Graduate programs begin Fall semester only. In order to guarantee your application is reviewed for admission, the complete application (including all supplemental materials) needs to be submitted to Iowa State no later than January 31 prior to the fall semester of planned enrollment.

Please note that it may take several weeks for transcripts and test scores to be processed. Therefore, we strongly recommend you request all materials no later than December 15 in order to guarantee we have received them by the January 31 deadline. Early submission of applications is especially important for international applicants.

Iowa State University has a shared application process, which means that most items are submitted online or sent to the Office of Admissions, and other items may be sent to the Economics Graduate Program. The Office of Admissions website includes detailed instructions for graduate applications for both U.S. citizens and international students. The following is a summary and checklist of application requirements.

1. Iowa State University Graduate College Application Form and Statement of Purpose. Submit online at the Admissions Office's website. Select the application for "U.S. Graduate" or "International Graduate" as appropriate, and follow the instructions provided. The nonrefundable fee ($40 for U.S. citizens, $90 for international) must be paid by credit card at the time of application. The online application form includes a space for you to provide a statement of purpose. Please do not send an additional copy by postal mail or e-mail. Here are some items to address in your statement of purpose:
   • What led you to choose economics or agricultural economics as a field of study?
   • How has your background prepared you for graduate study in economics?
   • What are your career plans?
   • For Ph.D. applicants: What are your choices of fields of specialization?
     
     • Agricultural Economics
     • Applied Econometrics
     • Environmental and Resource Economics
     • Financial Economics
     • Human Resources
     • Industrial Organization
     • International Economics
     • Macroeconomics
2. Official transcripts of ALL previous undergraduate and graduate coursework. Arrange for official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework to be sent to the Admissions Office (address at right).
3. GRE Scores. You must request that official scores be sent to Iowa State University. Institution code is R6306; GRE Department Code: Econ 1801 (social sciences) or Ag Econ 0101 (natural sciences). More information about the GRE is available on the GRE website.
4. TOEFL Scores. The TOEFL exam is required of applicants whose native language is not English, unless the applicant has a bachelor's or master's degree from a university in the United States or in a country in which the only official language is English. You must request that official scores be sent to Iowa State University. (Institution Code: Iowa State University R6306; Department Code: 84). More information about the TOEFL exam is available on the TOEFL website.
5. Three letters of recommendation. We strongly encourage you to use the online letter of recommendation process. When you include your references’ names and e-mail addresses on your application form, they will automatically receive instructions on how to submit their letters electronically, and you will receive a comfirmation as each letter is submitted. If your references prefer to submit a letter on paper, you should provide them with a copy of the recommendation form and ask that they mail it directly to the Economics Graduate Programs Office (address at right).

Making Changes

Please double-check to be sure that the information on your application is correct and complete BEFORE you submit it. We cannot guarantee that changes made after submission will be recorded.

Supplemental Application Materials

Due to the large number of applications we receive each year, we ask that applicants do not send any supplemental materials other than those listed in the checklist above. This includes writing samples, internship certificates, academic awards, etc. Any materials submitted become property of Iowa State University and cannot be returned to the applicant.