Master of Science in Economics & Master of International Affairs (MS ECON-MIA) Combined Degree
How to Apply to the MIA portion of the MS ECON-MIA combined degreeAdmissions requirements for the MIA portion of the MS ECON-MIA combined degree at Texas A&M in College Station. You begin the degree by applying and enrolling in the MS in Economics, then apply to the MIA portion in your first semester.
Two-Stage Process
This combined degree has two stages. First, apply to and enroll in the MS in Economics. Then, in your first semester as an MS ECON student, apply to the MIA portion using the MIA Supplemental Application. This page covers the MIA Supplemental step; if you are not yet in the MS ECON program, start there.
At a Glance
A Combined Degree, Earned in Two StagesEarn both the MS in Economics and the Master of International Affairs. You enter through Economics, then add the MIA portion in your first semester.
How it Works
How You Enter the Combined DegreeYou apply in two stages, and the MIA portion uses most of the materials from your MS ECON application.
Apply to the MS in Economics
Apply through GradCAS and enroll in the MS ECON degree. This is how you enter the combined program.
Apply to the MIA in Your First Semester
As a first-semester MS ECON student, submit the MIA Supplemental Application to the Bush School by the deadline.
Begin the MIA in Year Two
After admission to the MIA portion, you begin MIA coursework in the fall of your second year.
MIA Application Requirements
Submitted through the MIA Supplemental ApplicationSubmit the following materials through the MIA Supplemental Application. Your transcripts, recommendations, and proof of English proficiency are pulled from your MS ECON application, so you do not resubmit them.
Required MIA Supplemental Application Free Qualtrics form; answer MIA-specific questions.
Complete and submit the free MIA Supplemental Application. It asks MIA program-specific questions and is where you upload the materials below. There is no application fee.
Optional MIA-Focused Résumé An MIA-focused résumé, if different from your MS ECON résumé.
If you would like to submit a résumé that highlights your international experience, language skills, and focus, upload it to the MIA Supplemental Application.
A Résumé Template is available for reference.
Sections:
- Name and Contact Information
- Education
- Work/Internship/Military Experience
- International Experience
- Skills and Certifications (language, software, clearance, etc.)
- Leadership, Service, Organizations, and Honors
If needed MIA Personal Statement Required only if your MS ECON statement does not address the MIA prompt
If the statement you submitted for MS ECON does not address the MIA prompt, upload one that does.
Type in 11 pt font, 1.5 spacing, and include your name, the title “Personal Statement,” and a page number on each page.
In 1,000 words or less, address:
- what inspired or influenced you to pursue a career related to international affairs (relevant people, places, travel, courses, internships, or events)
- your personal and professional goals within international affairs and economics
- the value you bring to the MIA program specifically
- how a Bush School education will help you achieve your goals
Optional GRE/GMAT Test Scores Not required; strongly encouraged for GPAs below 3.2. Average GRE: 308.
Test scores are not required for the MIA portion.
Scores are strongly encouraged for those with a cumulative GPA below 3.2, and accepted from anyone who feels their scores complement a strong file or offset a concern.
The Bush School prefers the GRE over the GMAT. Scores must be within five years of your submission date, and the test should be taken at least three weeks before the deadline.
If submitting, upload your score report to the MIA Supplemental Application.
Application Deadlines
The MIA portion admits once per year, for fall entry of your second year. Submit the MIA Supplemental Application during your first semester in the MS ECON degree.
| MIA Priority Funding Deadline | December 1, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | March 15, 2027 |
Apply to the MIA Portion
Submit your MIA Supplemental Application during your first semester as an MS ECON student. If you are not yet enrolled in MS ECON, you apply there first.
After Submitting Your Application
The Bush School emails you about any missing items, so monitor the email address you entered on your application. Completed applications are reviewed and admissions decisions are emailed to applicants on a rolling basis, starting in mid-February. If admitted, your email includes an official offer letter with the Bush School Scholarship awarded for the MIA portion. You have until April 15 to accept or decline your offer.
Cost & Funding
Applying by the December 15 priority deadline gives you consideration for nomination-based funding for the MIA portion; applications completed after that date are still considered for a competitive Bush School Scholarship. Funding and cost for the MS ECON portion are handled by the Economics Department.
Explore MIA Cost & FundingConnect with Admissions
For the MIA portion
Bush School Graduate Admissions Office
Ashlee Treadway or Kathryn Meyer for questions about the MIA or the MIA Supplemental Application
Phone: (979) 862-3476
Email: bushschooladmissions@tamu.edu
For the MS ECON portion
Office of Student Services, Graduate Admissions
Margaret Lomas Carpenter for questions about the MS ECON portion or application
Phone: (979) 845-7376
Email: ms-econ-program@tamu.edu