M.A. in International Economic Policy (MIEP)
The M.A. in International Economic Policy (MIEP) provides a strong foundation for those pursuing challenging careers in international economics, development economics, and international business. MIEP students acquire hard skills that give them an important edge in the increasingly competitive job market. Late afternoon and evening classes accommodate busy schedules of working professionals and students pursuing internships and part-time employment in Washington D.C. The program’s alumni network provides further support for students’ internship and career development.
MIEP faculty include high-profile researchers, award-winning teachers, and Washington-based practitioners in the Department of Economics, Elliott School, School of Business and other units across George Washington University. Faculty publish cutting edge research in leading academic journals, advise international organizations and governments around the world, and provide regular commentary in leading media outlets.
Typically, about sixty percent of MIEP students studied economics or business as undergraduates. The balance comes from myriad backgrounds. But all students share the same passion for understanding the complex issues of international economic policy.
The average undergraduate GPA for incoming students in Fall 2019 was 3.5.
The program also has a long tradition of attracting students from around the world - about one-third are non-U.S. citizens. In Fall 2019, international students were 60 percent of the incoming class. More information relevant for international students can be found here.
Students are not required to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language. But students do have strong (non-calculus-based) economic theory and quantitative requirements.
What You'll Study
MIEP students focus on international trade, international macroeconomics and development economics during their first year.
Applicants must have completed an introductory microeconomics and introductory macroeconomics course before applying for MIEP. Exceptional students with only a single principles course that combines micro- and macroeconomics may be considered for admission.
In addition to introductory economics coursework requirement, intermediate micro- and macroeconomics courses are highly recommended preparation for the MIEP program but are not required for admission. Students must demonstrate intermediate economics proficiency before obtaining their degree.
Students without intermediate economic theory courses are strongly encouraged to take the intermediate online program during the summer prior to enrollment. This program is offered by the Elliott School's Institute for International Economic Policy.
Full-time students take the following courses in a cohort with other MIEP students:
- ECON 6283 Survey of International Trade Theory and Policy
- ECON 6284 Survey of International Macroeconomics and Finance Theory and Policy
- ECON 6294 Development Economics
- IAFF 6198 Financial Accounting*
- FINA 6235 Corporate Finance*
* Students, in consultation with the program director, may take two econometrics courses instead of the accounting and finance sequence.
Students are required to take an introductory graduate statistics course. MIEP students may choose from the following.
- IAFF 6501 Quantitative Analysis for IA Professionals
- PPPA 6002 Research Methods and Applied Statistics
- ECON 6374 Probability and Statistics for Economics
Students work closely with the program director to design a Professional Specialization to fulfill each student’s individual academic and professional goals. This specialization is completed in the second year for full time students.
Past areas of focus include:
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Economic Development
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International Business and Finance
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International Trade and Investment Policy
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Quantitative Analysis
Students are welcome to pursue their own combination of professionally relevant coursework, including a regional focus.
Students may take up to three elective one-credit skills courses offered by the Elliott School on topics such as:
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Negotiating Skills
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Public Speaking
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STATA Fundamentals
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Analyzing International Economic Data
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Formal Briefing
MIEP students participate in the Elliott School’s Global Capstone. The year-long Capstone program offers students the exciting opportunity to conduct research for external clients. Students form small groups with other Elliott School students in the fall semester of their final year. Participants work with clients to complete a relevant real-world project during their final semester. Many students are able to conduct international field research with financial assistance from the Elliott School.
For examples of previous Capstone research, please explore the Global Capstone page.
Students also take courses in accounting, corporate finance and quantitative analysis that help provide them with critical advantages in the job market. The program culminates in a two-semester capstone sequence in which small teams work on a contemporary policy or business issue.
MIEP students can take graduate courses across The George Washington University including in the Elliott School of International Affairs, the Department of Economics, the School of Business and the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration.
Careers
Our graduates pursue a wide variety of exciting careers in public service, business, management consulting, development agencies and international organizations. Recent examples of job placements include:
- The World Bank Group
- The Brookings Institute
- Bank of China
- Capital One
- U.S. International Trade Commission
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- International Monetary Fund
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- IBM
The Elliott School provides current students and alumni with resources and support to help launch their career. The Elliott School’s Graduate Student Career Development Center has a variety of tools including career counseling, workshops, site visits and information sessions.
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.
Affiliated Institute
The Institute for International Economic Policy (IIEP)
The Institute for International Economic Policy (IIEP) serves as a catalyst for high quality, multi-disciplinary and non-partisan research on policy issues surrounding economic globalization. IIEP 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. MIEP students have participated in research projects conducted by Institute researchers and are welcome to attend the extraordinary events organized by IIEP.
How to Apply
When you're ready to apply to the program, you will need to follow the graduate admissions process, including completing and submitting the online application with all of the required materials.
There are also certain prerequisites that applicants must meet to be able to apply to the program.
