International Economic Policy Master of Arts

Do you want to have an influential role in shaping policy that has a global impact? Economics is about making good choices with limited resources. Navigating the field of international economic policy is exciting and exacting, as professionals tackle complex, nuanced scenarios with far-reaching implications.

The Master of Arts in International Economic Policy (MIEP) degree from the Elliott School of International Affairs at the George Washington University provides a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing challenging careers in international economics, development economics, and international business as students acquire hard skills and real-world work experience that gives them an edge in the increasingly competitive job market.

Students focus on policy-related training or pursue a STEM track with more technical training, which can be especially important for international students seeking an extra two years of work in the United States.

This is the right master's degree for you if ...

• You want to study economic policy with an international focus
• You’re a few years into your career and realize you need the right credentials, skills, and connections to advance
• You’re finishing your undergraduate degree in economics, business, or a related field, and you want to move on to a graduate program that offers expertise and real-world work experience on a global scale
• You previously studied international affairs or other fields, but now realize that an economic focus is key to advancing your career
• You’re an international student looking for a global program of study in the United States
• You want to earn your master’s degree in international economic policy in the nation’s capital with access to some of the world’s most influential institutions, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund

An MIEP degree from the Elliott School ensures you have the skills you need to help shape solutions to global economic challenges in the areas of government, finance, consulting, NGOs, and international organizations.

Learning, living, and working in the hub of thought leadership and global policy

A master’s degree in International Economic Policy from the Elliott School affirms you are knowledgeable in the areas of foundational economics, quantitative methods, and with the skills and connections needed to be competitive in the job market.

In the MIEP program, you will …

• Develop the tools, approaches, and business acumen you need to shape and implement economic policy in both the public and private sectors. The program balances skill development with deep knowledge and expertise. Core courses cover international trade theory and policy, development economics, accounting, statistics, and finance.  
• Choose an area of professional specialization and tailor your master’s degree to your specific interests. You will be able to take advantage of the depth and breadth of areas of study across all of GW’s schools.
• Acquire practical skills and experience through your Global Capstone. During your final semesters, you will engage in a combination of small group, project-based work and a relevant real-world project as you complete your Global Capstone.
• Take advantage of the unparalleled professional and cultural connections Washington, D.C., and the Elliott School have to offer. Evening classes accommodate working professionals and students pursuing internships and part-time employment in Washington D.C. You will have access to key players as you attend events, work alongside experts as part of your capstone experience, and learn beside professionals.

Network within a strong and diverse community of peers and faculty. Attending the Elliott School gives you access to other GW schools, faculty, and alumni. The connections you will make through GW and in D.C. will set you up for long-term success and an impactful career.

Differentiate yourself with the right degree and relevant, real-world work experience

 

When you graduate…

• You will have a skillset that is both practical and always in-demand as you pursue a career in public service, business, management consulting, development agencies and international organizations.
• You will have a deep understanding of global dynamics, positioning you to make a long-term impact. You will have a credible voice and seat at the table with your technical background and policy analysis tools.
• After demonstrating your abilities through your consultancy as part of your Global Capstone, you will have the background sought by some of the world’s most prominent organizations, including the World Bank, U.S. International Trade Commission, Booz Allen Hamilton, the International Monetary Fund, IBM, and more.
• You will be well connected through a network of professionals and friends, and you will have lifetime access to career counseling, workshops, site visits, and information sessions with our Graduate Student Services office.

A course of study designed for global impact

Advance in your career or internship while you earn your master's degree.

You can earn your degree in two years through evening classes that can accommodate even the busiest of schedules.  Students may also work full time while completing the program on a part-time basis.

The program includes core courses in international trade, international macroeconomics, and development economics taught by GW faculty with deep experience in academia and policy making. You’ll develop an understanding of international economics theory, frameworks, models, and application practices. (These are non-calculus courses, in case you’re wondering about mathematics requirements.) Courses in business and statistical analysis provide further training in skills critical to global economic policy.

See detailed course information in the MIEP Program of Study.

Pursue a STEM track in international economic policy.

Students may apply to pursue a STEM track focusing on econometrics and economic modeling. Prerequisites include current knowledge of an introductory college level calculus class and demonstrated proficiency in intermediate micro and macroeconomic theory. STEM track students complete a separate capstone project with mathematical modeling and econometric analysis.

International students pursuing the STEM track are eligible to apply for two additional years of work in the United States. 

Design your area of specialization.

You will customize an area of professional specialization specific to your interests. This is mapped out in collaboration with your Program Director in your Plan of Study, and may include taking classes from other schools at GW. Examples of previous specializations include Economic Development, International Business and Finance, International Trade and Investment Policy, and Quantitative Analysis.

Gain real-world experience through your Global Capstone.

The MIEP program culminates with a Global Capstone experience in which you work with an actual client doing hands-on, team-based consulting. This client engagement takes a team-based approach and includes a writing component. The capstone gives you the traction you need to solidify key concepts and grow your confidence. You’ll provide real help for organizations that need (and rely on) your insight and guidance.

Learn from experts in the field of international economic policy.

You’ll be guided by full-time GW faculty who are scholar-practitioners. They are seasoned experts in international economics; they are active in shaping policy and bringing real-world learning to the classroom.

Access career resources and influential organizations.

By being part of the Elliott School and the D.C. experience, you will have access to world-shaping speakers and guest lecturers. You will be able to attend events and classes at other GW schools; you can even pursue a dual degree.

Within a 10-minute walk from GW’s campus are many of the key players in international economics — the IMF, World Bank, the White House, the Fed, Treasury, USTR, and others. Career coaches in the Elliott School’s Graduate Student Services office will help you make key connections and find relevant opportunities.

MIEP Program Prerequisites

Students applying for a master’s degree in international economic policy must have completed an introductory microeconomics and introductory macroeconomics course at the time of application. Intermediate economic theory courses are helpful but not required.

GW’s Institute for International Economics Policy

Through GW’s Institute for International Economics Policy, you can go deeper into research, attend events, and make meaningful connections. IIEP:

• Serves as a catalyst for high quality, multi-disciplinary and non-partisan research on policy issues surrounding economic globalization
• Hosts dozens of high-profile events yearly and supports a wide variety of GW faculty focused on issues such as international trade policy, international macroeconomics development economics and international political economy
• Gives MIEP students the opportunity to participate in research projects conducted by Institute researchers and attend the extraordinary events organized by IIEP

ITIP Legacy

Prior to academic year 2019, this program was called “International Trade and Investment Policy” affectionately known to alumni and faculty as ITIP.  The ITIP program had a twenty-year history of training outstanding professionals in the broader field of international economic policy. While the name has changed, the MIEP and ITIP student body and alumni network combine the best features of the Elliott School: rigorous academics, strong professional development, and dedication to understanding the complexities of global challenges.

 

Contact Us

The graduate admissions counselors are some of the exceptional resources available to you through the Elliott School of International Affairs. Contact us directly with your requests or questions about the MIEP program. We’ll help you explore the benefits, align this opportunity with your career goals, or compare the MIEP degree with our other master’s programs in international affairs.