The oral examination is the capstone of the two year M.A. program and must be taken by all students. It tests the student's knowledge of international economics and his/her chosen functional or regional concentration. Typically, this is done at the end of the final semester after the student has met the requirements of core examinations and received 16 course credits. The exam is administered by one full or adjunct professor from the student's functional or regional program and one full or adjunct professor of international economics from the SAIS faculty or from a local academic institute, government or policy community. Oral Exam Procedures
The examination lasts approximately 50 to 60 minutes. The beginning of the oral exam will be devoted to a discussion on a topic chosen by the student that will integrate knowledge from the student's regional or functional program and international economics. A short description of this topic (not to exceed one page) must be written in advance of the oral exam and provided to each examiner at the beginning of the exam. This document along with a brief introduction by the student (5 minutes maximum) will serve as the basis of discussion for the first 15 to 20 minutes. The two examiners will use the remainder of the exam time to ask the student questions. There should be a balanced flow of questions from both examiners. The discussion will be policy oriented and interdisciplinary in nature and conversational in tone. Economics questions will draw primarily on the application of concepts covered in foundation economics courses (Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, International Trade and International Monetary) but can also cover issues from students' electives. Students should consult their regional or functional programs for details on potential discussion topics. Grading of Oral Exams
The oral exam is a pass/fail, although some students who perform exceedingly well, can qualify for a grade of "distinction" which would appear on transcript following the International Economics concentration. Meeting Assembly on Oral Exams
A general information and preparatory assembly is scheduled for all students regarding the economics portion of the oral exam and is held each spring prior to exams being taken. It is suggested that all students taking oral exams attended this assembly.
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