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Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance

Master Quantitative Problem-Solving with a Global Lens

Locations Offered
Washington, D.C.
Time to Completion
Two Years
One Year
Accelerated
Credit hours required
56
Financial Aid
All applicants are eligible

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Program Info

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Johns Hopkins SAIS Master’s Degrees Ranked #2 Worldwide

Over the past two decades, Foreign Policy magazine has published a reputational ranking of academic programs in international relations. Each time, IR professionals are asked to list the five best programs in the world for students who want to pursue careers similar to theirs.

In the latest ranking released on July 30, 2024, generated with responses from three categories of international relations experts—scholars, policymakers, and think tank staffers, master’s programs offered by the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) are ranked number two by all three groups of responders, up from number three in the last Foreign Policy survey.

STEM-Designated, Cohort-based Master's Degree

Gain a distinct professional advantage with economics expertise, analytical abilities, and the capacity to apply economic analysis to real-world problems. Designed by global economists and international finance practitioners and scholars, the Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance from Johns Hopkins SAIS will prepare you to make your mark on financial analysis, research, and global economic policy.

94% of the one-year Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance Class of 2023 were employed, pursuing fellowships or internships, or had gone on to further study within six months of graduation.

Explore Your Future at SAIS Today

Do You Aspire to be an International Economics and Finance Expert?

Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in international finance, public policy, economic development, or research, the MIEF program will provide you with a firm grasp of the theory and tools of international economics and finance. Commit yourself to succeed by earning this full-time, cohort-based, STEM-designated master's degree through either the two-year track or the one-year accelerated track.

The Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance is designed for:

Develop Advanced Quantitative Expertise

The Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance is a cohort-based degree program that provides an integrated educational experience through intensive classroom instruction and research interaction. Our program will help you:

  • Understand advanced economic theories.
  • Master professional, highly in-demand quantitative and econometric skills.
  • Analyze a wide range of international economics and finance questions.

Learn from World-Class Finance Educators

Learn from world-class experts renowned for their scholarship, influence, networks, and practical experience. Share a unique educational experience with a close-knit cohort of diverse students from across the world who will be future leaders in international economic policy, finance, and beyond.

  • Attend Economic and Finance Speaker Series held by faculty and special guests on campus.
  • Attend seminars and training sessions with the International Finance Club.
  • Hear from expert policymakers, CEOs, heads of state, and subject matter scholars in guest lectures and presentations.

Develop In-Demand Quantitative Skills

Core Courses
  • Advanced Macroeconomics
  • Advanced Microeconomics
  • Applied Research Project
  • International Finance
  • International Trade
  • Policy Research Project
  • Quantitative Methods I
  • Quantitative Methods II
  • Quantitative Methods III (pick one of the following)
    • Cross-Sectional and Panel Data Econometrics
    • Empirical Economic Forecasting and Modeling
    • Macro and Financial Time Series Econometrics
  • Skills Workshops (choose 2)
    • EViews
    • Intro to Python
    • Intro to R Programming
    • Macro Measurement
    • MATLAB
    • PC Give
    • Portfolios & Investing
    • Stata

Sample Electives (choose 5)
  • Advanced International Macroeconomics
  • Advanced Topics in Microfinance
  • Big Data Analytics
  • Credit Markets & Credit Risk
  • Central Banking In Emerging Markets
  • Development Finance: Addressing Todays Challenges
  • Environmental Economics
  • Economic Development
  • Financial Decision Making
  • Global Business Strategy
  • Global Risk Management and Valuation
  • International Financial Organizations: Institutions and Analytical Methods
  • International Economic Policy
  • Impact Evaluation in Development
  • Investments: From Theory to Practice
  • Labor Econ and Pub Policy
  • Macro Measurement
  • Private Equity and Emerging Markets
  • Project Finance
  • Quantitative Global Economics
  • Sustainable Finance and Impact Investing
  • Sustainable Finance: Applications and Methods
  • Topics in Growth and Development
  • Topics in Trade

Get a Sample Schedule

Advance Your Dream Career

Gain a competitive edge with our master's degree program that prepares you for challenging yet rewarding, high-level careers. Starting salaries vary greatly depending on geographic location, employment sector, and functional area within the sector.

Compensation by Sector

Salary, First Quartile Average Annual Salary Median Annual Salary Salary, Third Quartile
$54,250 $61,932 $64,755 $75,500

Sector Break-Down

Public Private Non-Profit Multilateral
11% 50% 4% 35%

Recent Employers

BeaconFire Inc.
ByteDance Inc.
China International Capital Corporation (CICC)
Ernst & Young (EY)
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Great Wall Securities
Industrial & Commercial Bank of China USA
International Monetary Fund (IMF) 		Monex USA
PwC
Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co Ltd
Skyview Fund
U.S. Department of Commerce
World Bank Group
Xingyun Group

Learn More About Careers

Join a Thriving Global Community Centered in Washington, D.C.

Enjoy unrivaled access to professional opportunities at leading global organizations supported by our elite alumni network and unmatched career outcomes. Launch your career at the epicenter of international economics in Washington, D.C.

Choose the Program Track That Best Suits Your Needs

We know your time is valuable and that flexibility is important. That's why we offer two full-time tracks for this STEM-designated degree program: a two -year track and a one-year accelerated track.

Graduate Prepared to Make a Difference

With campuses on three continents, SAIS truly has a global footprint. Benefit from our Global Career Services office and our world-wide alumni network that will help connect you with incredible career opportunities.

Profit from Exceptional Career Opportunities

See What Our Students Have to Say

I am a type of person who likes to 'have a lot of life in my years, as opposed to a lot of years in my life.' The responsibilities that translate into achievements, which MIEF holds us accountable to in just one year, is one of the best ways to maximize the time usage.

- Razan Amine, MIEF '20

I had met several alumni who emphasized the tight-knit cohorts, great teaching and long-lasting networks as highlights of their own Johns Hopkins SAIS experience.

- Bojosi Morule, MIEF '21