Quantitative Economics, M.S.

For admission to the M.S. in Quantitative Economics program, students must meet the University’s minimum admission requirements, including a 3.0 GPA and an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution (or equivalent).

International students must also meet an English Language proficiency requirement as stated in the University Requirements for International students.

Prerequisite coursework

The MSQE program requires the following prerequisite coursework (or equivalent) completed with grades of B or better:

• MATH 226 Calculus 1
• ECON 212 Business Statistics
• ECON 301 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
• ECON 302 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory
• ECON 312 Introduction to Econometrics

Students who have completed theses courses with grades of B or better qualify for the “classified” status upon admission and can proceed with graduate coursework without restrictions.

Students who have not taken or do not have grades of B or better in all of the above five courses, or who did not major in economics but earned an overall GPA of 3.0 or better, may be admitted conditionally (“conditionally classified” status). Students admitted conditionally must complete prerequisite coursework prior to taking MSQE core courses. Note that courses taken to satisfy the prerequisites cannot be applied toward the MSQE degree.

What to Anticipate When Applying

Step One

You access the online application through the Cal State Apply site to begin your application and create a profile. Note that a $70.00 non-refundable application fee is due at the time of submitting a completed application. Application fee waivers may be available for some domestic applicants. International/F-1 applicants are not eligible for an application fee waiver.

Step Two

After you’ve completed My Profile, you will have access to My Application. In the Documents section you will find information about uploading the following documents.

• Personal Statement (required): The personal statement must be between 500-800 words and should address the reasons for your interest in economics (including any specific areas/fields of interest), your future scholarly and/or career objectives within the field, and your reasons for pursuing an M.S. in Quantitative Economics at San Francisco State University. You may discuss any prior academic, personal, employment, etc. achievements and experiences that reflect upon your interests and potential to succeed in the program.
   
• Unofficial Transcripts (required): Applicants are required to upload copies of transcripts from every college or university attended, including study abroad coursework and community college coursework even if transfer credit appears on the degree transcript. Photographs are not accepted. The Division of Graduate Studies may request official transcripts at any point during the application review process. Applicants who are admitted to the program will then be required to submit official transcripts to the Division of Graduate Studies in order to secure their offer of admission.
   
• Test Score Report (GRE/GMAT): Not required.
   
• English Language Proficiency Test: All graduate applicants whose native language is not English and whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English must demonstrate English language proficiency. You may upload your unofficial TOEFL or IELTS/PTE score report, but you must request to have your official score report sent to San Francisco State University’s Division of Graduate Studies. The English language testing requirement is waived for applicants who have earned a U.S. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. 

Step Three

• Letters of Recommendation (required): The Department of Economics requires applicants to the M.S. in Quantitative Economics program to submit one letter of recommendation, preferably from a former professor who can evaluate the applicant’s academic performance in university-level coursework and their potential for success in the graduate program. If an applicant is unable to obtain a letter from a former professor, a letter of recommendation from an employer may be submitted. A second letter of recommendation is optional and not required. Letters should address the applicant’s quantitative and analytical skills, written/oral communication skills, and other qualities that are indicative of success in graduate-level economics.

Instructions for requesting letters of recommendation can be found in the Recommendations section of My Application on the Cal State Apply website. Note that the Department only accepts recommendation letters provided directly by the evaluators.

Check Your Application Status

Once you have submitted your application, you may check your application status online. General information can be found on SF State’s Graduate student admissions and International student admissions pages.

Financial Affidavit and Medical Insurance for International Students

Applicants who need a student visa must present proof of financial resources and health insurance once they are admitted into our program. Please follow the instructions on the SF State I-20 page to submit proof of financial resources and Medical insurance.

The Department of Economics typically offers fall admission to the MSQE program. Spring admission can be considered by exception. Spring admission can be helpful for students who need to complete prerequisite courses.

The standard application window for fall admission is October 1st to May 1st. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and admission decisions are typically made within 8-12 weeks of application submission.

Ready to apply? Visit the Graduate Students page to get started.