MSFE FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the deadline for admissions?

The deadline for admissions is March 1 for enrollment in the following fall semester.

Do you offer spring term admission?

Admission for the MS-Financial Economics program is offered for fall term only.

What are the minimum TOEFL iBT/ IELTS scores?

Students applying to the MS-Financial Economics program whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English, must take either the TOEFL iBT or the IELTS test. We expect a minimum score of 92 on the TOEFL iBT test and a minimum score of 7.0 on the IELTS test. Information on exemptions from these tests can be found under the graduate school minimum English proficiency requirements.

Can I apply for more than one graduate program simultaneously?

Yes, the graduate school application allows you to list up to three graduate programs.

I am an international student. Do I need to send financial documentation with my application?

You do not need to send financial documentation at the time you apply to the MS-Financial Economics program. If you are recommended for admission to the MS-Financial Economics, the Graduate School will then request financial documentation through TerraDotta (the online immigration record system at UW-Madison ).

May I consult with faculty on how to strengthen my application?

Regrettably, it is not possible to respond individually to inquiries about the chances of admission nor to counsel applicants on the strengths and weaknesses of their applications. You are welcome, though, to write to  uwmsfe@wisc.edu to inquire about the application process.

Can I make changes to my application after I hit the final submit button?

No. The application portal does not allow applicants to make updates to documents once submitted.

What are the math requirements for this program?

Applicants must complete a total of three semesters of calculus and one semester of linear algebra in their undergraduate coursework.

I am having trouble filling out the math preparation form (PDF document). What should I do?

You can use the Word version of the math preparation form to input your information. However, you will need to save the Word document as a PDF file before uploading it to the supplemental application. (In Word, select “Save as” and choose “PDF” as the file type.) The supplemental application for the MS-Financial Economics program is available through the Graduate School application site. If you continue to have problems, please contact us at uwmsfe@wisc.edu.

How do I check my application status?

To check your application status you can log back into your UW-Madison Graduate School Electronic Application and you will see a link to your Graduate Application Status Webpage from there.

You can log into My UW and click on the Graduate Application Status link to access this page as well. You will need to activate your NetID and password using My UW-Madison portal at my.wisc.edu. To activate your NetID, click on the ACTIVATE NETID button located on the “My UW Madison” login screen. Enter your 10 digit student ID number and birth date. The NetID you create and password you enter are keys to your access to the MyUW portal. Make a record of it and keep it private. Follow the instructions at http://kb.wisc.edu/helpdesk/page.php?id=1140

If you are unsure about your NetID and password, contact the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) Help Desk at (608) 264-4357

Can I attend the MS-Financial Economics program as a part-time student?

The MS-Financial Economics program is considered a full-time program. It is expected that Master’s students will enroll full-time every semester. Please see the MSFE Program Coursework webpage for more information on the course list and sequence for the MS-Financial Economics program.

Can I continue into a PhD program at UW-Madison after completing the MS-Financial Economics degree?

Students interested in a PhD program at UW-Madison would need to apply for the PhD program and be considered within the context of the rest of the applicant pool. Each PhD program has it’s own requirements and review process and admission is not guaranteed.

Is the MS-Financial Economics program a STEM designated program?

Yes, the MS-Financial Economics program is a STEM designated program.