Graduate programs

The Department of Economics offers graduate work leading to the Master of Science and Master of Arts degrees, as well as two graduate certificates, the Graduate Certificate in Econometrics and Data Analysis and the Graduate Certificate in Environmental and Resource Economics.

Admission requirements

Economics M.S./M.A.

Econometric and Data Analysis Graduate Certificate

Environmental and Resource Economics Graduate Certificate

Sustainability Graduate Certificate

Admission requirements

Master of Science or Master of Arts

Admission to the Master’s program in the Department of Economics is online at www.pdx.edu/admissions/apply-to-grad-school. In addition to the University admissions requirements, department requirements are:

  1. GPA Requirements: Admission to the Economics program is highly competitive and requires a minimum of a 3.00 GPA in overall undergraduate coursework.
  2. Coursework: Undergraduate courses in Intermediate Microeconomics, Intermediate Macroeconomics, Statistics, Econometrics and Multivariate Calculus, as well as Linear Algebra, are required for admission.
  3. Testing: The GRE is no longer required for admission. If an applicant has taken it, they have the option to include the report in the application. However, the TOEFL or IELTS is required for University admission for international students, unless they have a degree from a university in Australia, English-speaking Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand or the U.S. See University minimum TOEFL or IELTS requirements at www.pdx.edu/admissions/international/english-language-proficiency.
  4. Recommendations: Three (3) letters of recommendation, at least two of which must be from economics professors.
  5. Statement of Purpose: Approximately 500-word essay on goals and aspirations for entering and completing the graduate program.
  6. Application/Transcripts: Transcripts from ALL other institutions (other than PSU) you have attended. If you are admitted to the program, you will need an official transcript sent directly from your other institutions to the Graduate School.