Graduate Programs

The School of Economic Sciences at Washington State University offers programs leading to the Master of Sciences in Applied Economics degree and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in economics or agricultural economics. The School initiated its graduate program in 1947 and enrolls approximately 85 students working toward advanced degrees.

The graduate programs in the School of Economic Sciences at Washington State University prepares students for teaching and research positions in colleges and universities, and for executive and research positions in domestic and international government agencies, business firms, trade and professional associations, labor unions, and private research organizations. Emphasis is placed on the application of economic theory, econometrics, mathematics, decision-making tools and knowledge of institutions, which will enable students to solve important, real-world economic problems. Graduates are capable of conducting independent analyses and communicating the results to potential clients or users.

Graduate study in the School of Economic Sciences is based on classes in economic theory, quantitative methods, and economic applications and on the practical experience of conducting research that leads to a thesis, dissertation, or special project. Students are required to complete a broadly based, well-balanced program. The study of economic theory, econometrics and mathematics equips students for economic analysis, as well as provides them a base for specialization in several applied fields. Students are encouraged to develop programs of coursework, independent study and research that will prepare them for the careers they hope to pursue. The goal of the program is to train well-rounded, competent economists for a wide range of professional areas.

To prepare for graduate work in the School of Economic Sciences, students should complete courses in macro and microeconomic theory, mathematics and statistics–including the fundamentals of calculus. Normally, deficiencies in statistics and mathematics are remedied with formal or informal coursework during the summer preceding graduate work. BA students aspiring to a Ph.D. degree will often remedy deficiencies during the course of a master’s degree in applied economics or a closely related field.

Prerequisites for an MS degree include:

• A bachelor’s degree (not necessarily in economics) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher
• Calculus course
• Linear algebra
• Statistics course
• Intermediate microeconomic theory
• Intermediate macroeconomic theory
• GRE
• TOEFL (for applicants whose native language is not English)

Prerequisites for a PhD degree include:

• Master’s-level microeconomic theory
• Senior-level macroeconomic theory
• Two semesters of calculus
• Intermediate-level linear algebra or mathematics for economists
• Master’s-level econometrics
• Intermediate macroeconomic theory

Graduate Manual

This manual is a guide to graduate studies in the School of Economic Sciences at Washington State University.

Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities 2014-15(PDF)

To Apply:

http://gradschool.wsu.edu/FutureStudents/Apply.html

• Master of Science in Applied Economics
• Ph.D in Economics or Agricultural Economics