M.A. in International Economic Policy (MIEP)

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.

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.

Applicants must have completed an introductory microeconomics and introductory macroeconomics course at the time of application. Exceptional students with only a single principles course that combines micro- and macroeconomics may be considered for admission. Admitted students must demonstrate proficiency in intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics before taking any course with an “ECON” designation, including core coursework. Please note that admitted students without this demonstrated proficiency may take courses in other departments, including IAFF. Students may demonstrate intermediate proficiency in the following three ways: 1) Completion of an intermediate microeconomics and intermediate macroeconomics with a B- or better at an accredited university or college within two years prior to matriculation. 2) Successful completion of the Elliott School (non-credit) online intermediate economics program. This program is offered during the summer by the Institute for International Economic Policy. 3) Passing a proficiency exam administered by the MIEP program, normally scheduled in the week prior to the begin of the fall and spring semesters. Contact [email protected] for more information about this requirement.

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:

• Economic Development 

• International Business and Finance 

• International Trade and Investment Policy

• 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:

• Negotiating Skills 

• Public Speaking

• STATA Fundamentals

• Analyzing International Economic Data

• 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.