Economics > Graduate > Master’s in Economics

The Department of Economics invites applicants for the M.A. in Economics, a full-time, two-year program for students who may be interested in pursuing doctoral studies later but want to begin with a full-time, in-person, intensive master’s program with mathematics as a core focus. Graduates of this program will earn a rigorous, math intensive master’s degree to either advance in graduate study at a top doctoral program or advance in career with essential skills.  

Application Requirements  

We only admit students for the fall semester. The application deadline is March 1, 2025. We especially welcome applications from underrepresented minorities, as diversity is important in our graduate program. All applicants will be notified by email. We request that applicants do not ask us to make a preliminary evaluation. This program does not accept transfer students. 

  • Unofficial transcripts from all previous college and university study. Applicants will be unable to complete and submit the online application if unofficial transcripts are not included. If your transcripts are not issued in English, you must submit documents both in the original language and English translation from a professional third party service. 
  • At least two letters of recommendation. Letters should come from individuals who can comment on your scholarly skills.
  • GRE scores.
  • CV.
  • Statement of purpose.
  • Foreign applicants must also take the TOEFL or IELTS. All applicants who have not completed a post-secondary degree involving at least two-years of full-time study in the United States or an exempt country must take the TOEFL or the IELTS.  The test must have been taken within the previous two years.  The department requires TOEFL with a minimum score of 100 (internet-based), 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computer-based), or IELTS with a bandscore of 7 in place of the TOEFL. The TSE is not required.

Admissions decisions will be released no later than April 1, 2025.  There is a $75 application fee. Standard Johns Hopkins’ graduate admission costs apply.

STEM Classification

The graduate program’s CIP code is 45.0603, “Econometrics and Quantitative Economics.”  This code is included in the Department of Homeland Security’s STEM Designated Degree Program List.

How to Apply

Link for application will be made available in January 2025.  

Curriculum 

This master’s program is a fully in-person program with a STEM designation. The M.A. in Economics requires two years of intense study with us here at the Johns Hopkins Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland. There is no option for online study. Students will complete courses every fall and spring semester. There are no eligible courses for master’s students taught in the summer semester by the economics department.  

Students will take a combination of

  • required core classes (21 credits of required core classes)
  • and required elective classes (21 credits of electives) that will be chosen by the student from an approved list.

In total, students must earn 42 academic credits of core and elective coursework. There is no requirement for a master’s thesis.  

Graduate Outcomes  

Successful graduates of this program will be competitive for doctoral admission in the nation’s top programs; alternatively, graduates would be competitive for quantitative economist or analyst positions in government, with non-governmental organizations, or in the private sector. 

Request Information 

Email [email protected] with any questions or to receive additional information about the program.