Pre-Term | Choosing Courses
In order to choose the right courses, you must first understand the economics requirements at SAIS. Click here to open the International Economics Program Web site.
The information on this page describes the eligibility requirements for Pre-Term course work. Only intermediate-level courses are offered during Pre-Term; no principles or introductory courses are available. Click here for more information about the SAIS Online Principles of Economics course.
| Eligibility for Pre-Term | Eligibility for Accelerated Microeconomics | Eligibility for Both Microeconomics and Macroeconomics | Economics Waiver Exams versus Pre-Term | English |
To be eligible for Pre-Term course work, M.A. candidates must have successfully completed the admissions entrance requirement for course work in principles of economics prior to the start of the program. This can be done through one principles of microeconomics course and one principles of macroeconomics course, or a single combined course on principles of microeconomics and principles of macroeconomics. Successful completion is defined as a minimum grade of "B-" or the numerical equivalent. The principles courses may be taken from any accredited institution. Students should be aware that if they only have one semester of a combined economics course, not including the SAIS Principles of Economics course, they may find themselves to be at a disadvantage to their peers in terms of economics preparation.
Those who were conditionally admitted to SAIS because they have not yet successfully completed principles of microeconomics and/or principles of macroeconomics, may register for Pre-Term as long as they have submitted official proof of successful completion of this course work or of current enrollment. This proof is due to the Pre-term Office by the enrollment deadline, June 23, 2012. Those who have questions about their conditional status should e-mail the Admissions Office.
M.I.P.P. candidates who have successfully completed principles of economics course work with a minimum grade of "B-" may register for the corresponding intermediate level Pre-Term course. For example, an M.I.P.P. candidate who received an "A-" in Principles of Microeconomics from an accredited institution may register for intermediate Microeconomics in Pre-Term. An M.I.P.P. candidate who received an "A" in Principles of Macroeconomics from an accredited institution may register for intermediate Macroeconomics in Pre-Term. M.I.P.P. candidates are not required to complete economics course work for their degree.
Ph.D. candidates who did not complete their M.A. at SAIS may enroll in Pre-Term to accelerate their study of economics. Pre-Term course work may help candidates prepare for the required comprehensive examination in international economics.
Microeconomics is considered to be the first course in the economics sequence at SAIS. Taking either Microeconomics or Accelerated Microeconomics fulfills the Microeconomics prerequisite for all students and the Microeconomics economics concentration requirement for M.A. students. Similarly, taking Macroeconomics in Pre-Term fulfills the Macroeconomics prerequisite or economics concentration requirement. No credit is awarded for any Pre-Term course.
Eligibility for Accelerated Microeconomics
Those who are comfortable with math and who have completed at least one college course or two high school courses in calculus may enroll in Accelerated Microeconomics. This course is recommended for those who have completed principles of microeconomics with a minimum grade of "B" and who have a professional interest in economic analysis. Accelerated Microeconomics covers the same topics as the standard Microeconomics course, but moves more quickly, delves more deeply into the theory and applications of the material, and makes greater use of quantitative tools. Familiarity with calculus is assumed; calculus concepts are not covered in class.
There is no accelerated version of Macroeconomics during Pre-Term.
Eligibility for Both Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
Students may take both Microeconomics (standard or accelerated) and Macroeconomics during Pre-Term if they meet at least one of the following conditions:
The conditions listed above are set because taking two economic theory courses is very demanding. See the Sample Comments from students who took both courses during Pre-Term 2007.
Another option for completing both Microeconomics and Macroeconomics prior to matriculation involves SAIS Summer Programs. SAIS offers evening courses over an eight-week term in June and July. Those who enroll in Microeconomics during SAIS Summer Programs 2012 may enroll in Pre-Term Macroeconomics at a reduced tuition rate.
Economics Waiver Exams versus Pre-Term
Students with approved prior study in intermediate Microeconomics and/or intermediate Macroeconomics may take the online waiver exam(s) offered by the International Economics Program prior to matriculation, if eligible. Students can take these exams from anywhere in the world at no charge. Each exam may be attempted only once. Those who take the exams offered June 1- June 3, 2012, will find out the results in time to complete registration for Pre-Term, if necessary.
Those who pass the Microeconomics waiver exam may take Macroeconomics during Pre-Term. Those who pass the Macroeconomics waiver exam may take Microeconomics during Pre-Term. Those who do not pass either exam may take Microeconomics and, if desired, Macroeconomics, during Pre-Term. Those who pass both exams may take ESL during Pre-Term.
Information about registering for these exams, as well as the content and suggested ways to prepare, is available on the International Economics Program Web site.
Non-native English speakers who were admitted to a SAIS degree program, but who have limited experience with English as a medium of instruction, are encouraged and in some cases required to take summer English language courses. Incoming students who were conditionally admitted to SAIS because of a need for English language training may be required to take ESL during Pre-Term.
Non-native English speakers whose first language is not English must take the English proficiency exam upon matriculation. Taking Pre-Term ESL may be helpful in preparing for the proficiency exam.
ESL focuses on improving English language skills through development of writing and research skills at the intermediate and advanced levels. Pre-Term is considered a full-time course load. Students who enroll in Pre-Term ESL may not take additional course work.
Additional summer English training is available through the English for International Studies course offered through SAIS Summer Programs from June 10 to July 19. This course hones speaking, reading, writing and listening skills to prepare students to communicate effectively in academic environments. Late registration is due by June 1, 2012. A full course description can be found here.
Pre-Term information is subject to change without prior notice.