Program Description

Application Requirements

Program-Specific Instructions

Additional Information

In addition to holding an undergraduate degree, not necessarily in economics, it is encouraged that applicants should have satisfactorily completed the following before enrolling in graduate courses:

• Intermediate microeconomics.
• Intermediate macroeconomics.
• At least one semester of calculus (MATH 113 or equivalent).
• At least one semester of statistics (OM 210 or STAT 250 and STAT 350, or equivalent).

The department considers all applications, considers them as a whole, and there is no minimum GPA or GRE required. To provide a baseline, the average incoming MA student has a GPA of 3.36 and GRE percentile scores of 73% verbal and 55% quantitative (for those who choose to submit GRE scores which are optional).

GRE scores are optional. Scores must be submitted by applicants who believe the GRE scores will lead to a better demonstration of their qualifications. Submitted GRE scores may be no older than 5 years. The general exam will suffice, no subject test is needed.

The admissions committee places a great deal of emphasis also on the quality of grades received in economics courses as well as courses taken in science and mathematics. No applicant will be disadvantaged because of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak or their school’s decisions about transcripts. Our admissions review will assess applicants in the context of their curriculum and academic achievements before and after the pandemic outbreak.

There are no formal requirements for content or length for the goals statement; applicants commonly discuss their choice for economics study, interest in George Mason economics, and future or career goals, but may include any information they would like the admissions review committee to consider. 

A writing sample is optional and will be reviewed if included with the application.

The Masters in Economics is also offered as an online program and accepts applications on a rolling basis. Please visit the MA in Economics online program webpage for more information about applying.

Academically strong Mason undergraduates with a commitment to research or graduate or professional studies can apply for an accelerated Master’s program and earn a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in as little as five years.

Accelerated Master’s Application Requirements

Accelerated Master’s Program-Specific Instructions

Preparing to Apply

B.S. or B.A. economics majors are eligible to apply to the accelerated master's in economics program. Prior to submitting your application, meet with the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s (BAM) Coordinator, director of your undergraduate program and with the director of the master’s program. 

• Applicants should have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 and a minimum GPA of 3.25 in all economics courses
• Applicants should have completed MATH 113 as a minimum
• Applicants have the option to submit GRE scores if they believe the GRE scores will lead to a better demonstration of their qualifications

Applicants must submit:

• Transcript 
• Two recommendation letters
• Brief goals statement explaining their interest in the program

Be sure to:

• Go over schedule for completion of the undergraduate degree
• Plan appropriate graduate course work
• Be familiar with the: policies for accelerated master's programs

English Proficiency Requirements

All Mason students must have a full command of academic English to be successful in their studies. For this reason, Mason requires applicants to demonstrate English proficiency for admission consideration, regardless of citizenship. Click here to view the requirements.

International Transcript Requirements

All transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be translated into English, if applicable, and submitted for evaluation to the Mason Office of Admissions. Mason will provide evaluation service free of charge for all international transcripts, however, some programs may request an outside evaluation be completed. Because of volume, more time may be needed to process applications requiring a Mason evaluation. You should submit your application 6 weeks prior to the deadline if you plan to utilize Mason’s free evaluation service. For expedited service, students may submit their documents to any NACES member organization at their own expense. If you decide to use an external evaluation service or if your program requires an outside evaluation, GPA and Degree equivalences must be included with your course-by-course evaluation. Mason evaluations are used for internal purposes and are not released to applicants. For information on international transcript requirements, go here.