A group of first-year master's students

Application Information

Priority application deadline is January 15. Late applications will be considered for admission only. If you have questions, contact our Student Success Coordinator at ageconadvising@montana.edu.

Regarding Application Fee Waivers: MSU is not in a position to provide application fee waivers. We suggest that you seek a third-party sponsor.

Requirements

  • Intermediate Microeconomic and Macroeconomic Theory. Both should be calculus based.
  • At least one year of Calculus and a semester of Matrix Algebra or Linear Algebra.  Multivariable calculus is also recommended.
  • One semester of Econometrics or equivalent

Application Materials

    • Unofficial undergraduate transcripts  (Official transcripts will be requested for formal admission) 

    • Three letters of recommendation

    • The application fee ($70.00).  (Anyone applying for a second program in the same year will be automatically charged half that rate). 

    • Non-native English speakers: evidence of English language proficiency    

    • A personal statement is strongly recommended, but not required.

      • Should describe your research interests and how they relate to the research programs of specific faculty members.

Deadlines and Dates

The M.S. program in Applied Economics typically has 5-10 funded slots in a year, with the exact amount varying from year to year.

  • Applications to be considered for funding are due January 15.Initial award and acceptance letters are sent in February.
  • International applicants must apply by January 15 to have a decision in time for visa processing.
  • Applications submitted between January 15 and March 15 will be considered for admission only.  The application site will close March 15th.
 

Funding: Although the program waives 70% of tuition, students are responsible for 30% of tuition. Students who work as research and teaching assistants receive additional funding in the form of a monthly stipend.

Apply NowApplied Econ Interest FormFAQs

 

Why the Montana State M.S. in Applied Economics?

Partially-funded program:

Our program offers a unique value proposition: the opportunity to undertake advanced coursework and conduct high-level research without committing to a lengthy Ph.D. program or incurring the high cost of some terminal Master's programs. Our program is consistently ranked in the top five in the nation among M.S. programs in agricultural and natural resource economics. We offer partial funding to the vast majority of students, contingent on satisfactory performance. Although the stipend amount varies, it is commensurate with the cost of living. 70% of tuition costs are waived.

Faculty-student research collaboration:

Our faculty have expertise in a variety of fields and methods. Faculty members take an active interest in our graduate students, and we strive to match students to faculty members with common research interests. This one-on-one contact has led to a significant volume of co-authored research and is consistently given high praise among alumni. See examples of collaborative research by MS students and DAEE faculty.

Excellent employment and Ph.D. preparation: 

Our program has a strong reputation for preparing students for employment and continued graduate study. Demand is high for individuals with training in statistical methods and economic analysis. Many employers and faculty seek us out as a source for potential employees and Ph.D. students. 

Our graduates consistently begin careers in industry, government and more. Others use their degree as a springboard to doctoral programs or other education and training. Recent positions include:

  • Data Scientist, Atrium

  • Economist, Montana Department of Labor & Industry

  • Senior Credit Risk Analyst, Discover Financial Services

  • Economic Development Consultant, A2F Consulting

  • Fiscal Analyst, Montana Legislative Branch

  • Economic Analyst, Rhode Island Dept. of Revenue

  • Boston College School of Law

  • Harvard Kennedy School Ph.D. in Public Policy

  • University of California-Davis Ph.D. program in Agricultual and Resource Economics

  • University of Oregon, Master of Community and Regional Planning Program

Program Information

This is an 18-month to two-year program combining two semesters of course work and the preparation and defense of a master’s thesis.

Coursework

During the first year, students take a rigorous set of courses in microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory and econometrics. Students may also take courses in supporting areas, such as mathematics and statistics. 

Please Note: ECNS 401 Microeconomic Theory I is now listed as ECNS 503 Microeconomic Theory I.

Thesis

All students are expected to complete an original research project culminating in a thesis defense in the second year. Students work collaboratively with faculty to form a committee that includes a major advisor. The advisor provides individualized guidance with respect to courses, the thesis other matters. In consultation with their committee, students select, research, write and defend a thesis to complete a program of study consistent with their interests.

Financial Assistance

The primary form of financial assistance is a graduate assistantship in the form of a stipend and partial tuition waiver. Graduate assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis with continuance dependent upon satisfactory progress toward degree and performance of assigned duties. Each student on an assistantship is assigned to work for one or two faculty members, assisting with ongoing research and/or teaching. Specific duties vary by faculty member and from semester to semester. The department’s graduate program chairperson coordinates assignments.

Helpful Links

News and Student Stories