FAQ

Below you will find a list of answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. Further information can be found in our MS ECON Student Handbook.

Q: Is the M.S. program in Economics a new program?
A: The M.S. program in Economics was re-structured and launched in the Fall of 2011. It’s a terminal, professional degree with two concentrations: Financial Econometrics and Financial Economics.

Q: How many students are enrolled in the M.S. program?
A: The M.S. program has two cohorts: Fall semester and Spring semester. Each cohort has approximately 80 students.

Q: How long is the program?
A: For the Non-thesis option, there are two length options for you: 18 months and 24 months. Regardless of your length options, the degree requirements will be the same for all degree length options. For the thesis option, students may complete the program in 24 months as directed by their graduate committee. In addition, students are admitted in the Fall or Spring semesters.

Q: Can I complete the program part-time?
A: While the program is designed for full-time students taking 9 to 12 credit hours per semester, we have had very few students enrolled part-time.

Q: Will the Department help students with job placements?
A: Yes! Students will receive a wide variety of resources for career counseling and job search, including from M.S. ECON program directors, and Texas A&M Career Center. In addition, the Texas A&M Economics Society (TAMES) is a professional student organization for economics majors. The goal of the organization is to help prepare students for the real world by learning more about some of the career paths in economics and related fields. Another student organization, Women in Economics ( WIE), was founded in January 2016 by five Texas A&M students who wanted to create an environment for women economics majors to gather, network, and learn what a degree in economics can do for them. They strive to encourage women to be the best they can be through their core values of professional development, careers and departmental opportunities, building community, service, and mentorship. Throughout the semester, we have speakers visit us from a wide spectrum of industries to give presentations on their respective jobs and the companies they work for. We also try to help build relationships and networking between members by holding several social events, fundraisers, and participating in community service activities like The Big Event.

Q: How about the M.S. graduates’ placements?
A: With job placement close to 100%, we are proud to say that our graduates, including many international students, have had great success in finding opportunities for further study, research, or work after completion of the M.S. ECON program. Please find the job placement page for more details.

Q: What courses are required?
A: You can find this information at the curriculum page of the website.

Q: Can M.S. students take other courses at Texas A&M?
A: Yes! You can take courses from other Texas A&M’s units, such as accounting, agriculture economics, finance, international affairs, management, marketing, public policy, statistics, and mathematics.

Q: Can M.S. students (graduates) transfer directly (enroll automatically) into the Ph.D. program in Economics at Texas A&M?
A: No. Transferring (continuation) into the Ph.D. program is NOT direct (automatic). Outstanding graduates of our M.S. ECON program are welcome to apply to the Ph.D. program, but will be considered for admission with all other applicants. Students interested in the Ph.D. program are encouraged to apply directly to that program.

Q: Can you waive the application fee?
A: No. We cannot waive the application fee. The fee is collected by the University's Admissions Office to offset the costs of maintaining and operating the electronic application system. 

Q: Can I apply without an undergraduate degree in Economics?
A: Yes. An undergraduate degree in Economics is not required for admission to the M.S. program, but a strong background in mathematics, statistics, quantitative skills, and some exposure to undergraduate economics courses is highly recommended. Students with a degree in a wide variety of fields (Mathematics, Statistics, Finance, Accounting, and Engineering, etc.) can succeed in the M.S. ECON program.

Q: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
A: By the University’s policy, a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), is required for graduate admission.

Q: Do I have to take the GRE/GMAT?
A: No. The GRE/GMAT is waived for admission to the MS Economics program at Texas A&M University.

Q: Is there a minimum GRE score required?
A: We do not consider the GRE since it is waived. If a student submits GRE scores, they will not be considered during the admissions review.

Q: As an international applicant, do I have to take the TOEFL?
A: Yes. Any applicant whose first language is not English must certify proficiency in English when applying to Texas A&M University, and, if admitted, upon arrival. Such applicants must submit scores received on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as part of their application. The TOEFL requirement is waived if your baccalaureate or master’s degree was (or will be) completed at an institution where the language of instruction is English.

Q: Can you tell me whether I’m likely to be admitted before I apply?
A: No. We can only evaluate complete applications. Please do not email us your GPA and GRE scores and ask if you’re likely to be admitted.

Q: How is admission determined?
A: Admission to the Texas A&M Graduate School is a competitive process, and your chances of being admitted will differ from year to year depending on the strength of the applicant pool. We make our admissions decisions using a combination of a potential student’s personal statement, their GRE scores, prior preparation in economics, mathematics, statistics, and other technical courses, grade point averages in these topics, overall grade point average, perceived quality of undergraduate and, if applicable, masters training, as well as your three letters of recommendation.

Q: If I have been rejected admission to the Ph.D. ECON program, can I apply to the M.S. program?
A: Yes. All PhD ECON applicants who have been denied admission and do not already have a Master's degree are automatically considered for admission into the MS ECON program.

Q: How much does the program cost?
A: The resident tuition cost is about $32,000 for the MS Economics program. Students can review this information for tuition and other costs at the tuition page. International applicants can view the estimated cost of attendance on the International Student & Scholars Office webpage.

Q: What type of financial aid is offered?
A: The M.S. Economics program offers a competitive scholarship to admitted students. All admitted applicants are automatically considered based on academic merit, and no separate application is required. Students are encouraged to seek other funding through the Scholarships & Financial Aid Office at Texas A&M University. If an international student receives a scholarship from the M.S. ECON program, the student will be guaranteed the resident tuition rate.

Q: Can M.S. students receive TA or RA with admission?
A: The Economics department may occasionally have part-time positions available. If such opportunities arise, students will be notified via email with instructions on how to apply.

Q: Are there scholarships for M.S. ECON students?
A: Yes. Merit-based scholarships are available for both 1st and 2nd year M.S. ECON students with outstanding academic records. First-year M.S. ECON students are automatically considered for these scholarships, and second-year M.S. ECON students received instructions on how to apply.