The core of the Master’s in Economics: Graduation Foundation program is seven courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics (including a math/stats course). In addition to the core courses, MSEGF students will also take three electives of their choosing. Most students will complete the curriculum as outlined on the Coursework webpage.
The economics department and graduate school have established guidelines on the coursework and credits that can be applied toward the MSEGF degree. The following are required to earn the MSEGF degree in economics:
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- A minimum of 30 credits.
- At least half of all degree coursework must be completed in graduate-level coursework; courses with the Graduate Level Coursework attribute are identified and searchable in the university’s Course Guide.
- At least 16 credits must be taken as a graduate student at the UW-Madison campus.
- In rare situations, with approval from the economics department’s MSEGF Director, prior coursework taken from other institutions or coursework taken as a UW-Madison undergraduate may be counted towards the minimum degree requirements. Please note the following:
- Graduate work from other institutions: Graduate coursework from other institutions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the faculty graduate committee in the Department of Economics. With graduate committee approval, students are allowed to count no more than 9 credits of graduate coursework from other institutions.
- With program approval, up to 7 credits numbered 300 or above from a UW-Madison undergraduate degree are allowed to count toward the MSEGF degree.
- With program approval, students are allowed to count no more than 12 credits of coursework numbered 300 or above taken as a UW-Madison University Special student. Coursework earned five or more years prior to admission to the MSEGF degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
- Coursework earned five years or more prior to admission to the MSEGF program is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
- Students must also meet the Graduate School minimum degree requirements.
Most students will complete the MSEGF program in four semesters (two academic years), but it is possible to complete the required coursework in three semesters.
The MSEGF program is coursework-based and does not require students to complete a thesis.
Students enrolled in the MSEGF program are not eligible to receive tuition remission from graduate assistantship appointments at this institution. Accepting any positions which grants tuition waiver while enrolled in the program may lead to the removal of the student from the MSEGF student cohort. Corporate tuition support is not included in these categories, nor is the waiver of tuition due to veteran status.
Enrollment Policy:
The MSEGF program is considered a full-time program. It is expected that MSEGF students will enroll full-time every semester; exceptions need to be approved by the MSEGF program director.
MSEGF students are required to enroll in all core economics courses. Students with exceptional academic backgrounds may request exemptions from MSEGF program core courses. Such requests should be sent to the MSEGF program director. Exemptions from these courses are infrequently granted.
The Graduate School has requirements for enrollment each semester. All of the credit requirements must be satisfied by graded, graduate-level courses. Courses with course numbers below 300, audited courses, or credit / no credit (pass/fail) courses do not satisfy the minimum requirement.
While in most cases participation in the MSEGF program is continuous through time, students sometimes find it necessary to take a temporary leave of absence. Written requests for a one semester or full year leave of absence should be addressed to the MSEGF Director and turned into the MSEGF Advisor.
Students are prohibited from enrolling in other degree or certificate programs while enrolled in the MSEGF program. Double degrees are possible, but enrollment in degree programs should be done consecutively.
Enrollment Requirements for International students:
Both F-1 and J-1 student visa regulations require students to be enrolled full-time each fall and spring semester (eight credits per semester, not including audited classes). Summer enrollment is not required by the U.S. federal government regulations for F-1 and J-1 visa holders.
Failure to maintain full-time status can result in loss of F-1 or J-1 student benefits, including on-campus employment and practical or academic training options. Any exceptions to full-time enrollment must be authorized by the MSEGF Director and International Student Services (ISS). Visit the ISS web page to learn more about visa requirements.