Master of Arts [M.A] Economics

at Columbia University

Core Modules
 

• Microeconomic Analysis I

• Microeconomic Analysis II

• Macroeconomic Analysis I

• Macroeconomic Analysis II

• Mathematical Methods for Economists

An undergraduate degree in economics is not required for admission to the MA program, but a strong background in undergraduate economics is highly recommended (principles of economics, intermediate microeconomics, and intermediate macroeconomics). Substantial training in college-level calculus and statistics is also recommended (multivariate calculus, linear algebra, and statistics). Applicants will be evaluated on the quality and breadth of their undergraduate preparation for the study of economics at the graduate level.
 

In addition to the requirements listed below, all students must submit one transcript showing courses and grades per school attended, a statement of academic purpose and three letters of recommendation from academic sources.
 

All international students whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate degree is from an institution in a country whose official language is not English must submit scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS.
 

The Graduate School welcomes applications for admission from international applicants.
 

Judgments concerning equivalency of international baccalaureate degrees are made by the Graduate School. In general, only those international students who (a) have the equivalent of the U.S. baccalaureate degree with a superior examination record and (b) can understand rapid idiomatic English and can speak, write and read English with a high degree of facility are eligible for admission.
 

The Graduate School accepts applications from students who have earned or will earn 3-year bachelor's degrees in Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and any country which is a participant in the Bologna Process.
 

We encourage all international applicants to submit their admissions application as early as possible to allow enough time to process their applications.
 

English Proficiency Requirement
 

The English proficiency requirement is based on the official language of the country in which the undergraduate (or bachelor's) degree was earned, regardless of an applicant's citizenship.
 

• Applicants whose undergraduate degree was awarded by an institution in a country where English is not the sole official language must complete the requirement.

• Applicants who have earned a master's degree in the US or another country whose official language is English must complete the requirement.
   

The English proficiency requirement can be fulfilled through the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test.
 

English Proficiency Waiver Requests
 

The Graduate School may grant the following exceptions to this policy upon request.
 

International undergraduate institution, instruction entirely in English
 

If you earned your undergraduate degree in a country where the official language is not English, but the official language of instruction at your institution is English, you may request a waiver of the English proficiency requirement by submitting the English Proficiency Waiver Request form.
 

Graduate-level study in the US or another English-speaking country
 

If your undergraduate degree was awarded by an institution in a country where the official language is not English, you may request a waiver of the English proficiency exam requirement under these conditions:
 

• You are currently studying at the graduate level or have received a graduate degree in the US or another English-speaking country

• You have taken the TOEFL or IELTS exam and scored above the Columbia GSAS minimum requirement of 100 (IBT), 600 (PBT), or 7.5 (IELTS) and you have a copy of your score report
  
   

The Graduate School requires the following minimum scores:
 

• 600 on the TOEFL paper-and-pencil test

• 100 on the TOEFL internet-based test

• 7.5 on IELTS

• 120 on the Duolingo English Test

International Tuition Fees
$38,160 per year