Prospective Student FAQs
We are especially strong in public choice (the economics of government decision-making), law and economics, Austrian or “market process” economics, experimental economics, history of economic thought, and economic history.
Both MA and PhD admissions decisions are based on grade point averages, GRE scores (optional for the MA application), letters of recommendation, a written goals statement, and a resume. Each completed application is evaluated in its entirety; we do not adhere to rigid numerical formulas to determine admissions.
The average incoming MA student has a GPA of 3.36 and GRE scores of 155 verbal and 154 quantitative. The average incoming PhD student has a GPA of 3.5 and GRE scores of 160 verbal and 158 quantitative. Students receiving funding typically score above these averages.
Each year we aim for PhD and MA classes in the range of 25-35 people (but numbers vary each year). The number of MA applicants is about three times that number, and the number of PhD applicants about six times that number. Admissions decisions are made on the criteria mentioned above.
Full-time graduate enrollment at George Mason is 9 credits per semester. Less than 9 credits per semester is considered part-time. Many of our MA and PhD students are part-time. Approximately half of the entering PhD class is part-time, and many students hold professional positions. For this reason, most of our classes are held in the evening, with class times at 4:30-7:10 pm and 7:20-10:00 pm.
Part-time MA students should plan to take the applied economic theory courses (Micro I and II, and Macro I) during the first year so that they can take the MA Comprehensive Exam the following summer. Part-time PhD students should plan to take two classes per semester at least one semester per year so that they can finish 48 credit hours and advance to candidacy within the 6 year time limit.
The most current fall and spring schedules are the best guides to expected course offerings in the future. The university catalog lists all courses but includes some that may not be taught on a regular basis.
A typical full-time PhD first-year course of study would include two semesters each of micro and macro, and one semester each of Mathematical Economics (fall) and Econometrics (spring). Part-time students usually take two courses per semester, and our program advisors will help you customize your program of study.
MA students should plan to take two semesters of micro (fall-spring) and one semester of macro (spring). It is recommended that MA students also take Mathematical Economics, which is offered in the fall. A full-time MA student should supplement the core and recommended coursework with one elective class per semester. The special topics courses (Econ 695) are usually best suited for first-year MA electives.
PhD students must take the micro and macro classes held at the Main Campus. MA core courses are offered on the Mason Square (Arlington) campus.
Applicants to the PhD program are not required to have an MA prior to begin our doctoral program. Our MA program is a self-contained course of study for students who are not planning to pursue the PhD program at George Mason University. Students who plan to pursue our PhD degree can earn an MA while pursuing the PhD and should apply directly to the doctoral program.
An applicant can request to be considered for the MA in Economics program if denied admission to the PhD program. The applicant's application will be included with the other MA applications and will be evaluated against that pool of applicants. PhD applicants may select this option in the doctoral admissions application. For questions, please reach the Economics Graduate Studies Office at econgrad@gmu.edu.
After completing the micro- and macroeconomics course sequences the first year, students have the opportunity to take their qualifying exams in microeconomics and macroeconomics. These exams are given every August and January. During the second year, students take the required coursework in each of two fields and complete additional electives. After that year, students take required exams in each field they have chosen. Students may begin to work on developing their dissertation proposals after completing their field exams, and will Advance to Candidacy after all courses are completed and the research proposal is approved by their faculty dissertation committee. After advancing, students begin their dissertation research credits and complete their research projects and dissertation writing under the supervision of their faculty committee.
We currently have fields available in industrial organization, public choice, monetary economics, Austrian economics, experimental economics, law and economics, institutions and development, economic history, Smithian political economy, and economic sociology. Field exams are currently offered in each of these areas. Students also have the option of designing a field in which they want to secure professional competence that is not covered by one of our regular fields.
The program is designed so that a full-time student (9 hours a semester) takes two and a half years of class work and then begins their dissertation research and writing. Finishing in four years is entirely feasible though students who may require extended time to complete their dissertation work may take longer.
Last updated: 03/21/2025
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