No, but a majority of the incoming class of M.A. candidates attends. Pre-Term is highly recommended for those who want to get a jump-start on their study of economics. Many students prefer to avoid using the 16 non-language courses needed for graduation to satisfy economics prerequisites. Pre-Term offers the possibility of completing up to two foundation economics courses as a way of allowing more room for electives. No. Students may take the SAIS Online Principles of Economics course that begins in May to satisfy all principles requirements. Or students may enroll in Principles of Economics course work at any accredited institution, such as a local or community college or an online program.
Yes. The SAIS Online Principles of Economics course is the equivalent of two semesters or one year of Principles of Economics. The SAIS Online Principles course covers both Principles of Microeconomics and Principles of Macroeconomics, and prepares students for intermediate Microeconomics and Macroeconomics.
Only students who meet at least one of the following qualifications are eligible to take both Microeconomics and Macroeconomics: - Majored in math, economics, engineering, physics or chemistry; or
- Minimum quantitative GRE score of 750 out of 800 or quantitative GMAT score of 49 out of 60; or
- "B-" or better in an intermediate-level microeconomic and/or intermediate-level macroeconomic theory course.
Students who are comfortable with calculus and have completed one semester of calculus in college or two semesters in high school with a "B-" or equivalent may elect to take Accelerated Microeconomics. Completion with a "B" or equivalent of a principles of economics course that covers microeconomics topics is also recommended. The accelerated course moves at a quicker pace and does not cover calculus in class. Students in Accelerated Microeconomics may still receive assistance with math concepts during TA sessions. ? Yes. If you take the economics waiver exam offerings in Microeconomics and/or Macroeconomics, you are still eligible to participate in Pre-Term, if necessary. For example, if you pass the Microeconomics waiver exam, you can enroll in Macroeconomics during Pre-Term. If you pass the Macroeconomics waiver exam, you can enroll in Microeconomics during Pre-Term. No. If you fail a Pre-Term economics course, you must take that course for credit as part of your curriculum during the year. Students may attempt each economics waiver exam once before matriculating at SAIS. Yes. We offer TA sessions for every section of every economics course held during Pre-Term. These sessions are offered during weekday evenings and weekend afternoons. Regular attendance is strongly encouraged. TA sessions and office hours provide a valuable opportunity to practice and absorb concepts learned in class.
All incoming SAIS M.A. students will receive access to an online course in Blackboard that will provide tutorials, lessons, problem sets and quizzes to assist you in this preparation. Students will be given access to the Blackboard site in mid-May once they have submitted their matriculation fees. Economics teaching assistants are available to provide additional help with math concepts throughout Pre-Term. Note: Students taking economics in Pre-Term DC (see below) must pass the math exam at the end of the online Blackboard course.
Although not required, non-native English speakers are strongly encouraged to take Pre-Term ESL. The course provides training in important writing, listening and speaking skills that can help students successfully transition to their fall semester course load. Pre-Term ESL may also be useful in preparing students to take the required English proficiency exam.
Pre-Term students who enroll in ESL may not take economics course work. ESL is a full-time commitment. This requirement is set so that students will be prepared for their course work upon matriculation. Those with a specific need to take economics before matriculation should contact us with an explanation of their situation.
Yes, those who started at SAIS in January are welcome to attend Pre-Term.
Yes. Students who will be traveling to China to complete the Hopkins-Nanjing Center (HNC) Certificate or M.A. in International Studies are eligible to participate in the Washington Pre-Term. The eligiblity requirements for specific course work are the same for all students. HNC students are also eligible to participate in the Online Principles of Economics course prior to Pre-Term.
Pre-Term courses are basically equivalent. Pre-Term Microeconomics and Macroeconomics have the same number of class sessions as during the regular academic year. However, Pre-Term courses are much more compressed with less time to study and do problem sets in between sessions.
Tuition for one Pre-Term course is $1,200. Tuition for two courses is $1,800. This fee includes your chosen course work, TA sessions and catered events and happy hours. The cost of textbooks is additional. If you take Microeconomics at SAIS Summer Programs, you are eligible to take Macroeconomics during Pre-Term at a discounted rate of $600. Summer Programs courses count toward the number of graded courses required for graduation.
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE BOOKS? Course materials are available for purchase through MBS Direct online at http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/sais-jhu.htm. Not all courses will require textbooks for purchase. Additional materials will be available through the SAIS Library's Electronic Reserves system at the start of the term. Instructors will provide the password for such information. Students can also purchase textbooks on their own. Please purchase the text as soon as possible so you have it prior to the start of the course.
(If purchasing through MBS Direct, go to the above noted Web site and select "Order my books" at the top of the page. Next select 1: Term, select Summer/Pre-term; 2: Course, select Your course; Step 3: Select Your Books. Yes. Click here for more information. Pre-Term operations in Bologna are entirely separate from Pre-Term in Washington, D.C. Check the Bologna Center Web site for information about Pre-Term in Bologna.
Try visiting our Links page. If your question isn't addressed there, please contact us and we will be happy to point you in the right direction. Phone: 202.663.5671
Fax: 202.663.5670
E-mail: preterm@jhu.edu If you would like additional guidance in choosing Pre-Term courses, click here. return to top | 
