To apply, use the online application.
If you have questions, please contact:
Dr. Hongli Feng
M.S. Program Director
hfeng@iastate.edu or econgrad@iastate.edu
Students can enroll for the spring and fall semesters. For priority reviews and scholarships, apply before February 15. The application will be reviewed on a continuous rolling basis.
Yes, both our M.S. degree in Economics and M.S. degree in Agricultural Economics are STEM-certified under CIP code 45.0603, qualifying as a STEM-designated field.
This classification benefits international students by making them eligible for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) STEM extension, allowing them to work in the U.S. for up to 36 months after graduation.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website has additional details regarding Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT).
Your statement of purpose should address key topics such as:
All essays must be original; citations are generally unnecessary. If you use sources, be sure to cite them properly.
The application fee is $60 for domestic students and $100 for international students. For the most updated information, visit the grad application information.
Questions about the M.S. program should be directed to the M.S. Program Director, Dr. Hongli Feng, at hfeng@iastate.edu or at econgrad@iastate.edu
No, neither is required. However, an applicant may choose to submit either of them.
In general, we do not offer incoming MS students any assistantships.
The TOEFL (or IELTS) test is required for all students whose native language is not English. The requirement will be waived if you already have a U.S. college degree. The test scores expire after two years. If the University receives the official scores before they expire, they will accept them regardless of the actual enrollment date. Link for the latest English Proficiency requirement.
Letters of recommendation should come from professional connections, such as faculty members, supervisors, or others who know the student professionally. Letters of recommendation should not come from family members, neighbors, or friends.
We do not provide assistantships for incoming Master's students. However, we do consider both need-based and merit-based scholarships. Additionally, our Master's degree is a worthwhile investment, as many students advance to well-paying jobs after graduation. While there is no guarantee, most of our students have successfully found on-campus positions or summer jobs to help finance their education.