How to Apply

The application process is entirely online. Please complete and/or upload all of the items listed below to your application account. There is no need to mail items to our office.

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. Applicants with academic or professional backgrounds in any field are welcome.  The program is highly quantitative, so the admissions committee gives particular attention to academic performance in economics, statistics, mathematics, and computer science courses. All students must complete prerequisite courses for a grade at an accredited institution prior to beginning the program. Students with exceptionally strong applications who are missing one or two prerequisites may be admitted with the expectation that they will take these courses before arriving or during their first semester at the University of San Francisco as an addition to the regular course load.

Prerequisite classes:

• Introductory statistics
• Introductory calculus
• Introductory microeconomics
• Introductory programming/python

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 statement of purpose is a one-to-two page statement that describes your educational and work experience as it relates to the MS in Applied Economics program, and your career goals. You may also use this statement to explain any deficiencies in your academic record (e.g., failing or low grades in quantitative courses; a low GPA in one semester, year, or degree program; lack of relevant coursework that is compensated by self-study or work experience, etc.), gaps in educational or employment history, reasons for low quantitative or verbal scores on the GRE or GMAT tests, and any other topics in your background and experience that you would like to address.

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.

Letters of Recommendation

A minimum of two recommendation letters are required for your application. Additional letters of recommendation are accepted. Follow the instructions in the online application to provide the contact information for your recommenders.

You may submit your application before your recommenders upload their letters.

International Applicants

There are additional items and instructions for international applicants.

Notification of Admission Decision

Applicants are typically contacted with an admission decision six to eight weeks after the final application date, though some applicants receive a decision before that time. While applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, early submission does not guarantee an early decision. Applications completed after the priority application date are reviewed on a space-available basis.