Full-time graduate students typically take 6 to 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.
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.
The program only begins in Fall.
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.
Some graduates pursue Ph.D. programs. Students have been accepted to top doctoral programs including UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, UC Davis, Cornell, University of Wisconsin, UC Riverside and UC Santa Cruz. Other graduates work for NGOs and nonprofits in policy-oriented positions, and in international agencies as development researchers, policy makers and statisticians. In addition, some graduates work in the field in developing countries in projects such as microcredit, microfinance and macroeconomics, using skill sets that include program/policy assessment, development research and econometrics.
Apply online at: http://web.usfca.edu/templates/grad_inside.aspx?id=2147484120
You will also need to upload your supporting documents via the online
application system. Applicants may upload unofficial transcripts.
Official transcripts will be required only if an applicant is offered an
acceptance.
The Admission Committee begins the review of completed applications shortly after the first priority deadline of March 1. Admission decisions are generally finalized within approximately four weeks. After that period, completed applications are reviewed on a space-available basis.
Students submit a $600 non-refundable deposit (that is applied to your Fall tuition) by the deadline indicated in the acceptance letter. If the deposit is not submitted by that deadline, the space in the Fall program is not guaranteed and the admission may be canceled.
Each year, 20 to 25 students start in the program. In general, the IDEC program receives approximately 125 applications each year.
Teaching Assistantships are limited and awarded 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 are not obligated to do so.
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.S. 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.
http://www.usfca.edu/artsci/idec/faculty/
A unique and key feature of the program is the overseas field-study internship. This internship is coordinated with the help of an Economics Department 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.
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 the graduate program has assisted in partially covering airfare cost and some reimbursement for living expenses. However, each year the program's contribution varies. Students are advised to factor the costs of their overseas field study internship into the total cost of their program.
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.
No. Your TOEFL would automatically be waived. Test requirements: http://www.usfca.edu/templates/as_idec_home.aspx?id=2147493368
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.
http://www.usfca.edu/artsci/graduate/financialaid/#Grants
