FAQs

Who is the Program Director?

Watch the video and meet the Director, Professor Bruce Wydick at: http://www.usfca.edu/artsci/idec/ . Meet some of our alumni: https://sites.google.com/site/idecpublicnewsletter/home

Who May Apply for the M.A. International and Development Economics program?

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university-level institution, preferably in Economics. Many of our IDEC students have undergraduate degrees in a subject other than Economics and therefore usually need to take a few required undergraduate courses before moving onto the core graduate requirements of the program. It is still possible to be admitted to the program before completing these undergrad courses, but a student would need to take the necessary courses at USF (usually in the first semester) prior to beginning the core coursework.

Is there a GPA Requirement for the IDEC Program?

A GPA of 3.0 or higher strengthens an application. In reviewing applications, the admission committee takes all supporting documentation into consideration, giving particular attention to academic performance in courses taken in economics, statistics, calculus, and finance. Generally speaking, most accepted students typically have a GPA or 3.4 or higher.

What does the Review Committee look for in reviewing applications for admission?

The committee looks for at least a B grade or better in math courses, statistics, and calculus course(s). It helps strengthen an application if a student has already taken an intermediate mirco and macro course with a grade of B or better. It also strengthens an application if a student is proficient in another language that is spoken in a developing country. Strong letters of recommendation (two are required) also strengthen an application in addition to a well written statement of purpose that explains why an applicant is interested in this particular focus of economics.

Is there a GRE Requirement?

No GRE is required. However, you may submit GRE scores as extra supporting documentation, if you feel it strengthens your application. Tests Requirements: http://www.usfca.edu/templates/as_idec_home.aspx?id=2147493368

Does the IDEC program offer scholarships?

The IDEC Program offers a small number of scholarships on a competitive basis. Scholarships are conditional upon maintaining a 3.2 GPA each semester while in the program. The scholarships can range anywhere from $2,500 to $15,000 total. Applicants to the program—both domestic and international--are automatically considered for these scholarships; therefore, there is no separate application for scholarship consideration. If a student is awarded a scholarship, it would be noted in the first paragraph of his/her acceptance letter.

What is the application deadline?

The priority deadline for Fall applications is March 1. Completed applications on file (includes a Certificate of Finance and a TOEFL score for international students) at this time will be reviewed for admission and for the limited number of scholarships. Fall applications that are completed after the March 1st deadline will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis until April 1.

What is the cost of the program?

The IDEC Program consists of 36 units. The current graduate tuition rate is $1,130 per unit. Therefore, the total cost of the program is $40,680, not including textbooks or living expenses. The number of courses M.A. IDEC students are required to take to complete the program will depend on which economics classes a student has previously taken. Follow this link for more information on the sample program of study:http://www.usfca.edu/artsci/idec/program/#%20Program%20of%20Study?

How many units per semester do students usually take?

Full-time graduate students typically take 6-9 units per semester. Each class is 3 units which results into two or three classes per semester. The length of time required to complete the program varies from 3-5 semesters depending on the workload the student wishes to undertake.

Is it possible to do the IDEC program as a part-time student or take classes in the evening?

Many of the core IDEC classes are offered in the evening, making it possible to structure your studies in a part-time way. Sample programs: http://www.usfca.edu/artsci/idec/program/#%20Program%20of%20Study. However, it is important to note that there is a mandatory 2-3 month summer field research period which is done in the summer following a student’s first year in the program.

Is it possible to begin the IDEC Program in Spring rather than Fall?

The program only begins in Fall.

Can graduate courses from another university be transferred to the program?

Courses taken from another university would need to be evaluated by the Program Advisor. This process of evaluation would take place after a student is accepted into the program and has his/her first advising session with the Program Advisor. Depending on the syllabus, the course may or may not be credited.

What type of companies do graduates of the IDEC program typically work for?

Since the IDEC program is relatively new, job placement resources are somewhat informal and limited. Some graduates go on to pursue Ph.Ds. We have many students who have been accepted to top doctoral programs including Berkeley, UC San Diego, UC Davis, Cornell,Wisconsin, UC Riverside, and UC Santa Cruz. Other graduates work for NGOs in more policy-oriented positions or international agencies as development researchers, policy makers and statisticians, as well as practitioner’s working alongside the poor in developing countries (microcredit/finance and macroeconomics) using skill sets that include program/policy assessment, development research and econometrics.

Where do I send my supporting documentation/what is the application process?

You can either apply online at or send a paper application (downloadable online as well). Follow this link:http://web.usfca.edu/templates/grad_inside.aspx?id=2147484120 All applications and all supporting documentation should be sent directly to our Arts & Sciences Office of Graduate Programs (OGP)—NOT to the Department of Economics. Any documents submitted online are directed to our OGP. Once the OGP has received all your supporting documentation: college transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose essay (international students must also submit a certificate of finance and TOEFL score), the OGP then forwards (only) fully completed applications to the Department of Economics for admission review. University of San Francisco Office of Graduate Programs 2130 Fulton Street, Harney 240 San Francisco, CA 94117 Tel: 415 422-5603

When would I receive an admission decision?

The Directors begin reviewing completed applications that have been forwarded to the Department by the Office of Graduate Programs shortly after the first priority deadline of March 1st. Admission decisions are generally finalized within approximately 3-4 weeks thereafter. As long as there are spots remaining in the program, the Directors continue to review any completed applications that are forwarded to the Department by the second priority deadline of April 1, 2013. Any applications that are not complete after April 1st, are not reviewed.

If a student is accepted, how do they guarantee their spot in the Fall program?

We must receive a $600 non-refundable deposit (that is applied to your Fall tuition) by the deadline indicated in your acceptance letter. If we do not receive your deposit by that deadline, we cannot guarantee a spot in the Fall program.

How many spots are there in the IDEC program/how many applications are received?

Each year, there are 25-30 spots in the IDEC program. Generally speaking, the IDEC program receives approximately 150+ applications each year.

Are Teaching Assistantships Available in the Department of Economics?

Teaching Assistantships are based on GPAs. At the beginning of the 2nd semester, a list of Economics graduate students in the top 10% is generated and dispersed to the Economics faculty. Faculty may choose to pick a Teaching Assistant from this list but they are not obligated to do so.

What is the difference between the M.A. in Economics program and the M.A. International Development & Economics program?

The difference between the two Master's programs is that the M.A. in Economics is more theoretically oriented, and includes comprehensive examinations in microeconomic and macroeconomic theory in order to graduate. The M.A.IDEC program, in contrast, is oriented towards empirical field research, and culminates in a 30-40 pageThesis paper based on the required summer field research. All students are required to deliver their thesis as a presentation in front of faculty and students in their last semester.

What are the profiles of the faculty members?

http://www.usfca.edu/artsci/idec/faculty/

Can you tell me more about the required overseas field-study internship?

A unique and key feature of the program is the overseas field-study internship. This internship is coordinated with the help of a faculty advisor. The internship takes place in the summer between semesters of study at USF. Research collected during the field study can be applied toward the graduate research project. While the department and its faculty have developed relations with partner universities in the Philippines, El Salvador and Guatemala, students are not limited to these partnerships. Students can identify and set up an internship at sites in other countries with the approval of their advisor.

Does the program cover the cost of students’ overseas field-study internship?

A limited number of travel stipends are available from the University to help cover the costs of the summer internship, but are not guaranteed for every internship. Follow this link for examples of field-study research projects:http://www.usfca.edu/artsci/idec/research/ Typically, in past years we have been able to partially cover airfare cost and reimburse up to a maximum of $500 for daily living expenses. However, each year this contribution is not guaranteed and depends on the University’s budget. Students are advised to factor in the costs of their overseas field study internship.

How much should a student anticipate to budget for overseas field-study internship?

The amount depends entirely in what country the student does their summer field research. For example, Latin America is generally much less expense than parts of Europe or Africa, etc.

I am an international student, but received my degree from an English-speaking University, do I need to submit a TOEFL score?

No. Your TOEFL would automatically be waived. Test requirements: http://www.usfca.edu/templates/as_idec_home.aspx?id=2147493368

I am in international student and will need to submit a certificate of finance as part of my supporting documentation. Where can I find estimated program costs?

Certificate of Finance form: http://www.usfca.edu/asinternational/ Tuition Costs: http://www.usfca.edu/artsci/graduate/financialaid/#Grants

When would I receive my I-20?

Accepted students will receive their I-20 along with their acceptance letter. If the I-20 is not with the acceptance letter, it will come under separate mail within approximately 15 business days.

Are there any outside resources for international student grants?

http://www.usfca.edu/artsci/graduate/financialaid/#Grants