Master of Arts in the Field of International Economic Policy, STEM Track

The master of arts in international economic policy (MIEP) STEM Track program provides students with a firm understanding of international trade, international finance, and development economics. Students pursuing the STEM track complete a more quantitatively oriented program of study, culminating in a two-semester capstone sequence utilizing econometric and mathematical economic models under the direction of the MIEP program director.

Once admitted to the MIEP program, students may petition the program director to pursue the STEM track, which focuses on econometrics and quantitative methods. Students pursuing this track must have completed at least one semester of calculus, intermediate microeconomics, and intermediate macroeconomics within two academic years before beginning the STEM track.

Visit the Elliott School website for additional information.

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 40 credits, including 21 credits in core courses, a 4-credit capstone course sequence, and 15 credits in elective courses.

Students in the MA in international economic policy (MIEP) and the MIEP STEM Track programs must demonstrate proficiency in intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics before taking any Economics (ECON) course, including required economics coursework*. Students admitted without this proficiency may take courses in other departments, including those with an IAFF designation.

Required (25 credits)
Core courses (21 credits)
ECON 6250Survey of Economic Development
ECON 6283Survey of International Trade Theory and Policy
ECON 6284Survey of International Macroeconomics and Finance Theory and Policy
ECON 6300Mathematical Methods for Economics
ECON 6374Probability and Statistics for Economics
ECON 6375Applied Econometrics
ECON 6376Time Series Analysis
Capstone sequence (4 credits)
Students complete a two-course capstone project using econometric or mathematical economic models under the direction of the MIEP program director. The capstone sequence includes a 2-credit capstone workshop taken before the 2-credit capstone seminar. Students must have completed at least 18 credits of coursework prior to starting the capstone sequence. The two 2-credit capstone courses must be taken consecutively.
IAFF 6898Capstone Workshop
IAFF 6899Capstone Course
Electives (15 Credits)
In addition to the required curriculum, students work with the program director to select 15 credits of further course work. Up to 3 of these credits may be taken in professional skills courses (IAFF 6502 and/or IAFF 6503).

*Students may demonstrate proficiency in one of the following ways:

  1. Completion within two years prior to matriculation of an intermediate microeconomics and intermediate macroeconomics course with a minimum grade of B- at an accredited university or college.
  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. Each program lasts about eight weeks. See the MIEP Intermediate Theory Programs page for additional information, including fees.
  3. Passing a proficiency exam administered by the MIEP program, normally scheduled in the week prior to the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. 

For additional information, visit the intermediate theory requirement page or contact miep@gwu.edu.