Admission to the graduate program and financial assistance is based on a combination of factors: prior coursework and performance, GRE and TOEFL (international students) results, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose. Applications are evaluated both individually and in relation to other applicants to the program.

Admission Guidelines

Most successful applicants meet the following criteria. These are offered as guidelines, however. Applicants are not automatically disqualified if they fall short in one or two areas. Likewise, applicants are not guaranteed admission even if they meet all of the criteria.

Ph.D. program

• Master’s Degree in Economics from well-known university preferred
• GRE-Verbal > 480
• GRE-Quantitative > 710
• Analytical Writing ≥ 4.0
• For those students who took the Revised GRE test beginning in fall 2011, score recommendations are as follows: GRE-Verbal > 152; GRE-Quantitative > 155. Analytical Writing scores are unchanged.
• High grades in Math/Statistics courses including: Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability Theory, and Statistics with a calculus emphasis. Preferred: One or more math courses emphasizing logic and proofs (e.g. real analysis, abstract algebra, topology, etc.)
• High grades in Economics courses including: Economic Principles, Intermediate Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, Econometrics, and Economics field courses (e.g. International Economics, Public Finance, Industrial Organization, etc.)

Master's Program

• Bachelor’s Degree in Economics or closely related field, with an emphasis on quantitative course work throughout the undergraduate program.
• GRE-Verbal > 480
• GRE-Quantitative > 660
• Analytical Writing ≥ 4.0
• For those students who took the Revised GRE test beginning in fall 2011, score recommendations are as follows: GRE-Verbal > 152; GRE-Quantitative > 152. Analytical Writing scores are unchanged.
• High grades in quantitative courses including calculus and statistics. Some background in linear algebra and probability theory preferred.

International Applications

In addition to the requirements listed above, successful international applicants generally meet the following requirements.

• TOEFL: >570 (Paper-based); >230 (Computer-based); >88 (Internet-based) or IELTS: 6.5