How to Apply
Fall 2027 Application Now Open
The Fall 2027 application is now open. Apply by the priority deadline of January 15 to be considered for all scholarships.
Application Instructions
The application process is entirely online. Please complete and/or upload all of the items listed below to your application account.
At USF College of Arts and Science, your graduate application is reviewed by faculty and staff from the program to which you are applying. We review applications holistically, and the best way for us to understand your background and your academic and professional goals is for your supporting documents to reflect your own writing, not AI-generated content. Please refrain from using AI-generated content in your application materials.
The Department of Economics offers two graduate programs — the MS in Applied Economics and the MS in International and Development Economics. Applicants can apply to only one of these programs.
Bachelor's Degree
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution by the start of the master’s program. An economics degree is helpful but is not required.
The MS in International & Development Economics is a quantitative program. A GPA of 3.0 or higher strengthens an application, and the admission committee gives particular attention to coursework in economics, statistics, calculus, and other mathematics courses.
Applicants with limited preparation in these subjects are encouraged to apply. The admission committee will review each applicant's background and may require additional coursework in calculus, statistics, or economics, as appropriate.
Students who have not studied calculus and statistics recently or who would benefit from a refresher may consider the Foundations of Economic Analysis certificate, offered in the summer before the program begins.
Test Requirements
The GRE or GMAT are not required, but may be useful as additional evidence of quantitative ability. USF school code for GRE and TOEFL is 4850, and 91M-3X-08 for GMAT.
For international applicants, an English Language exam score (TOEFL, IELTS or PTE) is required.
Transcript (Academic Record)
Upload a copy of your transcript from each university and college attended. Please ensure the institution’s name and your name is on the document you upload. Transcripts from any schools and study abroad programs must be submitted since Bachelor's Degree institutions typically do not list transfer and study abroad courses with grades. If still enrolled in your Bachelor's program, submit a copy of your transcript showing in-progress courses. If admitted, an official transcript with proof of graduation is required. USF undergraduates upload their unofficial transcripts for admission review and do not need to send an official USF transcript.
Statement of Purpose
The two-to-three page statement of purpose describes the strengths and weaknesses of your academic background, research interests, reasons for pursuing this graduate program in particular, and your educational and career goals.
Resume or CV
Your current resume or CV lists and describes your educational history, work or job history, coursework related to this graduate program, and any experiences relevant to your pursuit of graduate studies – including internships, published articles or other published materials, volunteer/community service experience, study or work outside of your home country, and any interests or activities related to this graduate program.
Letters of Recommendation
One letter of recommendation is required to complete your application. Additional letters area accepted, but they are not required. Recommenders may be academic (e.g., professors, research advisors) or professional (e.g., supervisors, managers). Academic letters should address your academic ability and readiness for graduate study; professional letters should highlight your relevant experience and potential for growth
To request a letter, enter your recommender's contact information in the online application. This will trigger an email with upload instructions sent directly to them. You do not need to wait for your recommender to submit their letter before submitting your application.
International Applicants
There are additional items and instructions for international applicants.
Transfer Credits
Students who have completed pre-approved courses through MIT Learn or MITx may receive up to 8 transfer credits toward the 36-credit IDEC degree. This pathway may help eligible students reduce their total tuition cost and complete the degree more quickly.
What does the review committee look for in reviewing applications for admission?
The admission committee reviews each application holistically, with particular attention to coursework in economics, statistics, and calculus. It helps strengthen an application if you have already taken intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics courses with a grade of B or better.
Your statement of purpose should explain your interest in international and development economics and how the program connects to your goals. One letter of recommendation is required; you may submit additional letters if they offer further insight into your preparation and potential for graduate study.
When are application decisions made?
The admission committee begins the review of completed applications shortly after the Priority Application Date listed here. Admission decisions are generally finalized within approximately four weeks. After that period, completed applications are reviewed on a space-available basis.