The Department of Economics offers an intensive, STEM-designated, one-year (1-year) master’s degree, consisting of 12 courses taught across three (3) terms (September-June). Students gain applied skills in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, while specializing through elective courses. Award-winning faculty prepare students for consulting, applied research, and data science careers in private industry and government. The program also offers outstanding preparation for students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. Our master’s program was ranked in the top 30 of the 2024 TFE Times Best Master’s of Economics Rankings.
Advantages of Our Program
Strong quantitative training: An intensive three-course (3-course) sequence in econometrics guides students through the modern tool kit of the applied economist, including cutting-edge approaches to causal inference, tools to manage and analyze big datasets, and approaches to forecasting. The program places a strong emphasis on application, using open-source software for statistical computing that is commonly used in the public and private sectors. Our master’s degree in Economics is STEM-Designated.
Opportunities for specialization: Students can choose from more than 20 different elective courses in economics each year.
World-class faculty: The University of Oregon’s Economics Department has an internationally-recognized faculty, with research specializations covering a broad range of disciplines within the field economics. Most faculty in the department teach in either the core or elective portions of the master’s program.
Program intensity options: Although the program can be completed as a full-time student in one (1) academic year, it is also possible to complete the program over a longer time-frame. See sample programs of study.
Proven track record: The University of Oregon has been awarding master’s degrees in economics since 1928, and our former students are employed around the world. View recent placements.
Departmental Requirements
Master's students must complete a minimum of 48 graduate credit hours, all of which must be in economics. The following courses are required to graduate with a master’s degree in economics:
- Core econometrics: Three (3) quarters of core econometrics training (EC 523, 524, and 525).
- Core theory: Three (3) quarters of economic theory (EC 511 - Microeconomic Theory, EC 512- Economic Policy Analysis, and EC 513 Macroeconomic Theory).
- Elective coursework: Six (6) elective graduate field courses in economics. These courses can be selected from offered 500-level field courses, excluding EC 503 and 508.
Minimum Grades and GPA
All courses taken to satisfy the master’s degree program requirements must be taken for a letter grade. Economics master’s degree students must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in graduate courses taken in the degree program, and may not graduate with less than a 3.0 GPA. Grades of D+ or lower for graduate courses are not accepted for graduate credit but are computed in the GPA. A GPA below 3.00 at any time or the accumulation of more than five (5) credits of F grades — regardless of GPA — is considered unsatisfactory and may lead to termination from the program. PhD students who decide to transfer to the master’s degree program and have completed EC 607 Core courses may count those credits toward the theory and elective coursework requirements of the master’s degree program.
Maintaining Enrollment Status
Unless on-leave status has been approved, a student enrolled in an advanced-degree or graduate-certificate program must attend the university continuously until all program requirements have been completed. The student must register for a minimum of three (3) graduate credits each term, excluding summer sessions, to be continuously enrolled. A minimum of 30 credits toward the master’s degree must be taken in residence over a period of at least two (2) terms.
Substitutions and Waivers
Substitutions of alternative courses or courses taken elsewhere require the joint approval of the Master’s Program Committee and the department head before they can be counted toward the credit minimum. Any other waivers or exceptions to departmental requirements require the approval of the Economics Department faculty.
Time Limit
The master’s degree is designed to be completed in one (1) academic year, although a longer time to completion is easily accommodated inside the program. All requirements for the master’s degree must be completed within a three-year (3-year) period.
Research Option
An alternative path to the master’s degree, in which students take less coursework and complete a master’s thesis or research paper, is available. This path generally requires a longer time to complete the degree. If you are interested in this research option, please contact the Graduate Coordinator.
Accelerated Master’s Program
Well-prepared undergraduate UO economics majors with junior or senior standing are eligible to apply to the Accelerated Master’s Program in the Economics Department (AMPED). The aim of the program is to provide qualified students with access to graduate-level coursework during their senior year to facilitate and speed up their pathway to obtaining a master’s degree in the future. Admission is competitive.
Upon acceptance to AMPED, students will remain as undergraduate students but be allowed to take up to 12 credits (three [3] classes) from among a select group of four-credit (4-credit), 500-level courses offered in the economics department. These courses will count toward upper-division elective requirements for the undergraduate economics degree.
If, after graduating with their bachelor’s degree in economics, a student in AMPED joins the master’s degree program in economics at the University of Oregon, the 500-level courses taken as an undergraduate may additionally count toward elective requirements in the master’s degree program. That means you will take fewer courses to earn your master’s degree!
Wondering if AMPED is right for you? Talk to your advisor.
Apply to Our Graduate Program
Ready to apply? Fall 2025 applications are due May 1, 2025. Start your application on Slate, the centralized application portal for graduate admissions at the University of Oregon.
Master's Program Frequently Asked Questions
Applying
- What items do I need to submit to apply for the graduate program?
- Completed online application. The application opens September 15 and is due May 1.
- Unofficial transcripts for all colleges or universities attended (upload in online application). More information.
- GRE scores. Use the code 4846 for the University of Oregon and 1801 for the Department of Economics. GRE scores are required unless you are a current University of Oregon undergraduate who qualifies for a GRE waiver.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score if an international student. Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or from an institution in the following countries-Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom- are exempt from this requirement. More information.
- When does the application open?
The application portal opens on September 15 each year.
- When is the application deadline?
Applications for the master's program are due May 1. Please note that applications that are incomplete by the deadline date will not be reviewed. All graduate students are admitted for the fall term only.
- When will I receive my admissions decision?
Decisions are made on a rolling basis, and applicants may receive their admissions decision any time after January 1.
- What is the minimum GPA I need to be accepted to the graduate program?
The admissions committee are looking for students to have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, and if you have graduate level work, a 3.5 GPA at that level. Strong grades in economics and mathematics courses are especially important.
- What types of courses should I complete in my undergraduate studies to be considered for the program?
Applicants should have a quantitative background that includes courses in economics, calculus, and statistics. Specifically they should have:
1) A two-term sequence in differential and integral calculus (at UO these courses are labeled MATH 241/242 or MATH 251/252).
2) At least one term of introductory college level statistics (at UO, MATH 243).
3) A course in both intermediate macroeconomics and intermediate microeconomics (at UO, EC 311 and EC 313).
4) An introductory course in econometrics or something similar (at UO, EC 320).
7. What minimum test scores do I need to be considered for the program?
GRE Scores. Our Graduate Admissions and Awards Committee would like to see GRE scores at or above the 70th percentile in the quantitative and analytical sections.
TOEFL iBT or IELTS (non-native English speakers): The minimum score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) is 88. The minimum score for International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is 7.0.
8. Do I qualify for a GRE waiver?
Current UO students with a quantitative major (e.g. economics, business, math) and an overall GPA of at least 3.2, qualify for a GRE waiver. Students at other universities and University of Oregon graduates who are not entering the master’s program in the academic year immediately following completion of their undergraduate degree do not qualify and must submit GRE scores for admissions consideration.
9. I already have a master’s in economics. Am I eligible to apply for this program?
Students who already hold a graduate degree at the same level and discipline for which they are applying may be admitted to the University of Oregon only by petition to the Graduate School. In cases where a student already holds a similar degree, the content of the original degree must be fundamentally different from the degree to be pursued at the UO. Contact the graduate coordinator if you have questions about your eligibility.
International Students
- How do I meet the English language requirement?
Non-native English speaking applicants for the master’s program must meet the University’s English language requirement by submitting test scores from the TOEFL iBT or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or a transcript demonstrating the applicant received a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. institution or from an institution in the following countries: Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom. We do not accept the Duolingo English Test. More information.
- What minimum language test scores must I have to be considered for the program?
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Scores. The minimum score for the TOEFL iBT test is 88. The minimum score for IELTS is 7.0.
- Once I accept the offer of admission, how do I apply for my visa?
International students who will be sponsored by the University of Oregon on an F-1 visa or J-1 visa must first obtain a “Certificate of Eligibility” Form I-20 or DS-2019 in order to schedule a visa appointment. Verification of a student’s financial capability to pay tuition, fees, and living expenses for at least the first year of study is required before Form I-20 or DS-2019 can be issued. More information.
Admissions
- Does the Department of Economics offer conditional admission?
No. The department does not offer conditional admission to its graduate program.
- Can I contact someone to learn about my chances of being admitted?
Unfortunately, we are unable to evaluate such requests. Because our entire admissions committee must evaluate each graduate program application, it is important to have all your application materials received by the specified deadlines to ensure that it receives a thoughtful review. After the deadline, the committee works as quickly as possible to notify applicants about their decision.
- How long does it take to receive an admissions decision?
After the application deadline has passed and all materials have been received by the Department of Economics, you’ll receive a notification of admission from the department within two to three weeks. Afterward, you’ll receive a formal admission notification from the UO Office of Admissions. This notification can take four to six (4-6) weeks.
- Is enrolling part-time an option?
Yes. See the sample program of study for more information.
Funding
- What is the cost of attendance?
For tuition, fees, and estimated living expenses see the Office of Financial Aid’s Graduate Cost of Attendance estimates and the Office of the Registrar’s tuition and fees calculator.
- Is funding available for the master's program?
Unfortunately, we are unable to financially assist students in our master’s degree program. Students are encouraged to seek outside funding. See the Graduate School’s list of Graduate Employee (GE) Openings, the Office of Financial Aid, and International Student and Scholar Services for opportunities.