How to Apply to Economics at the University of Missouri: A BA, BS and Quantitative Economics Emphasis in the College of Arts and Science, With a Business Economics Emphasis Offered Only Alongside a Business or Personal Financial Planning Degree, for U.S., International (Including Chinese) and Transfer Applicants

This guide uses the University of Missouri’s (Mizzou) official pages to explain what you need for fall 2027 entry to an economics major, for U.S. applicants, international applicants (including those from China) and transfer students. Where the site says nothing, the guide says “not published” and points to where to ask. Business administration has its own guide on this site and is mentioned only where it touches economics.

1. What the programs are

• College: economics is in the College of Arts and Science, and the degree requirements are in the Arts and Science part of the catalog. The department’s page also says an economics degree suits students in either Arts & Science or Trulaske.
• BA in Economics: the catalog says the BA suits students who plan to continue in non-economics fields (law school, business school, political science, journalism) or to work after graduation, and is often a second major for humanities or fine arts students.
• BS in Economics: more quantitative than the BA, designed for students planning graduate study in economics, finance or related fields; many double major in mathematics or statistics.
• BS with an emphasis in Quantitative Economics: more mathematics and statistics than the standard BS, including upper-level courses, for the same graduate-school goals.
• BS with an emphasis in Business Economics: a dual-degree program; students must be dual-enrolled in the Trulaske College of Business BS in Business Administration or CAFNR’s BS in Personal Financial Planning. It has more quantitative work than the BA but less theory than the standard BS.
• Minor: at least 18 economics credits (ECONOM 1014, 1015, 3251, 4351 plus six elective credits, at least three at the 4000 level), C- or better and a 2.0 economics GPA; at least nine credits must be completed at Mizzou.
• STEM designation: the department pages and catalog pages read for this guide do not say whether economics is a STEM program; not published. International students should ask the International Center or the department.
• Double majors, dual degrees and a five-year master’s: the department says nearly half of its majors double or triple major. The catalog lists common pairings: BA with political science, psychology, history, English or communication; BS with statistics or mathematics; dual degrees with journalism, education, engineering, accountancy, finance or marketing. BA and BS students can earn a bachelor’s and a master’s in economics in five years (accepted by the start of senior year). Accelerated paths also exist from the BS to the MA in Economics (at least 90 credits and a 3.25 GPA) and from the BA/BS to the Master of Public Affairs.
• Honors: see the next section.

2. Admission route and entry conditions

• At application: the first-year and international pages do not say economics needs a separate application or a higher bar. The freshman page says freshman admission does not guarantee admission to professional or upper-division programs, that many majors have competitive or selective admission after the freshman year, and that programs with separate criteria currently include journalism, engineering, business and others; economics is not named. The international FAQ says that before the semester you meet an advisor from the department that houses your chosen major, which suggests you pick a major when applying.
• Graduation-plan threshold: the catalog says a graduation plan in economics will not be approved unless the student has a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or a 2.0 GPA in economics coursework. To earn the degree, economics, mathematics and statistics courses need C- or higher, with a 2.0 GPA in economics.
• Seats and competition: the department and catalog pages state no seat cap or competitive screening; not published. Ask the economics undergraduate advisors.
• Advisors: the catalog lists four undergraduate advisors; the department page groups advisors into three sets by student last name, booked through MU Connect.
• Changing into economics: the catalog says to see the Discovery Center if you are changing majors, or an advisor in the school or college of the major you have chosen. There is no economics-specific internal-transfer condition; not published.
• Departmental Honors: economics majors with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.30. The catalog sets the GPA in economics courses taken at Mizzou at 3.50 for BA majors and 3.25 for BS majors, and requires ECONOM 4371 Introductory Econometrics and ECONOM 4995 Honors Thesis in junior or senior year, each with a B or higher. The department page words it differently: cumulative GPA 3.30, GPA 3.50 in economics, completion of or concurrent enrollment in ECONOM 4351, and preferably 4371, to request permission for ECONOM 4995. The two pages disagree for BS majors (3.25 vs 3.50); confirm with an advisor. The thesis is written over the academic year, starting in the fall, with a faculty mentor. The Honors College also offers an honors certificate through its own application.

3. Prerequisites and course sequence

• High school courses (university-wide): first-year applicants need 17 core courses: English 4 units (two focused on composition), mathematics 4 units (Algebra I or higher; geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus and statistics count), science 3 units (one a lab), social studies 3 units (economics counts), the same foreign language 2 units, and fine arts 1 unit. Missing one or two core courses may still be considered. The international page asks for 13 units of core coursework: mathematics 4 (algebra or higher), science 3, social studies 3, languages 2, fine arts 1. No economics-specific high school requirement is stated.
• Math by degree (2026-27 catalog):
  • BA: the core lists no calculus. It is ECONOM 1014, 1015, 3271 (Introduction to Applied Econometric Practice), 3251 (Managerial Economics), 3229 (Money, Banking and Financial Markets) and 15 credits of economics electives. Math and language come from the college’s general requirements.
  • BS: MATH 1100 College Algebra (or MATH 1160 Precalculus); MATH 1400 Calculus for Social and Life Sciences I (or MATH 1500 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I); ECONOM 1014, 1015, 3251, 3271, 4351 Intermediate Microeconomics, 4353 Intermediate Macroeconomics, 4370 Applied Mathematics for Economics (or another 4000-level ECONOM course), 4371 Introductory Econometrics; nine hours of economics electives; and 12 hours of complementary-field courses (2000+ STEM, accountancy, finance, management, marketing and public affairs; computer science, data science, engineering and information technology at any level).
  • Quantitative Economics emphasis: MATH 1100 and 1140 (or MATH 1160), MATH 1500, MATH 1700 Calculus II, MATH 2300 Calculus III, MATH 3000, MATH 4140 Matrix Theory, MATH 4700 Advanced Calculus, and STAT 4710 with 4510 (or STAT 4750 with 4760); plus ECONOM 1014, 1015, 3271, 4351, 4353, 4370, 4371 and 12 hours of electives.
  • Business Economics emphasis: MATH 1100, MATH 1400 (or 1500); ECONOM 1014, 1015, 3229, 3251, 3271 (or STAT 3500), 4371; nine hours of electives; plus the business or CAFNR degree.
• Prerequisites: ECONOM 3251 needs 1014; ECONOM 4351 needs MATH 1400 or 1500 and a B or higher in ECONOM 3251 (Quantitative Economics students need only the math); ECONOM 4353 needs 1015 and 4351; ECONOM 3229 needs 1014 and 1015.
• First two years: the sample BA plan has ECONOM 1014 in the first fall and 1015 in the first spring, 3251 in the second fall, and 3229 and 3271 in the second spring. The Quantitative Economics sample plan adds 4351, 4353 and the calculus sequence in the second year (the BS sample plan was not read). These are samples and vary with choices.
• Other degree conditions: 120 credits total; at least one writing-intensive 3000+ economics course (double majors may use a writing-intensive course from the other major); the BA sample plan includes a second language (4 credits over two semesters); the BS may use a 12-credit “second language alternative”.

4. AP, IB and A-Level credit

The college-credits page says its information applies only to exams taken in the current academic year.

• AP: Microeconomics 3 gives ECON 1014 (3 credits); Macroeconomics 3 gives ECON 1015 (3 credits); Calculus AB 3 gives MATH 1160 and 1500 (10 credits); Calculus BC 3 gives MATH 1160, 1500 and 1700 (15 credits); Statistics 3 gives STAT 2500; Pre-Calculus 3 gives MATH 1160 (5 credits). AP credit cannot be earned twice for the same Mizzou course.
• IB Higher Level Economics: 4 gives ECONOM 1014 (3 credits); 5 gives ECONOM 1014 and ECONOM 3224 (6 credits).
• A-Level: 9708 Economics, grade C or higher, gives ECONOM 1014 and 1015 (6 credits).
• CLEP: Principles of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics at 50 give ECON 1014 and 1015.
• Mizzou charges no fee to post AP, IB or CLEP credit. Whether such credit counts in the economics major or satisfies prerequisites is not addressed on the department pages; not published.

5. Rounds, deadlines and materials (fall 2027 entry)

• Domestic first-year: the application opens 1 August; decisions are released from 1 October on a rolling basis; 1 December is the deadline for priority scholarship consideration and for general, competitive and departmental scholarships; the application deadline is 1 July; the FAFSA priority date is 1 February. The page prints no year for this table, so confirm it is for fall 2027.
• Application fee: $55 for first-year applicants (a counselor can submit a fee-waiver form if eligible). You can use Mizzou’s own application or the Common App.
• Testing: test optional. Choose either (1) submit ACT/SAT scores that meet the minimums below for automatic admission, or (2) a test-optional review with a resume or activities list and a short essay, judged holistically by a committee. If you apply with scores and receive a decision, you cannot switch to test-optional. Scores help with placement and scholarships. SAT code 6875, ACT code 2382; Mizzou uses superscores.
• Automatic admission minimums (ranking schools): ACT 24+ / SAT 1160+ with a 2.0+ core GPA; ACT 23 / SAT 1130–1150 and top 52%; ACT 22 / 1100–1120 and top 46%; ACT 21 / 1060–1090 and top 38%; ACT 20 / 1030–1050 and top 31%; ACT 19 / 990–1020 and top 22%; ACT 18 / 960–980 and top 14%; ACT 17 / 920–950 and top 6%. For non-ranking schools the core GPA is: ACT 23 needs 2.80, 22 needs 2.90, 21 needs 3.05, 20 needs 3.20, 19 needs 3.35, 18 needs 3.50, 17 needs 3.65. Applicants below these get a comprehensive review.
• Materials: an official high school transcript sent by the school. Recommendation letters are not listed as required for first-year applicants.

6. By applicant type

1. U.S. applicants

• Admission route, courses and testing are as above.
• In-state and out-of-state cost: 2026-27 estimates; tuition depends on major (“Tuition determined by major”). Missouri residents: tuition and fees $16,162–$20,290 plus $15,780 housing and dining, for $31,942–$36,070 in billed costs. Non-Missouri residents: tuition and fees $39,324–$43,452 plus $15,780, for $55,104–$59,232 (excluding books, supplies, residence-hall fees and personal expenses). Which tier economics falls in is not stated; not published.
• In-state preference: the admission and cost pages state none; not published. The cost page notes that many out-of-state students become Missouri residents to receive in-state tuition and offers residency guidance.

2. International applicants

• Applying: there are no application deadlines; Mizzou recommends applying 6–12 months before the term. The fee is $65 (credit card or US bank account). Decisions begin 1 October, and after that you may hear as soon as two weeks after your materials are in. Recommendation letters are not required but accepted as supplements; SAT/ACT are not required but preferred for international freshman scholarships.
• Academic records: core-course grades must meet one of: 2.5 on a US 4.0 scale; 3.5 on a 5.0 scale; an average of 80 or higher on a 100-point scale; 8 or higher on a 10-point scale; or IGCSE C or higher in five subjects and three A-level certificates at C or higher. Other systems are converted to a 4.0 scale by AACRAO International Education Services. Students may upload transcripts as PDFs (treated as unofficial); documents sent directly by a school official to inter@missouri.edu are official; an official final transcript is required after admission.
• English (College of Arts and Science minimums): Duolingo 110 with each part 100; TOEFL iBT on the new scale from 21 January 2026, 4.5 with no section below 4.0 (older scale: 79 with sections 17); IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band below 6.0; Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 180; PTE 59; IGCSE English First Language B or higher; IB English A Language & Literature SL or HL 5 or higher. Mizzou does not accept TOEFL Essentials or IELTS Online, and does not accept SAT/ACT as English proof. Applicants educated in a listed set of English-speaking countries (including Canada except Quebec, the UK and the US) may be exempt; China is not on that list.
• English support: all students whose first language is not English take the English Language Support Program placement exams before arrival (by 15 July for fall), and may be required to take ELSP courses or a reduced academic load. Freshmen who do not meet the English minimums may be considered for Academic Integration @ Mizzou (AIM), which combines ELSP and academic courses.
• After admission: show funds for one full year of estimated expenses (from yourself, family or friends, a government sponsor or scholarships) and submit a passport copy.
• International scholarships (2027-28 academic year, per year; applicable only to the non-resident portion of tuition and generally not combinable): International Honors Scholarship $20,000 and International Merit Scholarship $10,000, requiring application materials and English proficiency, SAT/ACT preferred. For fall, apply with all materials by 1 December; fall offers go out by late January. Honors College awards (ASH Scholars, Discovery Fellows, Cherng Scholars) also have a 1 December deadline, as do general and departmental scholarships through the scholarship portal. The Global Black & Gold Scholarship for children of Mizzou graduates requires SAT 1260 or ACT 27 ($21,500) or SAT 1200 or ACT 25 ($11,000). The site mentions no need-based aid for international students.
• Cost: international 2026-27 estimate: tuition and fees $19,844–$21,908 per semester ($39,688–$43,816 a year); books $918, housing and food $12,734, personal $3,466, medical insurance $2,818; yearly total (12 months, including $2,500 summer housing) $62,124–$66,252. There is also a one-time $300 enrollment fee. Tuition has three tiers set by major; which one economics is in is not stated.

3. Applicants from China

• The international admission, application and FAQ pages say nothing specific about the gaokao, huikao records or Chinese applicants; not published. Contact International Admissions (inter@missouri.edu). The general grade conversion (for example an average of 80 on a 100-point scale), AACRAO conversion and English requirements apply.
• The only China-specific statement found is on the international transfer-credit page: Mizzou will not award transfer credit for English-language-based summer programs from China, Taiwan or Korea.
• SAT/ACT cannot be used as English proof, and the gaokao English score is not listed as an accepted English proof.

7. Costs and scholarships

• Costs are in section 6. No separate economics fee is listed; not published.
• Economics scholarships: applied for through the Mizzou Scholarship Application Portal. The department page lists the Allan and Barbara Soshnik Memorial Scholarship, Clay Anderson Memorial Scholarship, David Loschky Memorial Scholarship, Elmer Wood Memorial Scholarship, John Charles Willett Memorial Scholarship, Michael Podgursky Scholarship, the Economics Leaders Board Excellence Award and the Outstanding Senior in Economics Award. Amounts and eligibility are not listed, and whether international students can apply is not published.

8. Internships and research

• Internships: the department lists organizations where majors have interned, including Cerner, DISH Network, JPMorgan Chase, the Kauffman Foundation, the FBI, the Federal Reserve System, PwC, Sony Music, Central Bank, the Missouri Department of Economic Development and Veterans United. You can take ECONOM 3940 or 4940 for economics internship credit; ECONOM 4940 requires a B- or higher in ECONOM 3271, 4371 or a STAT course at 3000+ and an internship application. INTDSC 2942 teaches internship and job-search skills; INTDSC 4942 gives credit for internships not closely tied to economics.
• Research: ECONOM 3271 and 4371 teach regression and statistical software (Stata; 4371 also R); ECONOM 4965 is independent research with a faculty mentor’s consent; ECONOM 4995 is the honors thesis. The university’s undergraduate research office and the college’s summer research programs are also listed.
• The department page also quotes post-graduation earnings data from third-party sources; this guide does not repeat them.

9. Transfer students

• Requirements: a 2.5 GPA on completed college-level credit and a C- or better in either a transferable math course (intermediate algebra or higher, or statistics) or a transferable English composition course. With fewer than 24 college credits you must also meet freshman admission requirements (test score or test-optional review). From an accepted US two-year college, an AA degree or Missouri CORE 42 with a 2.0 GPA brings junior standing and fulfilled general education. Within the UM System: a 2.0 GPA and 24 or more transferable credits.
• Into the major: the page says admission to Mizzou does not guarantee admission to a specific program unless a signed articulation agreement was completed; transfer students with 60 or fewer transferable credits who meet general but not program requirements are admitted as Exploring students in the Discovery Center. Whether economics adds requirements is not stated; not published.
• Dates: the dates page says transfer applications open 1 May 2026 for spring 2027 and 1 August 2026 for fall 2027, with the fall scholarship deadline and FAFSA deadline on 1 February 2027. That page gives no transfer application deadline, and the transfer steps page says only that it depends on the term; confirm on the dates and deadlines page.
• Credit: Mizzou provides a transfer course equivalency site and Transferology. How economics courses are evaluated is not stated on the department pages; not published.
• International transfers: 24 or more transferable credits from an accredited US two- or four-year institution, completed within the past two calendar years at the time of application, can serve as English proof (the Schools of Journalism and Nursing have additional requirements). 2027-28 international transfer awards: Nonresident Transfer Scholarship Level 1 $20,000 (3.90 GPA, 24+ transferable credits) and Level 2 $10,000 (3.00 GPA); Phi Theta Kappa $1,000; Missouri Associate Degree Award $500.

Checklist

U.S. applicants:

• Apply from 1 August; by 1 December for scholarships; deadline 1 July; $55; scores or test-optional review
• 17 high school core courses; if you want the BS or Quantitative Economics emphasis, plan calculus early
• Major courses C- or better with a 2.0 economics GPA; a 2.0 cumulative or economics GPA for graduation-plan approval

International applicants (including China):

• No deadline, apply 6–12 months ahead; $65; all materials by 1 December for international scholarships
• Grades at the published conversion levels (such as an 80 average on 100 points); English at the College of Arts and Science minimums; SAT/ACT do not prove English
• China: gaokao and huikao handling is not published; ask inter@missouri.edu

Transfer students:

• 2.5 GPA plus a C- in a math or English composition course; under 24 credits, freshman requirements also apply
• Confirm the transfer deadline on the dates page; ask economics and admissions about course evaluation

Sources: University of Missouri, Economics undergraduate program; Economics honors; Professional internships; Economics scholarships and awards; Research opportunities; 2026-27 Catalog: Economics; BA in Economics; BS in Economics; BS emphasis in Quantitative Economics; BS emphasis in Business Economics; Minor in Economics; Freshman admission requirements; Freshman application steps; Test-optional admission; College credits; Dates and deadlines; International admission requirements; International application steps; English language requirements; International FAQ; International course equivalency and credits; International transfer students; International student scholarships; Costs; Transfer admission requirements; Transfer application steps. Costs are 2026-27 estimates and scholarship amounts are for 2027-28. Check Mizzou’s website for the latest.