Graduate Program Admission Requirements

An applicant first must meet the requirements for admission to the university. In addition, the applicant should possess a grade point average of "B". Bachelor degrees in fields other than economics are acceptable for admission to the department. For admission to classified standing, an applicant's preparation in calculus (MATH 71 or MATH 30), statistics (STAT 95), and intermediate microeconomics (ECON 101), intermediate macroeconomics (ECON 102) and intermediate econometrics (ECON 103a), must be satisfactory (grades of "B" or better).

A student who does not meet all requirements for admission to classified standing may be admitted into the program on a conditionally classified basis if he or she has demonstrated an interest in and an ability to master economic analysis, and has completed introductory statistics (STAT 95) and calculus (MATH 71 or MATH 30). Such admission will require students to take specific courses, ECON 101, ECON 102, and ECON 103a, with grades of "B" or better, before taking graduate (200-level) courses.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test is often required for international students or those who earned their degree from a university outside of the United States. The current requirements for the TOEFL are 90 (Internet Based), 575 (Paper Based), 240 (Computer Based).

• Are GRE or GMAT required?

  • We do not require the GRE or GMAT.

• Are the ECON MA program STEM designated?

  • Unfortunately our MA programs are not STEM designated at this time. However in Fall 2022 the department plans to put in a request to change the CIP code of the Applied Economics MA program from 45.0601 (Economics) to 45.0603 (Econometrics and Quantitative Economics). The U.S. Department of Homeland Security maintains a list of fields that fall within the definition of “STEM” that qualifies certain degrees to fulfill the Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension requirement. CIP code 45.0603. (Quantitative Economics / Econometrics and Quantitative Economics) is listed in the STEM Designated Degree Program list. Thus, switching our Economics M.A. (Concentration in Applied Economics) to this CIP code will allow our graduates to qualify for the STEM OPT extension. Please check with the department chair or graduate coordinator on the status of this pending change.

• Are letters of recommendation required?

  • No.

• Is a statement of purpose required?

  • Yes. Please see Graduate Admissions Degree Program Requirements for details and an upload link to OnBase.

• What is the minimum GPA requirement for admission?

  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Admissions might be granted for applicants with exceptional background with a GPA less than 3.0

• How much is tuition?

  • Fees are calculated based on enrollment units and residency. To view fee information, please visit Tuition and Other Fees.

• Are there any funding opportunities?

  • The office of Graduate Studies & Research curates a list of funding opportunities for graduate students that you should check periodically. These opportunities include the Bertha Kalm Scholarship and the Graduate Equity Scholarship. Students interested in pursuing PhDs are eligible to apply for the CSU Chancellor's Doctoral Incentive Program and the California Pre-Doctoral Scholarship.

    Finally, you may also be interested in applying for the SJSU Research Competition and Outstanding Thesis Award (both of which include prize money).

• How to Apply (Domestic and International)
• After Admission
• GAPE Graduate Student Guide
• International Student and Scholar Services