This is a named option within the Economics M.S. The Economics Master of Science–Graduate Foundations (MS–GF) program offers a terminal graduate degree that prepares students for high-level professional careers in government and industry or further study for the Ph.D. degree. The MS-GF program emphasizes econometric training more than similar programs at other universities. Today's job market and Ph.D. programs in economics require strong quantitative skills along with a command of microeconomic and macroeconomic theory. Wisconsin's tradition of supporting economic theory with quantitative methods is well suited to these requirements.
Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website. Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online. |
| Fall Deadline | March 1 |
| Spring Deadline | July 15 |
| Summer Deadline | The program does not admit in the summer. |
| GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) | Required.* |
| English Proficiency Test | Every applicant whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English must provide an English proficiency test score and meet the Graduate School minimum requirements (https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/requirements/#english-proficiency). |
| Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT) | n/a |
| Letters of Recommendation Required | 3 |
| * | Waivers for partnership programs. Information on Economics Master Graduate Foundation admissions website. |
The Department of Economics offers admission to the Master of Science–Graduate Foundations program. Master's program applications are due by March 1 for fall term admission and July 15 for spring term admission. Mathematics preparation should include multivariate calculus, elementary probability, and regression analysis. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation and Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores. For additional information on admissions requirements and process, please see the Department of Economics website.
Graduate School Resources
Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.
Program Resources
Students enrolled in the Economics Master of Science–Graduate Foundations Program are not allowed to accept research assistantships, teaching assistantships, project assistantships or other university appointments which grant waivers of tuition and/or academic fees. Accepting an assistantship or tuition waiver while enrolled in the program may lead to removal of the student from the M.S. in Economics student cohort. Corporate tuition support is not included in these categories, nor is the waiver of tuition due to veteran status.
Minimum Graduate School Requirements
Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements, in addition to the program requirements listed below.
Named Option Requirements
MODE OF INSTRUCTION
| Face to Face | Evening/Weekend | Online | Hybrid | Accelerated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | No | No | No |
Mode of Instruction Definitions
Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students are able to complete a program with minimal disruptions to careers and other commitments. Evening/Weekend: Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules. Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments. Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus. Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats. Contact the program for more specific information. Online: These programs are offered 100% online. Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format. |
CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS
| Minimum Credit Requirement | 30 credits |
| Minimum Residence Credit Requirement | 16 credits |
| Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement | Half of degree coursework (15 credits out of 30 total credits) must be completed graduate-level coursework; courses with the Graduate Level Coursework attribute are identified and searchable in the university's Course Guide (https://registrar.wisc.edu/course-guide/). |
| Overall Graduate GPA Requirement | 3.00 GPA required. |
| Other Grade Requirements | None. |
| Assessments and Examinations | None. |
| Language Requirements | No language requirements. |
Required COURSES
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core | ||
| ECON 700 | Mathematics for Economists | 3 |
| ECON 701 | Microeconomics I | 3 |
| ECON 702 | Macroeconomics I | 3 |
| ECON 704 | Econometrics I | 3 |
| ECON 705 | Econometrics II | 3 |
| ECON 706 | Econometrics III | 3 |
| ECON 708 | Microeconomics II | 3 |
| Electives | 9 | |
| In addition to the core courses, master’s students will also take three electives of their choosing. | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Most students will complete the curriculum as outlined on the Coursework webpage. The Economics MS-GF sequence courses require students to write a paper. MS-GF students also have the option of enrolling in directed research to complete a paper, under the supervision of our faculty.
Graduate School Policies
The Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.
Named Option-Specific Policies
Prior Coursework
Graduate Work from Other Institutions
Graduate coursework from other institutions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the faculty graduate committee in the Department of Economics. With graduate committee approval, students are allowed to count no more than 9 credits of graduate coursework from other institutions. Coursework earned five years or more prior to admission to the master's program is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
UW–Madison Undergraduate
With program approval, up to 7 credits numbered 300 or above from a UW–Madison undergraduate degree are allowed to count toward the M.S. GF degree. Coursework earned five or more years prior to admission to the master’s program is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
UW–Madison University Special
With program approval, students are allowed to count no more than 12 credits of coursework numbered 300 or above taken as a UW-Madison University Special student. Coursework earned five or more years prior to admission to a master’s degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
Probation
The Graduate School regularly reviews the record of any student who earned grades of BC, C, D, F, or Incomplete in a graduate course (300 or above), or grade of U in research credits. This review could result in academic probation with a hold on future enrollment or in being suspended from the Graduate School.
ADVISOR / COMMITTEE
Every graduate student is required to have an advisor. To ensure that students are making satisfactory progress toward a degree, the Graduate School expects them to meet with their advisor on a regular basis.
An advisor generally serves as the thesis advisor. In many cases, an advisor is assigned to incoming students. Students can be suspended from the Graduate School if they do not have an advisor. An advisor is a faculty member, or sometimes a committee, from the major department responsible for providing advice regarding graduate studies.
A committee often accomplishes advising for the students in the early stages of their studies.
CREDITS PER TERM ALLOWED
12 credits
Time Constraints
Master’s degree students who have been absent for five or more consecutive years lose all credits that they have earned before their absence. Individual programs may count the coursework students completed prior to their absence for meeting program requirements; that coursework may not count toward Graduate School credit requirements.
Grievances and appeals
These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:
- Bias or Hate Reporting
- Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
- Hostile and Intimidating Behavior Policies and Procedures
- Dean of Students Office (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
- Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
- Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
- Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
- Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
- Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
- Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
- Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)
Students should contact the department chair or program director with questions about grievances.
Other
Students enrolled in the Economics Master of Science–Graduate Foundations Program are not allowed to accept research assistantships, teaching assistantships, project assistantships or other University appointments which grant waivers of tuition and/or academic fees. Accepting an assistantship or tuition waiver while enrolled in the program may lead to removal of the student from the M.S. in Economics student cohort. Corporate tuition support is not included in these categories, nor is the waiver of tuition due to veteran status.
Graduate School Resources
Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.
Program Resources
Master of Science in Economics Graduate Foundations named option students have special access to career advising and resources through the Economics Career Development Office (ECDO). The ECDO hosts career workshops, coordinates the Student Leadership Committee and invites employers to speak to students on campus. We encourage all economics master’s students to schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated career advisors. During your appointment we can assist with:
- Deciding if a career outside of academia is right for you
- Resume and cover letter review
- Job and internship search strategies
- Interview preparation and mock interviews
- How to network and develop an effective LinkedIn
To schedule an appointment with one our professional career advisors, please see website.