About this Program
Old Dominion University offers a Master of Arts in Economics through the Department of Economics in the Strome College of Business. The program is STEM-designated, available online and on-campus in Norfolk, Virginia, and prepares students to earn the Certified Business Economist (CBE) designation from the National Association for Business Economists (NABE). Graduates work at the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, and across federal, state, and local government. Full-time and part-time scheduling supports both early-career students and working professionals.
The program combines a foundation in economic theory with applied training in statistics, econometrics, and analytical methods. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SHEV) recently approved fully online delivery.
STEM Designation and OPT Extension
ODU's M.A. in Economics holds STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) designation under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's CIP code classification. For international students on F-1 visas, this designation provides:
- Standard 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) following degree completion.
- Eligibility for an additional 24 months of STEM OPT extension; 36 months of post-graduation work authorization in the United States.
- Access to U.S. employers seeking economics graduates with quantitative training, particularly in finance, federal government, international development, and policy analysis.
Few economics master's programs hold STEM designation. For international students considering U.S. graduate study with intent to work in the U.S. after completion, this is a meaningful differentiator from non-STEM economics programs.
STEM Designation and OPT Extension
ODU's M.A. in Economics holds STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) designation under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's CIP code classification. For international students on F-1 visas, this designation provides:
- Standard 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) following degree completion.
- Eligibility for an additional 24 months of STEM OPT extension; 36 months of post-graduation work authorization in the United States.
- Access to U.S. employers seeking economics graduates with quantitative training, particularly in finance, federal government, international development, and policy analysis.
Few economics master's programs hold STEM designation. For international students considering U.S. graduate study with intent to work in the U.S. after completion, this is a meaningful differentiator from non-STEM economics programs.
Program Highlights
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Prepares students to earn the Certified Business Economist (CBE) designation from the National Association for Business Economists - a unique professional credentialing pathway.
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Available fully online through ODUGlobal (SHEV-approved) or on-campus in Norfolk, Virginia.
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GRE/GMAT not required for applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.3 or higher.
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Faculty are research-active economists; classes are scheduled to accommodate full-time and part-time students.
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STEM-designated program with 3-year OPT extension eligibility for international students, one of few economics M.A. programs in the U.S. with this designation.
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Analytical curriculum emphasizes business and policy analysis, with applications including econometrics, mathematical economics, international trade, and economic analytics.
International Applicants
ODU's M.A. in Economics is designed to support international students through admission, English proficiency, visa, and employment pathways.
- TOEFL paper-based: minimum 550
- TOEFL internet-based: minimum 79
- IELTS: minimum 6.5
- Other approved tests accepted - see ODU Admission Proficiency for full list
Students unable to meet testing requirements may be admitted provisionally pending completion of two college-level English courses at a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or through ODU's Monarch English Transition (MET) Program on campus.
International applicants are encouraged to submit applications at least three months before the intended start semester to allow time for visa issuance. Fall matriculation is preferred. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for both fall and spring semesters.
Student visas are available for on-campus enrollment. The program's STEM designation supports 3 years of post-completion work authorization through OPT and STEM OPT extension. ODU's International Admissions office (intladm@odu.edu) provides direct guidance on visa applications, I-20 issuance, and post-arrival immigration support.
ODU's M.A. in Economics is designed to support international students through admission, English proficiency, visa, and employment pathways.
- TOEFL paper-based: minimum 550
- TOEFL internet-based: minimum 79
- IELTS: minimum 6.5
- Other approved tests accepted - see ODU Admission Proficiency for full list
Students unable to meet testing requirements may be admitted provisionally pending completion of two college-level English courses at a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or through ODU's Monarch English Transition (MET) Program on campus.
International applicants are encouraged to submit applications at least three months before the intended start semester to allow time for visa issuance. Fall matriculation is preferred. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for both fall and spring semesters.
Student visas are available for on-campus enrollment. The program's STEM designation supports 3 years of post-completion work authorization through OPT and STEM OPT extension. ODU's International Admissions office (intladm@odu.edu) provides direct guidance on visa applications, I-20 issuance, and post-arrival immigration support.
Featured Courses
Requirements
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- Submission of at least one letter of recommendation
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- Average undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0
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- Prerequisite coursework completed in calculus, statistics, and economics
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- Submission of unofficial transcripts (official transcripts required upon admission)
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- International applicants: IELTS, TOEFL, or approved English proficiency examination results
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- The GRE/GMAT is not required for applicants with an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.3
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- 500 to 750 word statement of purpose demonstrating your motivation, preparation, and goals for pursuing the MA in Economics.
- Please include information on your academic background, professional or research interest, career goals, and program fit
- 500 to 750 word statement of purpose demonstrating your motivation, preparation, and goals for pursuing the MA in Economics.
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International student English language proficiency requirements:
- For students whose native language is not English, a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, 79 on the internet-based TOEFL, or 6.5 on the IELTS. Other tests are acceptable in meeting this requirement, for full information regarding English proficiency requirements visit here: https://www.odu.edu/admission/proficiency.
- For students who are unable to meet the testing requirements there are alternative methods of proving sufficiency. We can grant provisional acceptance pending successful completion of two university or college level English courses at a regionally accredited U.S. institution. Another alternative is completion of the Monarch English Transition (MET) Program where a student would matriculate at ODU and complete the English competency courses on our campus. Full information regarding the MET program is available here: https://ww1.odu.edu/elc/courses/met.
For Admission to the Master of Arts in Economics Program
The Application Package: The Old Dominion University Graduate Application is done online. Questions about the online process should be directed to gradecon@odu.edu or by calling (757) 683-3685. The system will prompt the applicant to complete all components needed to apply to the Master of Arts in Economics program. Applications to the MA program are accepted on a rolling basis in the Fall and Spring semesters, though Fall semester matriculation is preferred. It is recommended that prospective international students submit their applications at least three months prior to the start of their intended semester as there can be delays in the visa issuance process. Priority consideration for assistantships for fall semester admits is given to those who submit applications on or before March 1. Priority consideration for assistantships for spring semester admits is given to those who submit applications on or before August 1.
Transfer
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...
Career Pathways & Outcomes
ODU economics graduates pursue careers across international development, federal economic policy, regional planning, financial analysis, and academia. Alumni employers include:
- International institutions: World Bank, International Monetary Fund
- Federal: Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
- State and local: City of Portsmouth, City of Virginia Beach
- Academic: Hampton University
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that data scientist roles, a frequent path for graduates with quantitative training, will grow 36% through 2033.
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.
Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
Develop quantitative techniques to inform securities investing, equities investing, pricing, or valuation of financial instruments. Develop mathematical or statistical models for risk management, asset optimization, pricing, or relative value analysis.
Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.
Alumni Careers
Cost of Attendance
Tuition is charged per credit hour. Amounts shown are tuition only and do not include mandatory fees, technology-delivered course fees, course-specific fees, books, housing, meal plans, or other costs. Campus-based students may take technology-delivered or online courses. Tuition is based on student classification. Fees for technology-delivered courses and other costs are listed on the ODU tuition and fees page.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
The Department of Economics offers competitive graduate assistantships each semester. Priority consideration for fall assistantships is given to applicants who submit by March 1; priority consideration for spring assistantships is given to applicants who submit by August 1. Additional financial aid is available through ODU's Office of Financial Aid.
For information and forms concerning applications, contact:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone: (757) 683-3685
Email: gradadmit@odu.edu
For information concerning financial aid, contact:
Office of Financial Aid
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone: (757) 683-3683
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The GRE and GMAT are not required for applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.3 or higher. Applicants with a GPA between 3.0 and 3.3 may be asked to submit additional materials.
Yes. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SHEV) approved fully online delivery for the M.A. in Economics. Online students complete the same curriculum and earn the same degree as on-campus students through ODUGlobal.
STEM designation under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security allows international students on F-1 visas to apply for an additional 24 months of work authorization beyond the standard 12-month OPT period - 36 months total of post-graduation work eligibility in the United States. ODU's M.A. in Economics is one of few economics master's programs in the U.S. with this designation.
The Certified Business Economist is a professional certification awarded by the National Association for Business Economists (NABE). It is recognized across business, government, and consulting practice as evidence of advanced economic analysis competency. ODU's M.A. in Economics curriculum is structured to prepare students for the CBE examination upon graduation.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for fall and spring semesters. Fall matriculation is preferred. Priority consideration for fall graduate assistantships is given to applicants who submit by March 1; priority consideration for spring assistantships is given to applicants who submit by August 1. International applicants are encouraged to apply at least three months before their intended start semester to allow time for visa processing.
Named alumni employers include the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, the City of Virginia Beach, the City of Portsmouth, and Hampton University. Common roles include economist, data scientist, urban and regional planner, financial quantitative analyst, and policy analyst.
Applicants must have completed prerequisite coursework in calculus, statistics, and economics before starting the program. Applicants from related quantitative fields (mathematics, statistics, finance, business) who do not have all prerequisites can typically complete missing coursework before or during the program. Contact the Graduate Program Director to discuss your specific background.
Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The Strome College of Business is accredited by AACSB International - a designation held by less than 6% of business schools worldwide.
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