FAQ for Applicants & Current Students
FAQ's for applicants
FAQ's for current students
FAQ’s for applicants
What are the deadlines and procedures for applying to the Masters program?
Please visit the AYSPS Office of Academic Assistance for information on application procedures and deadlines.
Where do I find information and application instructions for the Graduate Research Assistantships
Please visit the following page Graduate Assistantships for information on GRA positions.
What background in economics do I need to start the program?
A Bachelors degree in Economics is not a requirement. However, you should have taken Intermediate Macroeconomics, Intermediate Microeconomics, and Calculus 2 (involving integration and differentiation of two or more variables). If you have not taken these classes, you can still enroll but will be required to take the classes in the first semester.
What are the language requirements?
All foreign applicants must take the TOEFL. Admitted students usually have a TOEFL score of at least 100. Before starting the program, all non-native English speaking students are required to take the Georgia State Test of English Proficiency (GSTEP) as part of the international orientation. Any English as a Second Language (ESL) classes recommended as a result of this test will be required during the first semester and must be satisfactorily completed as part of the program of study. The ESL classes can be taken simultaneously with other non-ESL classes.
What is the difference between the various tracks of the program?
The standard MA track has more emphasis on analytical skills and research. The graduates can work at analytical units across government and private institutions. The program is also a stepping stone to doctoral programs in Economics. The MA – Policy Track has less emphasis on research and more on applied, institutional content. The graduates look for employment primarily in government institutions and non-governmental institutions with policy orientation. The MS in Business Economics is a blend between Economics and Business. The graduates explore employment opportunities primarily in the private sector.
What is the difference between an MA in Economics and an MBA program?
The MBA program emphasizes skills needed by the mid or high level management of a company. In contrast, the MA in Economics degree emphasized more on analytical skills. Therefore, MA graduates are more likely to work in research and analytic units as opposed to being part of management.
Is it difficult to start an MA program later in life?
No. The MA students come from a variety of backgrounds in terms of nationality, race, gender, and age. As an urban university, GSU is very diverse, with numerous students who have decided to reenter academia. The program can be custom tailored to students who feel that they need to take some background classes such as intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics, as well as math.
How long does it take to complete the program?
If students take 3 classes each semester, excluding summer, they can finish in 2 years. They may take longer, however, if they need some flexibility, as long as they are in compliance with the continuous enrollment policy: “Students must take 6 credit hours over any three consecutive semesters.”
What classes are available to take at GSU?
All graduate classes offered at the Department of Economics, along with the syllabi and the rotating schedule (i.e. what classes are offered when) are listed here: Graduate Classes.
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FAQs for current students
Where can I find the various forms I need for the program?
Please visit the curriculum pages for the three programs to obtain these forms:
- MA in Economics
- MA in Economics, Policy Track
- MS in Business Economics
When should I apply for graduation?
At least two semesters before the desired term of graduation. All candidates for a degree must file a formal application for graduation in the Graduation Office (231 Sparks Hall). Contact the Graduation office for more information.
What are the requirements for the MA non-thesis paper?
The papers are due seven weeks before the end of the semester when you graduate. The requirements and all forms are available on the MA in Economics Curriculum page.
Is there GRA funding for current students?
About half of the regularly available GRA positions are allocated to current students on the basis of their performance in the program. The MA faculty advisor also frequently receives information on additional funding opportunities. These will be announced to all MA students with an invitation to apply. The positions will be allocated based on performance in the program.
When do I need to have my Program of Study form signed?
All students must visit the office of the MA faculty advisor at the beginning of their second semester with a filled out Program of Study form. The Program of Study has to be filled with all classes that the student plans to take until graduation. Changes to the Program of Study can be made in the future with permission from the faculty advisor.
Can I take classes from departments other than Economics?
On occasion student can take classes from other departments. The substitution has to be approved by the MA faculty advisor. Please e-mail the advisor the syllabus of the class you want to take and a brief explanation of your reasons for taking that class instead of an Economics class.
Can I switch between the different tracks?
Yes. You can switch between the MA standard track and the policy track at any point in the program. To do that, you need to contact the Office of Academic Assistance.
Can I transfer academic credits from another institution?
Yes. The procedure is as follows. Students should complete a transfer of credit form and submit to the Office of Academic Assistance along with the syllabus and official transcript if not on file. The request will be reviewed by the instructor of the equivalent class at GSU. Upon approval by the instructor, the credit will be added to your academic record.
What are the GPA requirements for completing the degree?
Your GPA has to be at least 3.0, with no more than one C/C+. (C-‘s do not count in your program of study). If you have a second C, you must either retake the class and raise your grade or take a substitution for that class. All such substitutions must be approved by the MA advisor. Both grades will be calculated in your overall GPA.
What exchange programs are available for MA students?
Students can spend a semester at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland or at the Central University of Finance and Economics (CUFE) in Beijing, China. Please visit the exchange programs page for more information.
What is the difference between the thesis option and the non-thesis paper option?
The non-thesis paper is completed under the guidance of a faculty member, usually as an extension of a term paper. The thesis option requires putting together a committee of three faculty members and defending a thesis paper.
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