How to Apply
Apply Now for 2025
Applications for Fall 2025 are open and we will continue to review for Fall admission on a rolling basis. We recommend you submit your application as soon as possible to be considered for Fall.
Applications by the priority deadline are given first consideration for scholarships. Applications submitted after the priority deadline are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Application Instructions
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, preferably in economics, from an accredited institution by the start of the Master’s program. The program is quantitative with a focus on international and development economics. A GPA of 3.0 or higher strengthens an application, and the admission committee gives particular attention to undergraduate classes in economics, statistics and calculus.
Students with a non-economics bachelor’s may be eligible for admission, and will be required to complete, as advised, undergraduate classes in calculus, statistics, intermediate microeconomics and intermediate macroeconomics as a USF graduate student.
Admitted students might consider refreshing their knowledge in a math, economics, or finance subject area through the Khan Academy.
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
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.