Combined Undergraduate and Graduate Degree

BS/BA in Mathematics + MS in Economics

Admissions Criteria and Process

  • PSU undergraduate students of Mathematics shall be required to meet with their advisor by the end of their second year to map out the required coursework to apply for the MS degree in Economics. Typically, students will apply to the B+M program in their junior year, and after junior year completion, they will apply for the Masters program in their senior year.
  • Students are strongly encouraged to meet with the Graduate Chair of Economics before applying
  • Applicants will still have to apply for the MS degree program in Economics online. If the application is successful, the student will be notified by the Graduate School. Provided they satisfy the GPA requirements outlined below, they do not have to submit a statement of purpose or letters of recommendation. The GRE is no longer required for admission to the Masters program.
  • The student should complete their degree in Mathematics or, at the minimum, all the courses required up to the winter term of the fourth year of their study schedule.
  • A GPA of 3.4 or above is required for all Mathematics and Statistics classes taken prior to entry into the MS program in Economics.
  • All courses numbered 500 and above taken prior to entry into the Master’s degree program in Economics must receive a grade of B or better. All undergraduate classes must receive a grade of C- or better. No P/NP credit will be accepted for either program.
  • The PSU institutional requirement for residency for the undergraduate program is that 45 of the last 60 credits must be taken in residence at PSU. All MS level classes must be taken at PSU.

In order to facilitate a Fall term start to the Master’s in Economics program, students may join the MS track with at least 140 credits completed towards the BA/BS in Math. All coursework up to the fourth year of the BA/BS in Math must be completed.


Continuation Criteria

Students must maintain GPA of:

  • 3.3 in courses numbered 500 and above, with a minimum grade of B
  • 3.5 in economics courses numbered 499 and below, with a minimum grade of C-
  • 3.3 overall at PSU