The George Washington University - Elliott School Of International Affairs
Master of Science in International Economic PolicyWashington, USA
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
USD 2,280 / per credit
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Introduction
The Master of Science in International Economic Policy (MS-IEP) offers a rigorous foundation for students interested in both data-driven research and policy analysis. The program emphasizes advanced econometric techniques to analyze global economic issues, equipping students with the skills necessary to address complex challenges in today’s interconnected world.
With a focus on the implications of economic policies for both national and international governance, the MS-IEP prepares graduates to use quantitative tools to design, evaluate, and implement effective economic strategies on the global stage.
As a STEM-designated degree, international students graduating from our MS-IEP degree are eligible to apply for an extra two years of work in the United States.
The Master of Science in International Economic Policy (MS-IEP) is the right master's degree for you if ...
- You want to study economic policy with an international focus.
- You’re a few years into your career and realize you need the right credentials, skills, and connections to advance.
- You’re finishing your undergraduate degree in economics, business, or a related field, and you want to move on to a graduate program that offers expertise and real-world work experience on a global scale.
- You previously studied international affairs or other fields, but now realize that an economic focus is key to advancing your career.
- You want to earn your master’s degree in international economic policy in the nation’s capital with access to some of the world’s most influential institutions, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
- You’re interested in an expedited master’s program that will allow you to graduate in a year and a half.
Gallery
Ideal Students
Apply to the Master of Science if...
- You are interested in policy evaluation, economic forecasting, or designing solutions to global challenges like poverty, inequality, or trade disputes.
- You are interested in data-driven decision-making or economic research.
- You would like to develop strong math and analytical skills, working with economic models, statistical methods, and policy evaluation tools.
- You are interested in using computational models to assess the impact of economic policies or predict outcomes.
- You are eager to work with large datasets to extract insights on market trends or policy effects.
- You’re an international student looking for a STEM designated program in order to be eligible to apply for two additional years of work in the United States.
Admissions
Curriculum
The following requirements must be fulfilled: 30 credits, including 9 credits in core courses, 12 credits in quantitative analysis, a 2-credit capstone course, and 7 credits in elective courses.
Students must demonstrate proficiency in intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics and must have completed a minimum of one college-level course in calculus by the time of enrollment.
Required
Core courses (9 credits)
- ECON6283 Survey of International Trade Theory and Policy
- ECON6284 Survey of International Macroeconomics and Finance Theory and Policy
- ECON6294 Topics in Economic Development
Quantitative analysis (12 credits)
- ECON6300 Mathematical Methods for Economics
- ECON6374 Probability and Statistics for Economics
- ECON6375 Applied Econometrics
- ECON6376 Time Series Analysis
Capstone (2 credits)
Students complete a capstone project using econometric or mathematical economic models under the direction of the program director. The capstone course must be taken in the last semester of their plan of study.
- IAFF 6899 Capstone Course
Electives
7 credits in elective courses selected in consultation with the program director.
These courses should include two 3-credit courses and one 1-credit professional skills course (IAFF 6502 or IAFF 6503).
Program Outcome
In our Master of Science program, you will…
- Develop the tools, approaches, and business acumen you need to shape and implement economic policy in both the public and private sectors. The program balances skill development with deep knowledge and expertise. Core courses cover international trade theory and policy, development economics, statistics, and finance.
- Acquire practical skills and experience through your capstone. During your final semester, you will engage in small group, project-based work with the possibility to work with an external client. The capstone enables students to deepen their understanding of international economic policy while gaining practical experience, both of which are crucial for bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice.
- Take advantage of the unparalleled professional and cultural connections Washington, D.C., and the Elliott School have to offer. Evening classes accommodate working professionals and students pursuing internships and part-time employment in Washington D.C. You will have access to key players as you attend events, work alongside experts as part of your capstone experience, and learn beside professionals.
- Network within a strong and diverse community of peers and faculty. Attending the Elliott School gives you access to other GW schools, faculty, and alumni. The connections you will make through GW and in D.C. will set you up for long-term success and an impactful career.
Career Opportunities
When you graduate
- You will have a skillset that is both practical and always in demand as you pursue a career in public service, business, management consulting, development agencies, and international organizations.
- You will have a deep understanding of global dynamics, positioning you to make a long-term impact. You will have a credible voice and seat at the table with your technical background and policy analysis tools.
- After demonstrating your abilities through your capstone, you will have the background sought by some of the world’s most prominent organizations, including the World Bank, U.S. International Trade Commission, Booz Allen Hamilton, the International Monetary Fund, IBM, and more.
- You will be well-connected through a network of professionals and friends, and you will have lifetime access to career counseling, workshops, site visits, and information sessions with our Graduate Student Services office.
History of Career Placement
- Federal Reserve
- International Monetary Fund
- International Trade Administration
- World Bank Group
- Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
- Senate Finance Committee
- U.S. Department of State
- U.S. International Trade Commission
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- The White House
- J.P. Morgan
- Agralytica
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Bank of China
- Brookings Institute
- Beacon Global Strategy
- Capital One
- Carlyle Group
- Credit Suisse
- Department of Commerce
- ESAI Energy
- IBM
English Language Requirements
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