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What is the deadline for admissions?
We encourage interested applicants to apply as early as possible. The MS admission committee will conduct rolling admissions and review applications between November 1 and June 15.
Do you offer spring term admission?
Admission for the standard master’s program is offered for fall term only. For most applicants, fall term admission is the best option. The department does offer limited spring term admission. Please contact the master’s program coordinator, Tchai Veu (veu@wisc.edu) with any questions regarding spring term admission and eligibility.
Can I apply to the MSEGF program if I did not major in economics as an undergraduate?
Yes, students who majored in fields other than economics may apply to the master’s program. While an undergraduate major in economics is not required, applicants are expected to take college-level economics courses in introductory microeconomics, introductory macroeconomics, and intermediate microeconomics before applying to the program.
As an international applicant, do I need to provide proof of English proficiency?
All international degree-seeking applicants are required to provide proof of English proficiency. For more information on this requirement, check the English proficiency section on the Requirements for Admission page.
What math preparation is necessary for the MSEGF program?
For the master’s program in economics at UW-Madison, applicants are expected to have taken a total of three semesters of calculus and linear algebra.
Can I apply for both the MSEGF and Ph.D. program simultaneously?
Yes, you can apply to both the Economics Ph.D. and the Master’s programs (Graduate Foundation and/or Financial Economics) if you apply for fall term admission. While you can apply for up to three programs per term for one application fee, you will need to fill out a separate application for the Economics Ph.D. and the Master’s program.
I am an international student. Do I need to send financial documentation with my application?
You do not need to send financial documentation at the time you apply to the economics master’s program. If you are recommended for admission by the Department of Economics, the International Student Service Office will follow up.
How important are GRE scores in the admissions decision process?
GRE scores are optional. All aspects of your application are reviewed by faculty members of the admissions team. GRE scores are one component of your application and are reviewed in the context of the rest of your application.
What is the test profile of average admitted applicant?
The average Quantitative GRE score for applicants admitted to the program has been 92nd percentile on the exam. The average Writing Analysis score has been 3.85, and the average Verbal GRE score has been 66th percentile on the exam.
May I consult with faculty on how to strengthen my application?
The Department of Economics receives hundreds of applications for our graduate programs each year. Regrettably, it is not possible to respond individually to inquiries about the chances of admission nor to counsel applicants on the strengths and weaknesses of their applications. You are welcome, though, to contact the Master’s Program Advisor (MPA) to inquire about the application process.
Can I get financial aid to attend the master's program?
Merit-based tuition discounts will be available to selected MSEGF applicants, as funding allows.
Can I make changes to my application after I hit the final submit button?
You cannot reenter the graduate school electronic application to make changes.
I am having trouble filling out the math preparation form (PDF document). What should I do?
You can use the Word version of the math preparation form to input your information. However, you will need to save the Word document as a PDF file before uploading it to the supplemental application. (In Word, select “Save as” and choose “PDF” as the file type.) The supplemental application for the economics master’s program is available through the Graduate School application site. If you continue to have problems, please contact the Master’s Program Advisor (MPA).
How do I check my application status?
To review the status of your application, log back into your application at https://gradapply.wisc.edu/apply/. Once you log in, select the link to the application that you wish to review on your Status Page.
Can I attend the MSEGF program as a part-time student?
The Economics Master’s Program is considered a full-time program. It is expected that Master’s students will enroll full-time every semester. Please see the Master’s Program Coursework webpage for more information on the course list and sequence for the Master’s program.
Can I continue in the PhD program after completing the MSEGF program?
Students interested in the PhD program would need to apply for the PhD and be considered within the context of the rest of the applicant pool. The application process is very competitive and all funding and admission decisions are made by the PhD Admissions and Aid Committee. Admission to the PhD program upon completion of the master’s program is not guaranteed.
Is the MS in Economics a STEM designated program?
Yes, the MS program in Economics is a STEM designated program.
Are there other Master programs offered by the Economics Department?
The Department of Economics also offers a joint program, the Master in Finacial Economics. The Master in Finacial Economics program is a joint program that is shared by the Department of Economics and the Department of Finance. Please see the website here for more information: https://msfe.wisc.edu/
The Department of Economics also offers the Master of Science in Quantitative Economics program. Please see the website here for more information: https://econ.wisc.edu/msqe/