provides funding for graduate study, research, and cultural exchange opportunities in the United States.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Economics program at George Mason University is a dynamic and intellectually rigorous program designed to equip students with a deep understanding of economic principles, analytical skills, and real-world applications. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for a wide range of rewarding career opportunities in various sectors, thanks to the program's comprehensive curriculum and strong emphasis on both theoretical and practical knowledge.

1. Economic Analyst: M.A. in Economics graduates often find roles as economic analysts in government agencies, research organizations, and private companies. They analyze economic data, conduct research, and provide insights into economic trends and policy implications.

2. Policy Advisor: Many graduates go on to become policy advisors for governmental bodies, non-profit organizations, and think tanks. They contribute their economic expertise to shaping policies related to areas such as healthcare, education, trade, and labor.

3. Consultant: Graduates can work as economic consultants for consulting firms, advising businesses on strategic decisions, market trends, pricing strategies, and feasibility studies.

4. Financial Analyst: The analytical skills gained in the program are valuable for financial analyst roles. Graduates can assess investment opportunities, analyze market trends, and provide financial recommendations.

5. Data Scientist: The program equips students with strong quantitative skills, making them well-suited for data science roles. Graduates can work with large datasets to uncover insights and drive data-informed decisions.

6. Academic Researcher: The M.A. program provides a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing further studies, including Ph.D. programs in economics. Graduates can contribute to academic research in various economic subfields.

7. International Trade Specialist: With a strong understanding of international economics, graduates can work as trade specialists, facilitating international business transactions and analyzing trade policies.

8. Market Research Analyst: Graduates can pursue careers in market research, studying consumer behavior, market trends, and competition to help businesses make informed marketing decisions.

9. Environmental Economist: Given the growing importance of sustainability, graduates can specialize in environmental economics, working on issues related to climate change, natural resource management, and environmental policies.