The 4+1 program offers students an opportunity to earn both a Bachelors and a Masters degree within five years, at a lower cost compared to doing both degrees separately. Students can obtain one of two Master’s degrees:

• MS Applied Economics—emphasizes economic concepts and empirical analytic techniques necessary for understanding the digital economy.
• MS International and Development Economics—emphasizes training in empirical research methods related to poverty and growth in developing countries.

Students graduate with the BS and officially matriculate into the MS program upon completion of College graduation requirements.

Program Learning Outcomes

Both graduate programs provide excellent training in applied economic research and data analysis that can be used in a variety of careers. Graduates of the MS Applied Economics program are particularly well-trained for roles in technology or consulting firms in the private sector or as policy analysts in the public sector. Graduates of the MS International and Development Economics pursue internationally-oriented careers working in public policy, NGOs, or business in developing countries. The BS/MS program also makes excellent preparation for a Ph.D. program in economics or in related fields such as business, public policy, or political science.

4 + 1 Program Offerings & Admissions

Economics/Applied Economics (4+1), BS/MS

Economics/International & Development Economics (4+1), BS/MS

Mathematics/Applied Economics (4+1), BS/MS

Physics/Applied Economics (4+1), BS/MS

4+1 Program Catalogs

Economics/Applied Economics (4+1), BS/MS (2024-2025)

Economics/International & Development Economics (4+1), BS/MS (2024-2025)

MATHEMATICS/APPLIED ECONOMICS (4+1), BS/MS (2024-2025)

PHYSICS/APPLIED ECONOMICS (2024-2025)

Next Steps

1. ​If you have completed the undergraduate requirements, as indicated on the 4+1 Program Offerings and Admissions webpage, please email econ@usfca.edu (Applied Economics MS) or idec@usfca.edu (International and Development Economics MS). Indicate your interest in joining the 4+1 program and include the following information:
   • USF CWID
   • Program of interest
   • Current academic standing
   • Expected Bachelor's completion date
2. Connect with the Program Director of your interested program to discuss your academic plans for the program.
   • MS in International and Development Economics:  Professor Peter Lorentzen: plorentzen@usfca.edu
   • MS Applied Economics: Professor Andrew Hobbs: ahobbs@usfca.edu
3. After completing Step 1 and Step 2, you will be asked to submit a Change of Academic Program form. (An official application to the MS program of choice will need to be submitted during your senior year).
4. In the semester before you want to graduate with your Bachelor's, a graduate program application will be created for you. The application fee and other application requirements such as resume, and letters of recommendation will be waived. Applicants will be accepted as long as they are on track to complete all the undergraduate program requirements listed below.
5. Students may begin to take graduate-level courses when they achieve junior-level standing at the university.
6. Students graduate with the BS and officially matriculate into the MS program upon completion of college graduation requirements.
7. If you are an international student on an F-1 visa, please contact the ISSS to request a new I-20 for your graduate study.

Contact

For general admission inquiries or questions, please email Michelle Huang (yhuang205@usfca.edu), Economics Graduate Program Director.

For questions about the BS/MS Program Curriculum, please contact Academic Program Directors:

• MS in International and Development Economics:  Professor Peter Lorentzen: plorentzen@usfca.edu
• MS Applied Economics: Professor Andrew Hobbs: ahobbs@usfca.edu