International Economics concerns the fields of finance, business, economics, and policy- making with an international scope. Graduate students in this field will learn about economics-related subjects like taxation, market structure, and economic theory. They will study human resources, labor economics, and monetary theory. Global markets, international financial strategies, and international law will be of vital concern.

The business portion of the program will be closely integrated with international studies-students will learn about international questions of trade and economics, the effects of globalization, environmental regulation, and industrial policy.

Admissions Requirements
Since most programs require students to have taken a set number of courses in economics, economic theory, statistics, business, and calculus, those students whose backgrounds are in economics or another business field will be at an advantage. However, some programs offer make-up courses for those students who have not already taken the required coursework.

Other standard admissions requirements include the GRE General Test or GMAT (it varies by program), two to three letters of recommendation, a bachelor's degree at an accredited institution, academic transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended, a personal statement or statement of purpose, the official application, and any application fee. International students are normally required to submit a TOEFL score in addition to the other requirements.

The most common undergraduate majors include Business, Finance, International Relations, Accounting, and Economics.

Academics
Graduate work in International Economics usually culminates in the Ph.D., although some students stop at the Master's level. In some cases, rather than receiving a degree in International Economics, a student might receive a degree in Economics, with an International concentration.

Coursework will include classes such as: Capital Markets, International Corporate Finance, Law and International Financial Transaction, Development Economics, International Trade Theory, and Globalization.

Post-Graduate Options
International Economics graduates pursue careers in a wide variety of fields. While most Ph.D.'s aspire to university-level teaching and research, many others go on to work as researchers in government, industry, and business. Graduates work in places like the U.S. Treasury, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Their specialized knowledge--not only of Economics but also of international trade--make them valuable employees at a variety of local, state, and federal institutions, as well as large banks and businesses. Their knowledge and research skills are applicable in a wide range of places, in fields such as human resources, public finance, and labor economics. Graduates become active in all kinds of finance/trade, business, and consulting within international markets.