Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have a minimum GPA to be admitted to the graduate program? The graduate school considers a GPA below 3.0 as too low for admission, and we generally follow this standard. There are exceptions, for example if an applicant’s GPA is above 3.0 in his or her major, or over the last two years.

Do I need to take the GRE? Is there a minimum GRE score for admission?
We ordinarily require applicants to the graduate program, whether seeking a master’s degree or a Ph.D., to submit GRE scores. There is no minimum score for admission, but we give strong preference to applicants with scores above 600 on both the verbal and quantitative portions of the test.

Is there a minimum TOEFL requirement for admission?
The graduate school has set a minimum TOEFL score (550 paper or 213 computer) for admission, and we follow that standard.

Can the application fee be waived?
Unfortunately, the university does not allow us to waive or defer the application fee and will not process an application without it.

Do I need to be an economics major to apply?
No, though some economics background is preferred. Students with little or no economics training, however, will usually only be considered for admission to the master’s program and, if admitted, will generally be required to take some undergraduate economics courses before beginning graduate study.

If I send you a copy of my resume and unofficial GRE scores, can you tell me what my chances of admission and financial aid are?
We only make admission and financial aid decisions upon receipt of a completed application. We cannot make “informal” assessments.

Can I be accepted directly into the Ph.D. program?
Students with a master’s degree in economics will be considered for admission directly into the Ph.D. program. Students with only a bachelor’s degree who are seeking a Ph.D. will usually only be considered for admission into the master’s program, though with the expectation that they will later apply for admission to the Ph.D. program. In some cases, especially qualified students with only a bachelor’s degree will be considered for admission directly into the Ph.D. program. Usually, however, this requires an undergraduate economics degree and considerable mathematics training.

What amount of math training do I need?
There is no set requirement for admission to the master’s program, but calculus is usually required. Students are also strongly encouraged to have some familiarity with linear algebra and probability & statistics. Direct admission to the Ph.D. program requires a stronger background in calculus, linear algebra, and statistics.

What are my chances of receiving financial aid?
We receive hundreds of applications each year and can only fund a small percentage of those. Funding is based solely on academic merit and is awarded to the best qualified applicants in terms of GPA, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation.

I was admitted without financial aid. Can I get on a waiting list?
In addition to offering some applicants financial aid, we put a small number of others on a waiting list and notify them of this status in their initial letter of admission. Other applicants admitted without aid cannot subsequently be put on a waiting list for aid.

If I receive financial aid, how many years of funding can I expect to receive from the department?
Funded master’s students will normally receive 2 semesters of aid. Ph.D. students can expect to receive up to 5 years of funding from the department. In all cases, however, continued funding is conditional on the student’s continuing to make normal progress in the program.

I missed the February 1st deadline. Can I still be admitted and receive financial aid?
Applications received after February 1st will be considered for admission but will not ordinarily be considered for financial aid.

When can I expect to learn the outcome of my application?
We begin reviewing applications after the February 1st submission deadline, and ordinarily notify applicants of our decisions by April 1st.

Can I defer admission?
Applicants who are admitted to the graduate program are usually allowed to defer their admission for at most one year without having to re-apply. However, students cannot defer financial aid awards. Thus, students admitted with financial aid can defer their admission one year but must re-apply for aid.

Can I be admitted for the Spring semester?
Because of the way our courses are sequenced, we do not ordinarily offer admission for the Spring semester.