McCourt School of Public Policy
McCourt School of Public Policy

Micro Prereq

Principles of Microeconomics

Due to the rigorous analytical training provided at the McCourt School, incoming students are required to have strong foundations in economics.

Admitted MPP and MIDP students that have not completed the Principles of Microeconomics prerequisite need to do so before the start of classes. MS-DSPP students are not required to fulfill this requirement but it is recommended. In order to fulfill this admissions requirement you must complete a 3-credit Principles of Microeconomics course earning a grade of B or higher at an accredited college or university by August 15th.


Admitted students who deposit and confirm their intention to enroll at McCourt have the option to take a free, online PPOL 100: Principles of Microeconomics course over the summer prior to the fall start to satisfy their microeconomics prerequisite.

The 2024 course, taught by Mike Barker , will run from June 3 – to August 9, 2024. All of the required material will be asynchronous, with pre-recorded lectures. There will be several, optional synchronous office hours each week. Dr. Barker will host office hours Fridays at 8:00 am and Saturdays at 2:00 pm Eastern time. Teaching assistants will also host office hours during the week at times to be determined.

We may have additional seats available for students who have not taken a Principles of Microeconomics course in several years and/or who are interested in “brushing up” on their microeconomics skills and knowledge.

All interested students will need to complete this application by Friday, May 17, 2024 in order to be considered for enrollment in the course. Our Office of Academic Affairs (mccourtacademicadvising@georgetown.edu) will reach out to you to confirm your registration by Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

You can also choose to take the Microeconomics course at a four-year institution or at a community college. The course you choose must be the equivalent of a 3-credit course and you need to earn a grade of B or better. You can also choose to take an online course, however we recommend courses with an instructor that do not rely solely on self-study. Coursera courses, AP credit, combination macro/micro courses, or professional experience, will not fulfill this requirement. Nor will courses offered by for-profit entities such as University of Phoenix or Kaplan University.

Some institutions that McCourt students have utilized to fulfill this requirement are:

These are just a few examples of institutions that offer appropriate courses, both online and in-person. The McCourt School has no financial interest in recommending these courses.

To fulfill this condition, you should send us an official copy of a transcript showing the final grade for your economics course as soon as possible but no later than August 15, 2024. Official transcripts should be sent to mccourtadmissions@georgetown.edu. If the institution must send a hard copy of the document, please email the Admissions Office (mccourtadmissions@georgetown.edu) for the mailing address.