Columbia University in the City of New York

Masters in Economics

An undergraduate degree in economics is not required for admission to the M.A. program, but a strong background in undergraduate economics is highly recommended (principles of economics, intermediate microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics, and econometrics). Substantial training in college-level calculus and statistics is also recommended (multivariate calculus, linear algebra, and statistics). Applicants will be evaluated on the quality and breadth of their undergraduate preparation for the study of economics at the graduate level.

All international students whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate degree is from an institution in a country whose official language is not English must submit scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS.

Students must submit the following materials to be considered for admissions:

>Resume

>Transcripts from all institutions attended

>Three Letters of Recommendation

>Statement of Purpose

>GRE General Exam

>Scholarly Writing Sample is NOT Required

Economics Columbia College

Economics is the study of the ways in which society allocates its scarce resources among alternative uses and the consequences of these decisions. The areas of inquiry deal with a varied range of topics such as international trade, domestic and international financial systems, labor market analysis, and the study of less developed economies. Broadly speaking, the goal of an economics major is to train students to think analytically social issues and, as such, provide a solid foundation for not only further study and careers in economics, but also for careers in law, public service, business, and related fields.

The Economics Department offers a general economics major in addition to five interdisciplinary majors structured to suit the interests and professional goals of a heterogeneous student body. All of these programs have different specific requirements but share the common structure of core theoretical courses that provide the foundation for higher-level elective courses culminating in a senior seminar. Students are urged to carefully look through the details of each of these programs and to contact an appropriate departmental adviser to discuss their particular interests.

Tests must be taken in both microeconomics and macroeconomics, with a score of 5 on one test and at least a 4 on the other. Provided that this is achieved, the department grants 4 credits for a score of 4 and 5 on the AP Economics exam along with exemption from ECON UN1105 Principles of Economics .

The Economics offers a variety of advising resources to provide prospective and current majors and concentrators with the information and support needed to successfully navigate through the program. These resources are described below.

Students should direct all questions and concerns their major to the graduate student advisers either in person or via e-mail. The graduate student advisers can discuss major requirements, scheduling, and major course selection, as well as review student checklists and discuss progress in the major. Occasionally, graduate student advisers may refer a student to someone else in the department (such as the director of studies) or in the student school for additional advising.