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    University of California-Merced

    Economics

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Merced, USMAIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $71,062.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    48
    Credits
    $155.00
    App fee

    Economics at University of California-Merced is a 48-credit, 2-year, in-person MA program based in Merced, US. Tuition is $71,062 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The Economics M.A. is part of UC Merced’s Economics graduate group and is offered only along the way to the Ph.D. The program learning outcomes emphasize professional skills, communication, and knowledge of economic theory and econometrics.

    Focus: both

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    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Dec 15, 2027

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    required
    TOEFL
    required
    Min A minimum score of 80 on the internet-based TOEFL exam (TOEFL iBT) is required.
    IELTS
    required
    Min IELTS 7

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (F-1) is the standard post-completion work authorization for a US master’s degree; STEM OPT extension may be possible if the degree qualifies as STEM and the student meets USCIS requirements (STEM OPT extension is not confirmed for UC Merced Economics M.A. here).

    $27,932.00
    Annual living cost

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    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Economics at University of California-Merced cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Economics at University of California-Merced is $71,062 across 48 required credits.
    Is Economics at University of California-Merced online or in-person?
    Economics at University of California-Merced is offered in-person.
    How long does Economics at University of California-Merced take to complete?
    Economics at University of California-Merced is structured around 2 years and 48 credits.
    What GPA is required for Economics at University of California-Merced?
    Per the program's published guidance: usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) is required.
    Is Economics at University of California-Merced STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Economics at University of California-Merced is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.