International Political Economy

The Master of Science in International Political Economy at Georgetown University offers a comprehensive and rigorous program designed to equip students with an in-depth understanding of the complex interactions between politics and economics on a global scale. This program integrates the analytical tools of economics, political science, and international relations to prepare graduates for careers in government, international organizations, research institutions, and the private sector. Students will explore core themes such as international trade, finance, economic development, global governance, and diplomatic strategies, gaining insights into how political and economic forces shape the world order. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, emphasizing critical thinking, policy analysis, and empirical research techniques. Through coursework, seminars, and experiential learning opportunities, students deepen their understanding of topics like international economic policy, regional integration, and the roles of multinational corporations and international institutions. The program also offers specialized electives allowing students to tailor their studies towards particular interests such as environmental economics, security studies, or regional studies. Faculty members are renowned experts in their fields, providing mentorship and insights that bridge academic knowledge with real-world challenges. Georgetown’s strategic location in Washington, D.C., grants students unparalleled access to policymakers, diplomatic missions, think tanks, and international organizations, fostering networking opportunities and practical experience. The program prepares graduates for the demands of the global economy by developing analytical skills, policy analysis capabilities, and a nuanced understanding of international affairs. With a commitment to fostering leadership, ethical responsibility, and innovative problem-solving, the Master of Science in International Political Economy at Georgetown University empowers students to become effective agents of change in a dynamic international landscape.

All students must demonstrate proficiency in mathematics by one of three means: Passing MATH-035 Calculus I, score of 4 or higher in AP Calculus, or passing the Math Department Calculus I waiver test.

The Mathematics Department waiver test is an option suitable for students who studied calculus in high school but did not have the opportunity to take the AP exam. It is administered during the New Student Orientation period just before the beginning of the fall semester. Note that calculus is a prerequisite for Intermediate Microeconomics and Economic Statistics.

It is recommended that students satisfy the calculus requirement before the beginning of the sophomore year.

The following 4 preparatory courses.  These courses should be taken before senior year.

• ECON 101/103 Intermediate Microeconomics
• ECON 121 Economic Statistics
• ECON 122 Introduction to Econometrics
• GOVT 261 International Political Economy (renumbered from GOVT 288 effective fall 2014)

ECON 101/103 should be completed during sophomore year, since it is a pre-requisite for PECO 201. ECON 121 should be completed by the first semester of junior year, since it is a pre-requisite for ECON 122. GOVT 261 targets sophomores and juniors. It is offered once a year, in either of the semesters. Students going abroad in the junior year should look into taking GOVT 261 in the sophomore year, as long as GOVT 060 International Relations has been completed.

Two Interdisciplinary Courses in Political Economy.

• PECO 201 Analytical Tools for Political Economy (offered every fall)
• IPEC 401 Senior Seminar in Political Economy (offered every spring)

PECO 201 is ideally completed during junior year. IPEC 401 must be completed at Georgetown.

4 courses from the IPEC Core and IPEC Supporting course lists, at least two of which must be IPEC Core courses.

SEQUENCING

Analytical Tools for Political Economy (PECO-201) is designed to introduce majors to the methods used in the discipline along with their applications. Topics in International Political Economy (IPEC-310) is designed to introduce majors to a number of substantive issues in the discipline. Both are therefore best taken in the junior year. Because Intermediate Microeconomics (ECON-101/103) is a prerequisite for both courses, all majors are urged to take Intermediate Microeconomics in the sophomore year. (Note that ECON-101/103 has calculus as a prerequisite.)

QUANTITATIVE METHODS

Analyzing data, whether to test hypotheses or to summarize trends, is an important part of studying international political economy. As a result, all majors are required to take statistics and econometrics, and are encouraged to do so as early as possible, preferably no later than the end of their junior year. (Statistics and econometrics are essential in writing the senior thesis in IPEC-401.)

December Graduates: Some students who have accumulated sufficient credits elect to graduate early. To do so, students need to plan ahead. All majors must take the senior seminar, IPEC-401, which is offered in the spring semester. Any student planning to graduate early therefore needs to take this seminar in the junior year.

• SAT - Georgetown's SAT code is 5244. Georgetown only considers the critical reading and math portions of the SAT, not the writing section. If an applicant takes the SAT more than once, the admissions committees will consider the highest critical reading score and the highest math score from multiple test sessions when reviewing the application.
• ACT - Georgetown's ACT code is 0668. Georgetown accepts the ACT in lieu of the SAT. Applicants who take the ACT more than once will have their highest composite score considered in the evaluation process. The optional writing section on the ACT is not required, nor is the writing subscore used in the application review process.
• SAT Subject Tests - It is strongly recommended that all candidates, whether they have taken the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT, submit three SAT Subject Tests scores. The scores from writing portion on the SAT Reasoning Test and the optional writing portion of the ACT will not be used in place of a Subject Test.
• TOEFL - Georgetown's TOEFL code is 5244. TOEFL is recommended for candidates studying in non-U.S. educational systems and whose native language is not English. Georgetown also does accept results from the IELTS. Please contact either the Educational Testing Service (ETS) or the American College Testing Program (ACT) for details about this exam.
• If you will graduate from a school with a final examination such as the British A-Levels, Cambridge Pre-U, German Abitaur, French Baccalaureat, or International Baccalaureate, you will need to submit both Projected and Final results. These should be included in the Secondary School Report sent from your college counselor, teacher or the Head of School.

Scholarships

Georgetown University is Need-Blind for all applicants.

Admitted students who have requested financial aid and are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents will be considered for a very limited number of need-based scholarships. To be considered for one of these scholarships, the student/applicant will need to indicate their intent to apply for financial aid on the Application for Undergraduate Admission and should submit a CSS/Financial Aid Profile online at http://www.collegeboard.com. For further details, please see the Office of Student Financial Services website.

Whether admitted either under our Early Action or Regular Decision review periods, all candidates for financial aid will be notified about their eligibility for aid, their financial aid awards or about missing documents during the first week of April.

Please note that we are now using the CSS/Financial Aid Profile in place of the International Student Financial Aid form.

The International Political Economy program at Georgetown University is a premier graduate degree designed to prepare students for advanced careers in global policy, economics, and international affairs. This interdisciplinary program combines rigorous coursework in political science, economics, and international relations to equip students with comprehensive analytical skills necessary for understanding complex international issues. The curriculum explores core topics such as global trade, finance, development, political institutions, and economic policy-making, emphasizing the interconnectedness of political and economic systems worldwide.

Students have the opportunity to engage with faculty members who are leading experts in their fields, providing a rich academic environment that fosters critical thinking and practical application. The program offers a variety of courses that explore contemporary issues like economic globalization, international financial crises, trade negotiations, and sustainable development. Students are encouraged to take advantage of Georgetown’s location in Washington, D.C., to participate in internships, policy think tanks, non-governmental organizations, and government agencies, gaining valuable real-world experience in international political economy.

The program also includes seminars, workshops, and conferences that facilitate networking and professional development. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in government, international organizations, research institutes, private sector multinational corporations, and non-profit organizations. The program emphasizes analytical skills, policy analysis, and a nuanced understanding of the political and economic forces shaping the global landscape. Overall, Georgetown’s International Political Economy program aims to develop globally-minded leaders who can critically analyze and address the challenges of a highly interconnected world.