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Ph.D. in Economics Graduate Admissions Profile

Admission is based primarily on four factors:

• Mathematical ability and training as evidenced by courses taken in mathematics and related subjects, grades in those courses, and the quantitative GRE score.
• General academic ability as evidenced by the applicant's academic record, including both grades and the difficulty of courses taken.
• Training in economics as evidenced by the applicant's academic record in economics and related fields, letters of recommendation, and work experience related to economics.
• Evidence of motivation and aptitude for research judged primarily on the basis of the letters of recommendation, the statement of purpose, work experience in economics, and previous research projects.

In past years most applicants recommended for graduate admission were in the following profile areas:

• Major GPA of 3.8 or higher with consideration for the degree of difficulty of the course work.
• Upper level mathematical course work including real analysis or honors advanced calculus with grades of A- minus or better.
• Quantitative GRE score of 165 or higher.*
• Grades of A-minus or better in intermediate level theory courses (microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics) with a strong preference for honors or mathematical track versions of all three courses.
• Advanced undergraduate or graduate-level course work in economics.
• Proven independent research ability (e.g., honors thesis).
• Very strong letters of recommendations from at least two faculty members who know the candidate in both classroom and out-of-class settings (e.g. independent research).
• Statement of purpose that expresses coherent ideas about why the candidate is interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in economics and describes likely areas of research interest.
• TOEFL (if applicable) at least 90 for the Internet-based test (iBT).
• IELTS (is accepted) most recent overall Band score must be at least 7 on a 9-point scale.

*GRE scores will not be required for the 2023-24 admissions season (for matriculation in Fall 2024).

UPDATE 12/18/2020 (a note on P/NP grades since the Covid-19/Coronavirus Pandemic):

UC Berkeley evaluates applicants for admission to its graduate and professional schools holistically, meaning that we consider an applicant’s combination of personal accomplishments, letters of recommendation, personal statements, academic record, and test scores in making our admissions decisions. Such a review will take into account the significant disruptions of COVID-19 when reviewing students’ transcripts and other admissions materials during the pandemic. Thus, we will not penalize students for the adoption of P/NP grades and reduced research experiences during this unprecedented period, whether the choices were made by institutions or by individual students. What is most important is that applicants demonstrate that they pursued a challenging curriculum that was relevant to their plan for graduate or professional school.

As we have continued to observe in admissions cycles, Berkeley graduates have a remarkable track record of success in graduate school admissions to the most competitive programs in the country. Our graduates are admired for their academic abilities and resilience, and are assessed, as always, on their overall performance. We are confident that graduate admissions committees will make generous allowances for the academic challenges produced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Have questions about applying? Please check our FAQ page  before emailing us at [email protected] . We partner with Harvard Economics to connect prospective students from underrepresented groups with graduate student mentors. Details of this Application Assistance and Mentoring Program are available below.

Application requirements

The application to our doctoral program is open annually from September 15-December 15 for admission the following September. The application for September 2024 admission is now closed.

Your application is considered complete when you have successfully submitted the following requirements by the December 15 application deadline:

• Online application
• $75 application fee
• Scanned copy of college transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English Qualification (C1 & C2) test score (any one) for international students whose native language is not English
• The GRE is required as part of applications for the 2025-2026 cycle (for September 2025 admission)

To request a fee waiver, please complete MIT's application fee waiver form . You should carefully review the eligibility criteria prior to applying. A representative from MIT’s Office of Graduate Education will be in touch about the outcome of your request.

Transcripts

Please upload one copy of each transcript from all universities you have attended. If you're admitted to the program, we'll require you to have an official copy of your transcript(s) sent to us from the university's registrar. Your transcript will be verified upon receipt and any discrepancy between the transcript you uploaded and the official transcript will result in a withdrawal of our offer of admission.

Letters of recommendation

Letters must be submitted/uploaded by the letter writers by December 15. Please send the email request to your letter writers via the 'Letter Status' section in your application.

TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English Qualification scores

International students whose first language is not English are required to submit   English language proficiency test scores unless they are a US citizen or permanent resident. The department will also waive the requirement for international non-native speakers of English who have spent three or more years studying in an accredited school or university where English is the language of instruction.  (Please note: verification of the institution’s language of instruction may be requested.)

We accept the following test scores:

• Cambridge English C1 Advanced
• Cambridge English C2 Proficiency

If you meet the criteria for a waiver, you can make a request to waive the English proficiency exam requirement on the online application, under the "test scores" section.

TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge English Qualification scores are valid or accepted for two years. Scores that expire while an application is under review will be considered valid.

Submitting your scores

Your online application will prompt you to attach a scanned copy of your test scores. Your scores must also be sent directly to MIT from ETS, IELTS, or Cambridge. MIT's school code for the TOEFL is 3514. The TOEFL code for the Department of Economics is 84. IELTS and Cambridge do not require a code. Please enter "Massachusetts Institute of Technology- Graduate Admissions."

Official scores must be received from ETS, IELTS, or Cambridge by December 15. Please take your proficiency exam of choice by November 30 to allow for proper reporting time. If your score report arrives shortly after the deadline, it will be accepted, but your application may not be reviewed until your scores are received.

Minimum score requirements

The minimum requirement for the TOEFL is PBT: 600, iBT: 100. The minimum requirement for the IELTS is 7.  The minimum requirement for the Cambridge English Qualifications is a CEFR score of 185.

Your online application will give you the option to attach a scanned copy of your test scores or a screenshot of the scores from the ETS website. You can also send a score report directly to MIT from ETS. MIT's school code for the GRE is 3514. The code for the Department of Economics is 1801.

To allow for your scores to arrive by the application deadline, you should take the GRE by November 30 to allow for reporting time.

Personal statement (optional)

We encourage applicants to include a statement of objectives/personal statement with their application, though it is not required. The statement is an opportunity to explain what makes you a good candidate for the program. You should describe why you wish to attend graduate school, what you would like to study, and any research experience. Describe one or more accomplishments you are particularly proud of that suggest that you will succeed in your chosen area of research. You can also share any unique perspective or life experience that would contribute to the program.   Statements are typically two single-spaced pages.

Application Assistance and Mentoring Program

Many students interested in an economics PhD experience disparate degrees of support in the application process. The Application Assistance and Mentoring Program (AAMP) aims to mitigate these gaps by helping students from underrepresented groups connect with a graduate student mentor in MIT or Harvard’s PhD economics programs.

Mentors can provide:

• Advice on graduate school and fellowship applications, including questions about the application process and feedback on application materials.
• Information about economics research, life as a PhD student or in an academic career, for students who are deciding whether a PhD in economics is the right choice for them.

The AAMP aims to increase the pipeline of diverse talent in economics PhD programs and welcomes participation from all groups underrepresented in economics, including but not limited to: Black, Hispanic-Latinx, Native American, low-income, and LGBTQ+ students, women, students with disabilities, and students who are the first in their families to go to college. The AAMP welcomes participation among students at various stages of their economics studies, including undergraduates and college graduates. The AAMP is open to students who are curious about the academic economics experience and interested in figuring out if it’s right for them. 

Interested participants should fill out the application linked below. We will accept applications until July 17, 2023. Mentorship will begin over the summer and continue through Fall 2023. Mentees who prefer to meet for a single “coffee chat” may indicate their preference on the form. We will do our best to match all interested applicants with a mentor; however, demand may exceed the availability of mentors.

Please note that the MIT / Harvard Economics AAMP is a volunteer-based, student-run program. This program is not considered part of the admissions process for the Economics PhD at MIT or Harvard, nor will any student's participation in the AAMP be considered by the Graduate Admissions Committee at either school.

Please direct any questions to [email protected] . To join the program, please click the link below to fill out the form.

Click here for the application form If you are a faculty, program advisor/coordinator, or student interested in being notified when 2024-2025 AAMP applications open, please fill out this form .

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The department of Economics at Harvard University is committed to seeking out and mentoring scholars who wish to pursue a rigorous and rewarding career in economic research. Our graduates are trailblazers in their fields and contribute to a diverse alumni community in both the academic and non-academic sectors. We invite you to learn more about the PhD program in Economics . Have questions about applying? Please thoroughly check the GSAS admission website before emailing us at: [email protected] . 

Harvard does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability unrelated to job or course of study requirements, and we actively  seek applicants  from historically underrepresented communities. We hope you’ll consider applying. Immigration status does not factor into decisions about admissions and financial aid. For more information, see  Undocumented at Harvard . 

Apply to Economics @Harvard

Application Requirements

• Completed online application form (Must be completed by December 1st)
• Statement of Purpose
• Transcripts for all college/university degrees and courses Self-reported transcripts are accepted for both all programs at the application stage. Applicants must upload copies of his/her transcripts to the online application system. Hard copy transcripts will only be required if admitted to a program, prior to enrollment.
• Current GRE scores
• TOEFL or IELTS scores (non-native English speakers see details below)
• Three letters of recommendation (at least one from an academic source). Recommendation letters must be submitted online through the online application system. 
• Application fee 
• Writing sample (at least 15 pages in length)

All applicants are required to take the  General Test of the Graduate Record Examination  (GRE). Test scores are valid for five years (scores must be from no earlier than January 5, 2019 for Fall 2024 admission). Applicants are, however, advised to take the exam no later than mid-November. There is no minimum test score requirement. A department code is not required for score submission. Institution Codes for PhD Programs GRE: 3451

Financial Aid

All admitted students are awarded a financial package which includes tuition, single-person health insurance, living stipend for the first two years, teaching and research assistant stipends and a completion fellowship in the final year of the program.

International Applications

Adequate command of spoken and written English is required for admission. Applicants whose native language is other than English and who do not hold a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an institution at which English is the language of instruction must submit  TOEFL  or IELTS scores.

TOEFL/IELTS scores are valid for two years. (scores must be from no earlier than January 5, 2022 for Fall 2024 admission). The committee prefers scores of at least 100 on the internet-based test.  Institution Codes for Toefl score reports PhD programs: 3451

Reapplicants

Applicants who applied last year are considered reapplicants. Those reapplying must submit a completely new application. The new application must include all required documents to be provided by the applicant - we will not re-use material previously submitted. These materials include an updated statement of purpose, transcripts, test score reports, updated letters of recommendation, the application fee, and any other supporting materials

Please note, Harvard University will accept no more than three applications from any one individual over the course of his/her lifetime.

Applying to more than one Program

Harvard has several PhD programs that may also be of interest to students considering applying to the PhD program in economics. These include Business Economics, Political Economy and Government, Public Policy, and Health Policy.  Many students in these programs have considerable overlap in their coursework with courses offered to PhD students in economics.   Many also have dissertation committees that include faculty members of the economics department. Please refer to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for applicable program deadlines.  (Deadlines have already passed for some programs this year but not for others.) We encourage those with interest in any of those programs to also apply to those programs. The economics department will make admissions decisions independently, so application to or admission to other programs will not adversely affect admissions decisions within the Economics department. If you opt to apply, please note, the Graduate School will not accept more than three applications from any individual during the course of his or her academic career. 

Application Assistance and Mentoring Program

Many students interested in an economics PhD experience disparate degrees of support in the application process. The Application Assistance and Mentoring Program (AAMP) aims to mitigate these gaps by helping students from underrepresented groups connect with a graduate student mentor in MIT or Harvard’s PhD economics programs. These mentors can provide:

• Advice on graduate school and fellowship applications, including questions about the application process and feedback on application materials.

• Information about economics research, life as a PhD student or in an academic career, for students who are deciding whether a PhD in economics is the right choice for them.

The AAMP aims to increase the pipeline of diverse talent in economics PhD programs and welcomes participation from all groups underrepresented in economics, including but not limited to: Black, Hispanic-Latinx, Native American, low-income, and LGBTQ+ students, women, students with disabilities, and students who are the first in their families to go to college. The AAMP welcomes participation among students at various stages of their economics studies, including undergraduates and college graduates. The AAMP is open to students who are curious about the academic economics experience and interested in figuring out if it’s right for them. 

Interested participants should fill out the application linked below. We will accept applications until July 17th, 2023. Mentorship will begin over the summer and continue through Fall 2023. Mentees who prefer to meet for a single “coffee chat” may indicate their preference on the form. We will do our best to match all interested applicants with a mentor; however, demand may exceed the availability of mentors.

Please note that the MIT / Harvard Economics AAMP is a volunteer-based, student-run program. This program is not considered part of the admissions process for the Economics PhD at MIT or Harvard, nor will any student's participation in the AAMP be considered by the Graduate Admissions Committee at either school.

Please direct any questions to [email protected] . To join the program, please click the link below to fill out the form.

Application Assistance and Mentoring Program Form

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• Application and Admission Information

Duke University offers a world-class doctoral program in economics, featuring a vibrant faculty of exceptional scholars and teachers, superior research facilities, and opportunities to interact with leading scholars in related disciplines here at Duke and from around the world. Application information can be found in the menus below, and more information about our program requirements, funding, job market placements, and life in Durham and North Carolina through the menu items on the right. 

Duke Economics does not pre-screen potential applicants. We are unable to evaluate a student's "chances" for admission to our program simply from looking at their self-reported scores and academic history. We judge each applicant's potential against the strength of the entire applicant pool, which varies from year to year. We do not measure students against a set of minimum criteria in order to decide upon admission, but instead gauge them against the overall caliber of all applicants. Students who are viewed as the most competitive for the Ph.D. program will typically demonstrate a solid academic or professional history with mathematics, including multi-variable calculus, linear algebra and real analysis, as they are the cornerstones of the program, which is quite math intensive. While prior experience in the field of economics is preferred, many successful applicants to the Ph.D. program have come from a variety of backgrounds, including public policy, political science, math, computer science, business, accounting, and engineering.

The usual profile of a matriculant who receives financial aid from Duke for study in the first year would be: (1) an undergraduate record strong in economics, mathematics, or physical science; (2) a perfect or near-perfect score on the quantitative section of the GRE; (3) mathematical skills, including multi-variable calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, real analysis, and introductory statistics and probability; (4) a GPA of 3.5 or better; (5) letters from individuals which confirm the intellectual strength of the candidate. Prospective students not presenting qualifying credentials are discouraged from applying for the Ph.D. program. For more information please refer to the Graduate School's  Degree Programs  page.

Applicants interested in pursuing a graduate degree in economics must apply through the Duke University Graduate School. Please refer to The Graduate School's  website   for information about application procedures and requirements. For general admissions questions or questions about the university requirements, you may also contact the Duke Graduate School at  [email protected] .

​ The Economics Department requires Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores from applicants. In order to meet the January application deadline, GRE tests should be taken no later than the preceding November test date. Only the GRE general test is required, not the subject test. The Ph.D. program does not accept, nor will it review, the GRE subject test or the GMAT in lieu of the GRE general test for admissions purposes. The Department of Economics does not eliminate any applicant solely on the basis of the GRE; however, 80 percent of all applicants to the Ph.D. program earn scores in the top 10 percent on the Quantitative section. Scores that are significantly lower and are supported by less-than-impressive grades in mathematics and economics-related courses may result in rejection on the basis that the applicant is not competitive with the rest of the applicant pool.  Please refer to The Graduate School for more information about score requirements and how to submit your score(s).

English Language Proficiency Test Scores 

If your first language is not English, you must submit scores from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the academic modules of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The scores will be a decisive factor during the application review process. Some applicants may be eligible for a TOEFL/IELTS waiver.  Please refer to The Graduate School for more information about score requirements, score submission, and waiver policy.

• Graduate Mentorship Program

Our Graduate Mentorship Program helps applicants from under-represented backgrounds in the field prepare their applications to Economics Ph.D. programs by matching them to mentors in the Duke Econ Ph.D. program. Read about the program.

Application fee information can be found on The Graduate School Application Fee website.

Fee Waivers :

• The Graduate School offers an application fee waiver option to support prospective students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents from various populations, including those who may be experiencing economic stresses. Please refer to the website for more information.
• The Department of Economics does not offer a separate application fee waiver.

After submitting your online application, you can check the status of your application materials via the  Applicant Portal . You should log in to this system periodically to ensure that all required application materials have been received. Incomplete applications will either not be considered or will be rejected on the basis of incompleteness.

After you submit your online application, it will be made available to your department of interest within one to two business days. The actual in-depth review of your file is conducted by an admissions committee. All applications are reviewed with respect to openings in the department and the strength of other applicants. Attention is given to every aspect of an application, with an attempt made to evaluate past achievement as well as scholarly potential. Academic records, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and your statement of purpose are all taken into consideration. Admission to the Duke University Graduate School is a competitive process, and your chances of being admitted will differ from year to year depending on the strength of the applicant pool. Decisions about fall admission are generally made in February and March.

Aid offers are made on a rolling basis, as funds permit, beginning in late February. 

Decision Notification

All applicants are notified of admission decisions via e-mail (we do not mail paper copies of notifications). The notification e-mail will provide instructions for accessing the online decision letter.

If You Are Accepted

If you are offered admission, unless otherwise indicated, you must notify The Graduate School of your enrollment decision through the  Applicant Portal  by April 15 or within 15 days of your receipt of the admission letter, whichever is later. If we do not hear back from you by then, we will assume that you have declined the offer of admission, and your application record will be withdrawn.

Your admission offer is valid only for the term and program indicated in the admission letter. Requests for deferral are rarely approved by The Graduate School. Valid reasons for a deferral include serious health issues, visa issues beyond the student’s control, or military service.

Each year more than 700 people apply to the Ph.D. program in economics. Of those applicants, fewer than 10 percent are offered admission. We do not discriminate against any applicant based on country of origin or previous educational experience in deciding which students receive financial aid. Of the students offered admission to the Ph.D. program, about 23 percent decide to come to Duke, and we matriculate an average of 14 students each year. Approximately 75 percent of the students in our program are from outside of the United States. We pride ourselves on our broad spectrum of academic talent from all over the world.

The Graduate School also provides a statistical summary our graduate programs' past admissions and enrollment. For information on offers of admission and matriculation according to demographics, go to  Admissions and Enrollment Statistics .

More FAQs about the admission process can be found on the Duke Graduate School website . 

If you have questions or need additional assistance, please reach out to us!

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DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS

• Prospective Ph.D.s

The Department of Economics at Northwestern is committed to an individualized and holistic review of each application to the PhD program.  This review will take into consideration the substantive disruptions of the COVID19 pandemic as well as other challenges that influence personal circumstances.  We recognize that many institutions converted to a Pass/No Pass (P/N) grading system in response to the pandemic. Finally, we understand that there are circumstances which may prevent students from submitting a complete application. Please email [email protected] with any individual requests or concerns.

The Department of Economics and The Graduate School (TGS) at Northwestern  encourages underrepresented students  to apply for admission to our doctoral program.

The application will be available in September. The application deadline is January 4, 2024, 11:59pm CST

Before You Apply

Degrees offered.

The Department of Economics offers a full-time Ph.D. program in Economics.

The Department of Economics and the Finance Department in the Kellogg School of Management offer a joint full-time Ph.D. program in Financial Economics.  Read more about the program requirements and how to apply.

Applicants who wish to pursue graduate education in an Economics-based program at Northwestern University, either in the Kellogg School of Management or Department of Economics, are permitted to submit one application for a primary or first choice PhD program while requesting additional consideration for a second choice PhD program. Read more about the dual application process and requirements.

Please note that the department does not admit students for a terminal MA degree. An MA degree is only available to Economics Ph.D. students who have successfully completed the first year of the doctoral program, and to students enrolled in other doctoral programs at Northwestern.

Prerequisites

• Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent by the time they begin graduate work.
• Applicants are not required to have majored in economics but must possess a solid mathematics background. All students are expected to have a total of four quarters of differential and integral calculus plus linear algebra before entering the program. Students occasionally are admitted with an inadequate mathematical background if their record is extremely strong otherwise and they agree to take remedial math courses upon arrival. In most cases, however, students with inadequate mathematical training are advised to delay graduate school and take a year of math first.

Application Steps

Step 1: complete the university's application form.

All applicants must complete the standard application form , and pay the application fee. Procedures and qualifications for fee waivers can be found here . The application is available in September of the application year. 

Program Code  for the Ph.D. program in Economics is E05PH.

Application Fee:  The fee is $95.

Deadline: The application deadline is January 4, 2024 at 11:59pm.  Applicants are considered for admission to the fall term only. There are no winter or spring admissions.

Applicants from underrepresented groups:  The Department of Economics welcomes applications by students from underrepresented groups. Northwestern participates in the Big Ten Academic Alliance and accepts the FreeApp. Interested applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and have a serious intent to pursue a career in teaching and academic research may use the FreeApp to request an application fee waiver at Northwestern. Eligibility criteria and the FreeApp online application can be found at the Big Ten Academic Alliance site:  https://btaa.org/resources-for/students/freeapp/eligibility

CV/Resume:  A concise CV/resume is very important. It should make clear what you have done since graduating from high school without leaving any gaps. It should describe briefly any full time jobs that you have held, research experience while a student, publications (if any), and awards and honors. 

Courses Form: You will be prompted to complete a courses form in the application.  It summarizes the six most advanced college courses you have completed in both economics and mathematics. You can download this form as a fillable  PDF.

If you cannot download this form, then it is acceptable if you create your own form which contains the same information in a similar format.

• List only courses that have been already graded, and not courses that you are currently taking, or are planning to take.
• In the first five columns, you should fill in the course number, title, the school at which it was taken, date of completion, and grade exactly as they appear on your transcript.
• In the sixth column, mention the main textbook for the course, if there was such a text (it is enough to write the author(s) name(s) and the first few words of the title as space permits).
• If you have taken more than six courses in any of these disciplines, pick the six most advanced ones (but ensure that you mention core courses in intermediate microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics and econometrics).
• If you are taking substantial courses during the fall term and do not have the grades in time to be included in this application, you may send an updated version of the form as an e-mail attachment to  [email protected]  after you know your grade. By substantial courses we mean advanced math courses such as Real Analysis or graduate economics courses.
• If your fall courses are standard economics courses of a similar level to those you have taken before, there is no need to report their results after submitting the application.

Academic Statement of Purpose (500 to 1,000 words):   The academic statement of purpose should be between 500 and 1,000 words and should focus on your research interests and goals, and how your qualifications and strengths will enable you to formulate important and creative research topics and convincingly execute the research.   Writing Sample:  The standard application allows the possibility of submission of writing samples. The Economics Department does not require writing samples. However, if you have a research paper you wish us to consider as part of the application, you can upload it in this part of the application. Do not upload more than one paper.  Students may also submit grant applications, such as the NSF research proposal, as a writing sample. Letters of Recommendation  are required from at least three people. You will provide emails for your recommenders in the application. The university then contacts the recommender directly with instructions on how to submit their letters. Up to five letters of recommendation will be accepted. Scanned Copies of GRE, and (if necessary) TOEFL/IELTS results . If you have already received your GRE and TOEFL/IELTS results, scan the results and upload them as part of your application. More details on these tests are described in Steps 2 and 3 below.  Results should be submitted by the January 5 deadline. Note that the university verifies your results based on information provided directly to the university from the testing companies. Scanned Copy of your Transcript(s).  An official transcript is required from each institution attended. Transcripts must bear the registrar's signature or official seal to be considered official and acceptable. Scan the transcript(s) and upload them as part of your application.  Please wait to upload your transcript(s) until after your fall grades have been posted.  If your fall grades aren’t available by January 5 (application deadline), upload your most current transcript.  If you ultimately enroll at Northwestern, you will be asked to supply the university with an official hard copy of your transcript(s).

For more information on the University's admission process , see  The Graduate School Admissions  page.

Step 2: Complete the GRE

The institution code for Northwestern University is 1565.

Step 3: Certify English Proficiency

Your success in graduate study of economics depends on your ability to understand, read, write and speak English. If English is not your native language, evidence of proficiency in its use will be decisive in reviewing your application for admission. Because of the nature of economics, the department has stricter language requirements than the minimum required by the University.

You can demonstrate English proficiency in only three ways:

• be a native English speaker;
• by earning an undergraduate degree at an accredited institution where the language of instruction is English, and you attended this institution for all years of your undergraduate study; or
• by providing official scores for either the  Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)  or the  International English Language Testing System (IELTS)  examination.

Earning a graduate degree at an English-speaking institution without having attended an English-speaking institution for your undergraduate degree is insufficient demonstration of proficiency in English. You should take the TOEFL/IELTS to support your admission to the Department of Economics.

Students taking the TOEFL must score a minimum of 600 on the paper-based exam, 250 on the computer-based exam, or 100 on the internet-based exam (TOEFL iBT).  We accept MyBest Scores for the TOEFL iBT. Students taking the IELTS must have a minimum overall score of 7.0. The tests must have been taken no more than two years before the intended date of entry (which  means no more than 15 months prior to your application). Results of the TOEFL/IELTS test are reported directly to the Graduate School. However, if you already have your results, upload a scan as part of your application. 

The institution code for Northwestern is 1565, and the relevant department code is 01.

In addition to these language requirements, most international students from non-English speaking countries will take the Versant English Test on their arrival at Northwestern to demonstrate their spoken English. Obtaining a score of at least 65 on this test is required to make a student eligible to be considered for appointment as a Teaching Assistant, a common form of financial support in the second and subsequent years.  However, students scoring 26 or higher (out of a possible 30) on the speaking section of the TOEFL internet-based test will be considered as meeting the spoken English proficiency requirement and will not need to take the Versant test.

Step 4: The Decision Process

Step 5: visas for international applicants.

For general information on the visa process once you have been admitted, please visit Northwestern's International Office website at  www.northwestern.edu/international

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Common Admission Questions

Below is a list of questions commonly asked by prospective graduate students. Please review these carefully before contacting anyone in the Graduate School or the Economics Department.

How can I apply to your Ph.D. program?

Please refer to the Graduate Admissions page for required material . The department does not require anything over and above what the Graduate School requires for admission. During the online application process, applicants to the Economics Ph.D. program will be asked to supply a list of the most advanced courses taken in Math and Economics as well as the textbooks associated with those courses.

Do I need to submit a writing sample?

Beginning in the 2022-23 application cycle, the department will now require a writing sample. It can be a self-standing paper or an excerpt of a larger paper, senior thesis, etc. The maximum number of pages that may be submitted is 25.

Can the department mail me an application?

No, the department does not have paper applications. The application process happens through the Graduate School’s Admissions Office . The online application can be found here .

Do I need to submit a GRE score?

Yes, all applicants to the Economics Ph.D program are required to submit a current GRE score. If your scores are more than five years old, you must retake the test. When registering for the test, you must request that your scores be sent to Princeton University, Office of Graduate Admissions (institution code 2672, no department code is required). Allow several weeks for test scores to reach the University. To ensure timely receipt of GRE scores, applicants are urged to take the paper exam in October or the computer-based test no later than early December. An application is considered incomplete without these scores. For more information contact Educational Testing Services at (609) 771-7670, (866) 473-4373, or on the web .

What are the department’s English language testing requirements?

Starting in the fall 2024 admission cycle, we have revised the requirements around the Policy on English Language Proficiency and English Language testing. We also are now accepting Duolingo English Language Test (DET), in addition to TOEFL or IELTS, to fulfill the English language test requirement.

As part of the revised policy, the following applicants are not required to submit English language test scores:

• Applicants whose primary language is English. Primary language is defined as the language that someone communicates in most frequently and in most situations when speaking, reading, and writing.
• Applicants whose undergraduate instruction is entirely in English as certified by the institution and for whom the degree will be awarded prior to anticipated enrollment at Princeton.
• Applicants whose graduate study was on a full-time basis for at least one year where instruction is entirely in English as certified by the institution.

All other applicants must submit valid TOEFL, IELTS, or DET scores.

Find more information about English language testing requirements on this page .

When is the application deadline?

The final application deadline for all applicants is December 15. This deadline applies to the receipt of applications and all supporting material. Earlier applications are encouraged.

Can I apply for financial aid?

You do not need to apply for financial aid. All students who are offered admission to the Ph.D. program are offered tuition support from the Graduate School, as well as a yearly stipend for living expenses for all five years of regular enrollment.

Do I need to have a Master’s Degree to apply?

It is not necessary to have an advanced degree to apply to our program. Many students come to the program directly from an undergraduate institution.

The B.A. program in my home country is only 3 years. Is that acceptable?

The admissions committee will accept a B.A. degree regardless of the program length.

My B.A. is not in economics. Can I still apply?

It is not necessary to have received your undergraduate degree in economics. The department admits students from other disciplines. However, a knowledge of economics and a strong math background are desired.

Can I transfer credits from another graduate program?

No, there are no allowable credit transfers from another program to the Economics Ph.D. program. All admitted students, regardless of an advanced degree, will begin the program as a first year student subject to the first year core courses. An admitted student can, however, opt to take an exemption exam before the beginning of the term for any of the first year core courses.

Do I need work experience to apply?

Work experience is not required. Many of our students come directly from an undergraduate program and do not have work experience.

Can I visit the department and speak with someone on the admissions committee?

No one on the admissions committee will meet with an applicant before they are offered admission. The faculty on the committee will remain anonymous. If you visit the campus or the Department of Economics, you can schedule an appointment with the Graduate Program Administrator for further information about the program or the admissions process. You can reach the Graduate Program Administrator, Laura Hedden, at 609-258-4006 or [email protected] .

When will I know if I have been admitted?

The Graduate School’s official admission notification happens in March. Many times admitted applicants will receive a congratulatory email from the department a few days before the Graduate School’s official deadline.

Can I defer admission if accepted?

Generally, the Economics Department does not allow deferrals. Princeton allows very few deferrals each year, which must be approved by the department and the Graduate School. If your deferral is not approved you may request that your application be reactivated for consideration the following year. This does not guarantee that you will be readmitted.

I’m a graduate student at another institution. Can I study at Princeton as a visitor?

A small number of special students not enrolled as regular degree candidates apply and are admitted to study as nondegree visitors. See the visiting students page to learn more.

I’m interested in the Political Economy Program. Do I apply to the Economics Department or the Politics Department?

In order to participate in the Program In Political Economy , a student must apply to one of three departments: Economics, Politics, or the School of Public Policy and International Affairs. Students will be subject to all other requirements of the home department, so an applicant should choose to apply to the department that most suits their interest. Students join the Program at the start of their third year after passing required coursework and a field exam in Political Economy.

I’m thinking about applying in the future. Can you recommend courses for me to take now to prepare for my application?

The department cannot make specific recommendations. When reviewing an application, the internal admissions committee of the Economics Department does not base a decision on any one factor. The whole application is taken into account. It is not necessary to have graduate-level courses on the transcript, but the committee will look at the degree of difficulty of the courses you have taken as well as the grades for your courses. A strong math background is required, as is working knowledge of multivariate calculus and matrix algebra. The committee looks for strong letters of recommendation from your professors who can attest to the type of student you are and can speak to your potential in the graduate program.

My application for admission was denied and I plan to apply again. What will I need to submit? Can you review my past application and make suggestions?

When an application is denied admission, the Graduate School retains the file for one year. Applicants who applied the previous year may reapply the following year for admission. Reactivated applicants should complete the admission application. In addition, they must submit official transcripts of any academic work accomplished since the date of the last application, new letters of recommendation from three letter writers (the same people, or new ones), and a revised personal statement. All materials, including the application fee, are due by the application deadline.

If an application is denied, it is not possible for the department to go back and review applications to justify the denial or offer advice on fortifying a future application.

Do you offer a Master’s program?

The graduate program in the Department of Economics is a 5 year Ph.D. program only. We do not offer a separate M.A. program. Ph.D. students in our program can apply for their Incidental Master’s Degree after completing the general exam requirement or passing the required second year courses with the required average. Princeton’s Bendheim Center for Finance does offer a Master in Finance .

Other questions?

Department of Economics

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We only admit students for the fall semester. The application deadline is January 1 2024. We especially welcome applications from underrepresented minorities, as diversity is important in our graduate program. 

We receive about 400 completed applications for a target incoming class of about 8. The admission of each applicant is decided by the department as a whole and rests upon the applicants:

• Academic record (especially economics and mathematics courses)
• GRE scores, especially quantitative
• Recommendations from scholars and instructors
• Other pertinent information, including work experience, or the match between the research interests of the applicant and the faculty

All applicants will be notified by email. We request that applicants do not ask us to make a preliminary evaluation. This program does not accept transfer students. 

Requirements

All requirements, the application, and more details can be found on the  graduate admissions site .

• Unofficial transcripts  from all previous college and university study. Applicants will be unable to complete and submit the online application if unofficial transcripts are not included. If your transcripts are not issued in English, you must submit documents both in the original language and English translation from a  professional third party service . 
• At least two letters of recommendation . Letters should come from individuals who can comment on your scholarly skills.
• GRE scores . Admitted students nearly always have very high quantitative GRE scores.
• Foreign applicants must also take the TOEFL or IELTS . All applicants who have not completed a post-secondary degree involving at least two-years of full-time study in the United States or an  exempt country  must take the TOEFL or the IELTS.  The test must have been taken within the previous two years.  The department requires TOEFL with a minimum score of 100 (internet-based), 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computer-based), or IELTS with a bandscore of 7 in place of the TOEFL. The TSE is not required.

Students should have a knowledge of economic theory and statistics and a strong background in mathematics, including differential and integral calculus and linear algebra. Almost all of our students enter with at least two semesters of calculus and linear algebra. In admissions decisions, we like applicants to have taken other mathematics courses as well, including more advanced calculus, differential equations, probability, and real analysis.

STEM Classification

The graduate program’s CIP code is 45.0603, “Econometrics and Quantitative Economics.”  This code is included in the Department of Homeland Security’s STEM Designated Degree Program List.

College of Arts & Sciences

PhD Admissions

Thank you for your interest in the Georgetown University Ph.D. in Economics program. The Ph.D. program in Economics is a full-time program that admits students with outstanding analytical skills; a strong preparation in mathematics is essential for successful application. Undergraduate training in economics is desirable, but exceptions are made in cases of students with appropriate alternative backgrounds. Undergraduate training in statistics and multivariable calculus is required, plus superior performance on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical aptitude sections of the GRE. Students with previous training in economics are encouraged to take the economics achievement section of the GRE. Other admissions requirements include three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, academic statement of purpose, and application fee. An academic writing sample is not required for consideration to the program. The core courses in typical Ph.D. programs in economics, including Georgetown’s, are highly mathematical. The typical matriculate to the Georgetown Ph.D. program has a strong mathematics background and achieves above the 80th percentile on the quantitative section of the GRE. Ideally, applicants should have completed three semesters of calculus and one semester each of linear algebra and differential equations.

The application deadline for admission to the program in the Fall 2024 is January 15, 2024 .  

Application Information

Applications In order to apply to the Economics Program, you will need to complete the Economics Ph.D. Application administered through the Georgetown University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Admissions office.

Unfortunately, the Department will not offer an application fee waiver under any circumstance.

GRE Exam Applicants must take the GRE exam as it is mandatory for your application to be considered. The GRE code for Georgetown University is 5244.

TOEFL / IELTS All applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency to be eligible for admission. Please note that citizenship does not determine English language proficiency.  Proof of English language proficiency can be demonstrated by: 

• the receipt of a bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or from a university where English is the primary language of instruction. The degree does not have to be earned by the time of application but will need to be conferred by the start of the semester to which the applicant is applying. (Please note that applicants receiving degrees at universities in U.S. territories, such as Puerto Rico, are required to submit the TOEFL or IELTS unless the primary language of instruction at the institution is English.)
• submission of an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score report with a minimum score of 550 (paper-based test) or 80 (internet test). Many departments and programs require submission of a TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based test) or 100 (internet test) or higher.
• submission of an official International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Module score report with a minimum score of 7.0. Some departments and programs require submission of an IELTS score of 7.5.

The TOEFL code for Georgetown University is 5244. Transcripts Applicants are required to upload to the application system unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Do not send electronic or paper copies of your transcripts before receiving an offer of admission. Review the unofficial transcript requirements for additional details and FAQs.  

Letters of Recommendation Three letters of recommendation are required. If you would like to submit a fourth letter of recommendation you may send it to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Admissions office via email. The Department can not guarantee the Admissions Committee will review all four letters of recommendation.

Materials Please send all application materials directly to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Admissions Office. Please DO NOT send transcripts, letters of recommendation, copies of your GRE scores, or IELTS/TOEFL documentation to the Economics Department . The Department is not allowed to keep these materials nor are we allowed to forward these materials  to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences on an applicant’s behalf,  unless they are in a sealed envelope.  

Contacts/Questions For any programmatic related questions, please feel free to contact: Julius J. Shapiro, Ph.D. Program Coordinator Email: [email protected] Phone: 202-687-5601

For any application-related questions, please contact the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Admissions Office Phone: 202-687-5568 E mail:  [email protected]  

Please DO NOT send e-mail questions to individual faculty members. If you have any questions for Faculty members, please email Julius J. Shapiro, Ph.D. Program Coordinator instead.  

Once again, thank you for your interest in Georgetown University’s Economics Ph.D. Program. We look forward to receiving your application.

Regards, Julius J. Shapiro,  Ph.D. Program Coordinator

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PhD Test Scores FAQ

Are gre scores required.

For the 2023-2024 application cycle the Ph.D. program in Economics does not require GRE scores. If applicants choose to submit GRE scores, the admissions committee will evaluate them as part of its holistic review of application materials

Do you require official test scores?

Official scores are now submitted to the department electronically by ETS; however, you should self-report your scores on the online application for informational purposes. GRE scores are acceptable for five years after the test date.

Are there any minimum test scores?

There are no minimum scores for the GRE, though most students who have been admitted to our program have achieved scores at or above the 85th percentile in all three parts of the GRE (verbal, quantitative, analytical).

The University of Pittsburgh requires a minimum TOEFL score of 90 or higher on the internet-based test. Within the department, we generally look for TOEFL scores above 90 on the internet-based test.

Do you accept results of English tests other than the TOEFL?

Yes. Applicants might submit an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score or a Duolingo English Test score. We look for an overall IELTS score of 7 or higher and a Duolingo score of at least 120.

What are the institutional / department codes for submitting GRE or TOEFL scores to the University of Pittsburgh?

GRE: the Institutional code for the University of Pittsburgh is 2927; the department code for Economics is 1801.

TOEFL: the Institution Code for the University of Pittsburgh is 2927; the Department Code for Economics is 84.

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Frequently asked questions, what are the suggested gre and toefl requirements for the phd economics program.

The minimum suggested GRE score for the Quantitative section is 164 or higher. The Admissions Committee is a little more lenient regarding Verbal scores from international applicants.  We are looking for scores of 154 or higher.

The Admissions Committee is looking for a score of 24 in the speak section of the TOEFL test. We will nonetheless consider the speak test scores of 20 or above, and an overall total score of 100 or above.  

Can I submit multiple sets of GRE or TOEFL scores?

An applicant is only required to submit one set of test scores, but if you have taken them more than one time, you may submit a second set of scores as long as they are not expired. The Admissions Committee will give consideration to the highest test scores submitted.

Can I receive a TOEFL waiver?

International students must submit a TOEFL score unless they have or will receive an undergraduate degree from a college/university in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, or Ireland or they have completed, at the time of application, four semesters of graduate study at an institution in the above mentioned countries.

Pennsylvania State law, all graduate students must be certified in English before teaching undergraduate students. If you are accepted and choose to enroll in our program, you will either be required to attend the Summer English Language Program or you can take a test through our English Language Program Office (at your expense) before the summer program to become certified in English. A 27 on the speak score of the TOEFL exam will certify you in English.

Does Penn Econ accept IELTS test scores in place of TOEFL?  How should I submit IELTS scores?

Yes, we accept the IELTS test scores in place of TOEFL and a score of 7.0 and above is acceptable. However, you cannot upload them with your application. Results should be forwarded directly by the testing agency to my office.

Gina Conway University of Pennsylvania Ronald O. Perelman Center for Political Science and Economics 133 South 36th Street, Suite 150 Philadelphia, PA 19104-6297

Is it possible for me to obtain a waiver of the application fee?

We regret that we cannot waive the application fee for international applicants. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may request a waiver in cases of documented financial hardship. To request a waiver, please email the Graduate Division at [email protected] with an explanation of your situation  prior to submitting  your application. S/he may ask for additional documentation.

Does the Department of Economics Doctoral program allow students to transfer into the program?

We do not allow students to transfer into the program. All students must start with the first year PhD courses.  All students who have successfully passed the first year PhD courses can request to transfer up to 8 credits if they have previously matriculated in a graduate program.

What other materials do I need to submit with my application?

A complete application consists of:

• Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Transcripts uploaded to CollegeNet
• Official test scores (GRE / TOEFL / IELTS)
• Application Fee ($90)
• Writing Sample is optional  

Can I have more than 3 letters of recommendation?

The admissions committee requires 3 letters of recommendation, but you may submit a fourth letter if you wish.

Should I contact an Economic Faculty member before I apply?

No. There is no need to contact the faculty during the application process. 

Do you accept recommendation letter submission through Interfolio?

No, we are not able to accept Interfolio documents. Letters should be uploaded directly into your application by your recommenders. If your recommender is experiencing any issues they may email their letter directly to our Graduate Coordinator, Gina Conway ( [email protected] ).

Are there requirements for the Statement of Purpose (aka Personal Statement)?

The Admissions Committee does not instruct applicants on what to write in their Personal Statement. We suggest that you discuss your academic and career objectives. Be as specific as you can about your program of study and your reasons for wishing to study at the University of Pennsylvania. (Should be approximately 500 words)  

Can I apply for a Ph.D. in Economics offered by the School of Arts and Sciences in the Department of Economics and another PhD program in the Wharton school?

Yes, you may apply to both programs at the same time. Follow this link to apply on-line: CollegeNet for the School of Arts and Sciences of the Department of Economics Ph.D. program at the University of Pennsylvania. You may look up the Wharton Doctoral programs website for application to the Wharton School.

Apply for a PhD

Our graduate admissions process is highly selective. However, in keeping with our international character, we recognize that students from different backgrounds demonstrate high potential in a variety of ways.

Any well-qualified individual with a baccalaureate degree from a recognized college or university (or with equivalent education) may apply for admission to graduate Economics programs.

Follow this link to see data on acceptance rates, demographics of our PhD students, and career outcomes.

Students applying for entry into our STEM designated PhD program are normally expected to have passed some advanced undergraduate or graduate courses or seminars in economic theory, and to have had extensive training in mathematics, statistics, and econometrics, as well as a working knowledge of computer programming.

A score above the 90th percentile on the GRE-Quantitative section provides strong evidence of PhD-level ability; this indicator is neither necessary nor sufficient for admission, however, as the candidate’s full dossier is taken into account.

GRE Requirement

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required .  

Applicants must take the GRE General Test at least one month before the application deadline. The GRE Subject Tests are not required. The GRE is a major component in the admission decision. We do not accept the GMAT. Although GRE scores are valid for five years, we prefer to receive scores no older than two years old, if possible. Please note, however, that we do not reject or in any way penalize an applicant for submitting GRE scores up to five years old. The ETS Institution Code for the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences is 3087. You do not need to specify a Department Code when requesting test scores be sent to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

English Proficiency Language Requirement

All international applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English, typically through English proficiency scores.

Accepted standardized tests include Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), TOEFL iBT Home Edition, International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Cambridge English Qualifications, and Duolingo. Please note, t he TOEFL ITP exam will not be accepted as proof of English proficiency.

Minimum English proficiency tes ting requirements:

• TOEFL :   100  Overall Score (25 recommended in each section). Internet-based Test (iBT) only. We do not accept “MyBest Scores.”
• IELTS :    7.0   Overall Band Score
• CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH QUALIFICATIONS :   185   Overall Score on B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency exams
• DUOLINGO :    130   Overall Score

For more information, please click here.

The Graduate School   does not waive   the English proficiency requirement in advance.  The requirement   will be waived   at the time of the   application review   if you meet at least   one   of the following criteria:

• You are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
• You are a citizen of one of the following countries: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Micronesia, Montserrat, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, Zimbabwe.
• You are a citizen of Cameroon or Canada and your post-secondary degree is from a university in which English is the language of instruction.
• You have studied in the United States (or one of the before-mentioned countries) at an accredited college or university for at least  two years .
• You have received, or expect to receive, an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution where the   official language of instruction   is English. If your transcript does not clearly state that the language of instruction is English, then please upload supporting documentation on institutional letterhead along with your transcript.

This waiver  does not apply to students who have earned or are earning undergraduate or graduate degrees  from an institution in a country listed above while enrolled in a “dual degree” program with an institution in another country. Studying as an exchange student in an English-speaking country is not sufficient to waive the English proficiency requirement.

Applicants are urged to take the English Proficiency test at the earliest possible date.

For more information regarding the English Proficiency tests, please click here.

English Language Test Scores Validity Period

The  Cambridge English Qualifications  test does not expire.  All  other  English proficiency tes t scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo) are valid for  two years.  For more information, please visit the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences English Language Testing Proficiency page.

All applications must be submitted and received by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences by December 15.  Letters of recommendation and official GRE scores may follow after this deadline, and will be considered until January 15th.

Please note that we will not review or evaluate incomplete applications, and we will not review or evaluate applications for candidates who did not pay the application fee. Applications must include all components . No component will be waived for any applicant. Such applications will be withdrawn and no admission decision will be made. We do not do pre-evaluations by email. Additionally, we do not accept late applications. There are no exceptions to these policies.

Materials to Submit

Please do not send any application materials directly to the Economics Department.

Application form and application fee

Apply online at the (GRS) Graduate School of Arts & Sciences website . Please use the online application. The online application system requires a payment in the amount of $95 dollars payable by credit card. The Department of Economics does not waive application fees.  However, GRS offers application fee waivers based on different criteria for both US and Non-US applicants. Note that our PhD program counts as “a STEM program in which women are significantly underrepresented” as described on the waiver criteria page. Please visit this link for further information.

2–3 months before application deadline:

• Contact recommenders; inform them that recommendations should be submitted weeks before deadline
• Contact ETS and request an official copy of your GRE results (English language testing reports for international students)
• Contact all previous colleges/universities and request official transcripts

2–3 weeks before application deadline:

• Complete application and prepare to submit before deadline
• Contact any recommender who has not submitted a recommendation and request he/she do so before the deadline.  We will be accepting letters of recommendation until January 15h for this admission cycle.

Official transcripts

Official transcripts are not required as part of the application. All applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts directly to the online application. Transcripts that are sent directly to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences can not be added to your application.

If you are admitted, you will be required to send in official transcripts to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences from all colleges attended prior to matriculation in the Fall.

Three letters of recommendation

We require a minimum of 3 original letters of recommendation. We generally prefer academic letters; however, professional letters of recommendation are acceptable in the case of an applicant who has been away from student status for more than 2 years. Academic recommendation letters should be written by university instructors who have taught the applicant in 1 or more classes, or have another basis for knowing well the applicant’s academic aptitude.

Recommenders must submit an online recommendation. An email request will automatically be sent to your recommenders once you have saved an online recommendation. Please advise your recommender to look for this email in their inbox, as well as their spam or junk-mail folder, as emails do occasionally get filtered out.

Test scores

Standardized test scores (GRE and English Testing Scores Reports) should be sent to BU directly from ETS.

The ETS Institutional Code for the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences is 3087. You do not need to add a department code.

Personal statement/statement of purpose

Applicants to every degree program offered by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences are required to submit a Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose of not fewer than 200 words. This statement must describe your qualifications and the objectives of your intended educational program at the Department of Economics. Additionally, applicants may submit a resume or CV with the personal statement. Writing samples are not required.

Additional forms required for international applicants only

Only if you are recommended for admission:

If you are an international student recommended for admission, you will be notified by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Admissions office to submit the following documents for student visa processing. You cannot be officially admitted until GRS receives and processes these documents.

• A completed, signed International Student Data Form or International Applicant Coversheet ( available with the online application ). Please note that this form cannot be emailed or faxed.
• A copy of the personal information page of your current passport.
• Copies of all current visas, if applicable.
• Financial support documentation ( Sponsorship Certification Form and Bank Statement ).

You must provide a bank statement or other appropriate evidence of financial support adequate to cover travel to and from Boston, and for tuition and living costs for at least 1 full year at Boston University. The estimate of expenses can be found on the International Students & Scholars website . Please note the minimum amount listed may be increased by up to 5% each academic year. Immigration regulations prohibit most international students from accepting any employment except University appointments during the first year of study in the United States.

Submit this documentation promptly to ensure sufficient time to process the student visa. It is strongly recommended that you send this documentation via express mail (DHL, FedEx, etc.) to the GRS Admissions office, as visa processing sometimes requires 2 months or more. It is not the policy of Boston University to send visa documents via express mail. Be sure to submit all required documentation for your visa as soon as reasonably possible so there is sufficient time for your visa documents to reach you through the regular mail. Once GRS processes these documents and notifies you that you have been officially admitted, they will let you know how you can request your visa documents be sent by express mail, but you must pay the cost of postage.

Please do not send any materials directly to the Economics Department. 

Forms should be sent via email at [email protected] or postal mail to:

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Admissions Office Boston University 705 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 112 Boston, MA 02215 USA

All application inquiries should be directed to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences at  [email protected]  or 617-353-2696. A complete GRS Application Checklist can be found here .

To be considered for the Economics doctoral program, all applications must be submitted and received by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences by December 15.  Letters of recommendation and official GRE scores may follow after this deadline, and will be considered until January 15.

Questions? Visit our  PhD Admissions FAQs and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences FAQs

Please be in touch if you have any questions or concerns.

• Application Procedures

Prospective applicants can apply to the Ph.D. Program in Economics using the following options that can be found on the  Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences  website.  Please be aware the application deadline for the Economics Department Ph.D. program is December 1, 2023.

• On-line applications are accepted by the Yale Graduate School
• Paper copy of the application is no longer available

All information regarding the Graduate Program in Economics is available on this web site. Hard copy of materials will not be mailed.

Note: Do not request materials from this email site. Please see  Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Official score reports must be submitted for all required examinations. Ask the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to report your scores to the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, code 3987.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE).  The General Test is required of all applicants. Applicants should take the GRE no later than November. Applicants are strongly encouraged to register early to schedule test dates and times. For registration forms, test dates, test centers, and general information contact  www.gre.org(link is external) . 

Test of English as a Foreign Language.  The TOEFL is required of all applicants whose native language is not English.  This requirement is waived only for applicants who have received a baccalaureate degree, or its foreign equivalent, prior to matriculation at Yale, from a college or university where English is the primary language of instruction. NOTE:  1 or 2 year MA degree does not qualify for the waiver.  If you do not qualify for a waiver but have taken the TOEFL within the last two years you will need to have your TOEFL scores released to us (code 3987). If your scores can no longer be released, you will need to take the test. The test should be taken as early as possible to ensure that your scores are received in time to be incorporated in your file.  Normally TOEFL scores will not be released if they are older than two years. If you took the TOEFL before and ETS will release those scores then you should no have to retake the examination.

International English Language Test System (IELTS).  You may substitute IELTS for TOEFL. 

If you are still not sure if you must submit TOEFL scores, please review this flowchart:  Is English Language Testing Required for My Application?  (start with the question “Is your native language English?”)

For additional information and the latest updates on the TOEFL and TSE, please visit the ETS website:  www.toefl.org(link is external) .

Test of Spoken English (TSE).  All international applicants who accept offers of admission to the Ph.D. program and whose native language is not English are strongly encouraged to present scores on the Test of Spoken English by the time of enrollment in the fall. The TSE is administered in the United States and abroad. For further information check the  www.toefl.org(link is external)  web site. Students who do not demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English may be retested and/or asked to take courses in English for speakers of other languages. A high level of proficiency is required for students to serve as teaching fellows.

More information about  TOEFL and IELTS tests  can be found on the Yale Graduate School website.

Doctoral and master’s degrees. Students may enter the Graduate Economics Program after earning a bachelors degree (or the equivalent) or a master’s degree. The Master of Philosophy is awarded to students who complete all requirements for the Ph.D. except the dissertation. The Doctor of Philosophy is awarded upon acceptance of the doctoral dissertation. The Economics Department does not accept students into a terminal master’s program. The Economic Growth Center offers a one-year MA program in International and Development Economics.

Full-time and Part-time Study.  Doctoral students are expected to devote their full energies to course work and preparation for the qualifying examinations in the first years, and dissertation research and writing in the final years of graduate study. There is no part-time study available to applicants to the Department of Economics.

Nondegree Study.  Qualified individuals who wish to study at the graduate level but not pursue a degree may be admitted to the Division of Special Registration (DSR) as “special students.” Admission to this program is for one term or one year only and carries with it no commitment for further study. These students are not eligible for financial aid or loans. Applicants interested should apply in the same fashion as for full-time study.

Interdisciplinary Study.  Students may apply for admission to only one department or program within the Graduate School per year. Students may take one or more courses in a related department, and are often advised by faculty members from more than one department during their dissertation research. Students in the Graduate School, may, with permission, take advantage of course or research opportunities in Yale College and in the professional schools.

Joint-degree Programs.  The Department of Economics offers a joint J.D./Ph.D. degree with the Yale Law School. Students must apply to and be admitted to the Yale Law School independently of the Graduate School. Applicants may apply to both schools at the same time or they may enter one school and apply to the second during their first year of study. A separate application is required for each school, and each makes its own admission decision. Students who apply simultaneously to two schools should indicate that they are doing so on both applications. For information on the Yale Law School see the following web site:  www.law.yale.edu/yls/admis-jdindex.htm .

Transfer Students.  The Yale Graduate School does not admit transfer students. The presumption is that students who receive a Yale doctoral degree do their studies at Yale. Students currently enrolled in a doctoral program elsewhere who wish to apply to a Yale doctoral program may do so through the normal admissions procedure. They must meet all the application requirements, including the deadline for submission. Some very successful students have entered the Yale program in this way. Such students may petition the Economics Department and Graduate School to waive a portion of the Ph.D. course requirement (normally a maximum of three courses) in recognition of previous graduate-level work done at Yale or elsewhere. All other requirements, including the comprehensive examination, the economic history requirement, the oral examination, and the econometrics paper, must be completed at Yale. Students who enter the program from another doctoral program receive the full six-year financial aid package.

Those interested in transferring to Yale might consider the Exchange Scholars Program as an alternative. At participating institutions, students may petition their own schools to enroll full-time at Yale for a term or for an academic year as exchange scholars. Participating universities include Berkeley, Brown, Chicago, Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, MIT, Pennsylvania, Princeton, and Stanford.

Further Graduate School Information.  A comprehensive description of academic rules and regulations of the Yale Graduate School will be made available to students when they are registered. The Programs and Policies booklet may be found on the Internet at the  Graduate School  website.

Length of Study.  Students are expected to complete the requirements for the degree in six years of registration. The first two years are generally spent taking courses full time; the third is spent preparing a dissertation prospectus within workshops and completing all requirements except the dissertation; the remaining years are spent pursuing and writing up a work of original research. The average length of time required to complete the program is five years. A small percentage finish in four years, although students are guaranteed registration for 6 years in which to finish their degree.

Residency Requirement.  Doctoral students in this program are required to be in residence in New Haven for at least three years.

Dissertation.  The doctoral dissertation is the climax of the graduate school experience. Every dissertation makes an original contribution to a student’s field of study by discovering significant new information, achieving a new synthesis of ideas, developing new methods or hypotheses, or applying established methods to new materials. A dissertation also demonstrates the student’s mastery of relevant resources and methods. Students work with two advisers throughout this process.

In the academic year 2023-24 tuition for full-time study is $48,300. This rate is expected to increase in subsequent years. Ph.D. candidates are charged four years of full tuition. Thereafter students are charged a modest continuing registration fee each term until the dissertation is submitted or the terminal date is passed.  For the 2023-24 academic year this fee is $790 per semester.

The Graduate School provides full tuition, health insurance and stipend fellowship for the first six years of study. Normally the Department of Economics provides additional stipend support. There is a combined award policy that applies to students who obtain outside fellowships. This policy gives students a financial incentive to obtain outside awards.

Teaching Fellowships.  Because the faculty considers teaching to be essential to the professional teaching of all doctoral students, they serve as teaching assistants in the third and fourth years of study.

Research Fellowships.  Department faculty often hire students as research assistants either part-time or full-time.  During this academic year there are seven students supported as full-time research assistants where this funding replaces the need to serve as a teaching fellow.  In the summer of 2020, twenty-five students were supported as part-time research assistants for faculty. 

Outside Fellowships.  All applicants for admission are strongly urged to compete for outside fellowships which can be used at Yale. These fellowships are sponsored by both public and private agencies and are often more generous than those awarded by the University. In addition to their financial advantages, distinction is conferred on a student who wins an award. The  McDougal Graduate School Center  maintains a library of fellowship information; incoming students seeking external aid are advised to consult it on arrival in New Haven.

Federal and Non-Federal Student Loans.  Loans administered by the University are available to citizens and permanent residents of the U.S. The types of loans and amounts a student is eligible to borrow are based entirely on financial need as determined by federal formula.

• Admitted Students
• Graduate Application FAQs

Department of Economics

We look at applications holistically, evaluating the full range of criteria including GRE scores, grades, personal statements, letters, fields of interest, rank within class, our past experience with students from your program, and personal attributes.  Weaknesses in one or more areas may be compensated by strengths in other areas. We seek evidence of previous academic success, mathematical proficiency,  an understanding of economics as a discipline, curiosity about intellectual and social issues, persistence and creativity in surmounting obstacles, and effective written and verbal communication. We try to build a class that is balanced and diverse in interests and experiences and can contribute importantly to our mission as a department.

That is a decision for the graduate school. Information is here.

While the system permits submission of more than three letters of recommendation we only require three letters and, in our experience, extra letters tend to diminish the impact of the primary letter writers. Thus we would recommend that you pick the three letter from people who know you well and have an understanding of the requirements of an economics graduate program. 

We look at applications holistically, evaluating the full range of criteria including scores, grades, personal statements, letters, fields of interest, rank within class, our past experience with students from your program, and personal attributes. We try to build a balanced, diverse and high quality class, accounting for likelihood of enrolling, that can contribute importantly to our mission as a department.

We thus do not have cutoff scores for considering your application. We also cannot assess your probability of acceptance based on any one or two criteria. We also will not try to do evaluations of more detailed information except as part of the normal application process.

However, to give you some guidance on these issues we present below graphs of the cumulative distribution of GRE scores (quantitative, verbal, and written) among applicants as well as those who are accepted for the class starting in 2020. Overall we had about 750 applications and admitted about 60. So the ratio of the point on green curve to the point on the orange curve at any score X times 60/750 represents the proportion of people below that score who were admitted in the past year.  So that means that overall we admit about 8% of applicants but, for example, for we only admitted about 4% of those with a score below 165.

We discourage this.  First, all decisions are made by the admissions committee. We don’t consult faculty on whether a student is a particular match for him/her. While faculty can submit letters on the side to the committee those letters are likely to be disregarded unless you have a longer-term relationship with the faculty member or he/she has specific knowledge that would not otherwise appear in your application. We also have over 750 applications so if everyone made contact with the faculty member it would create a significant burden on faculty time.

Of course, all our faculty have web pages that contain a lot of information about their projects. The optimal time for you to contact faculty would be if and when you are admitted or wait listed and have a good sense of your choice set. Also it would be most productive if it were during or after our annual “campus visit” (around April 1). During the visit, you will see some presentations by selected faculty and then we will have open office hours that you can schedule and/or drop by. You will also have a chance to visit with some graduate students.

No. We only offer an MA Degree for students in our PhD program. This MA Degree is awarded following successful completion of the first-year sequence of the PhD program.

Applicants to the program should submit the application, 3 letters of recommendation, personal statement, transcripts, and GRE General Aptitude Test scores. We do not look at the GRE subject test score. The TOEFL test is required for foreign applicants, except those who hold (or will receive) a degree from an institution where the language of instruction is English. The TSE test is not required. 

Incoming doctoral students receive six years of guaranteed financial support, including summers, a stipend, tuition remission, a health-services fee, and health and dental insurance (some are funded through external sources).  

Students in the first year receive aid in the form of a fellowship (requiring no work on their part). In years 2+, the support may take the form of a teaching assistantship, research assistantship, or fellowship as long as student remains in good standing.  All such assignments form part of the student’s professional development.

In the first year, there are no teaching or research assistant responsibilities. After the first year, students generally work as a TA or RA. There are also competitive fellowships on campus through PSTC and IBES that substitute for TA or RA work. 

Target size of the incoming class in the PhD program is 16. The admission process is highly selective: in the last years, we have received over 750 applications.

The mean time to completion is between five and six years.  The mode is six years. 

A) Exposure to economics at a high level. We look for students who have taken upper-level courses that exposed them to active areas of research in the field. Students who have written senior or MA theses, or worked as researchers or research assistants have an advantage.  B) Adequate preparation in mathematics. Applications should have at least 2 or 3 semesters of calculus. We also look for coursework in linear algebra, real analysis, probability theory and/or statistics.  C) A good grade record. This is not precise, as standards vary widely among schools. D) Informative letters of recommendation. We are particularly interested in letters from scholars who understand the research environment at a top Ph.D. program, that is, scholars who themselves are actively engaged in research and publication and those who have Ph.D.s from research-oriented institutions. We look for letters that make it clear the applicant knows what doing a Ph.D. is like and which describe how the applicant has been exposed to the research process.  E) The median GRE quantitative percentile among those admitted is 96% with 90 percent of all quantitative scores being above 89 percentile. The median GRE verbal percentile among those admitted is 94% with 90 percent of all scores being above the 76th percentile.

From a demographic perspective, 48% of our admitted students are US citizens, 44% are female, 6% are US citizens from historically underrepresented groups in the US, and 7% are first-generation college students.

Decisions regarding admission and financial aid are made by mid-March. Applicants must make enrollment decisions by mid-April. 

Our University code is 3094. The department code for economics is 1801. 

The Department of Economics does not have the applications. You can apply online or request a paper application from the Graduate School 

• Economics Department
• Economics Ph.D.

Econ Ph.D. Admissions

Prerequisites.

Applicants with a bachelor's degree may apply directly to the Ph.D. program. To be admitted as a regular Ph.D. student, applicants must have a grade-point average of 3.0 or better for all undergraduate work completed. Applicants must also complete the general aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and receive a minimum combined score of 300 in the new GRE scale for the verbal and quantitative sections and a minimum score of 3.0 for the analytical writing section. International students must submit their scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or, alternatively, the scores on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

In addition, applicants are required to complete one semester of each of the following courses:

Intermediate Microeconomic Theory

Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory

Grades in these courses play an important role in admission and assistantship decisions.

The entrance requirements are minimum requirements for regular admission. Since there is limited space in each year's class, meeting these entrance requirements does not guarantee admission. Applicants not meeting all entrance requirements may be admitted on a provisional basis, subject to certain performance conditions during their first semester in residence. 

Applicants are strongly encouraged to take additional math and statistics courses beyond the required minimum. Only rarely are students admitted without at least the first two courses of the standard calculus sequence. Courses in multivariate calculus, linear algebra, and mathematical economics are also particularly useful. We encourage applicants to take advanced undergraduate or masters level courses in economics.

Application Process

Other than academic records (transcripts, etc.), all application materials must be submitted electronically, including letters of reference. Please follow the steps below to complete an application to this program. Prospective students must apply to WVU using 2137 as the major code.

Enter the WVU Application portal (Prospective PhD Economics students must enter 2137 as the application major code.)

Create a username and password.

Once an account has been created, applicants can edit the application at their discretion. Please complete all questions asked.

Upload an up-to-date resume: Your resume should include enough information for the admissions committee to trace your entire academic and professional work history and should indicate any relevant affiliations.

Request three letters of recommendation through the online portal. Individual letters should not exceed one page. We recommend that your reference provide additional information that is not found in the other materials being submitted. We are particularly interested to learn about your preparedness for a rigorous Ph.D. program. Topics with regards to your ability to work with others, your scholarly ambition, etc. are also useful. Your reference letter(s) should cover aptitudes necessary for your success in the program to which you are applying.

Create a Statement of Purpose (not to exceed one page): Your statement of purpose should be a short, one-page essay which describes your interest in the program, why you wish to pursue the program at WVU, how the program will help you reach your academic goals, and any additional information which may be necessary to understanding your candidacy.

Pay application fee.

Submit application.

You may also send other supporting materials you wish to have considered with your application. All of these can now be submitted electronically as part of the online application process. This method is strongly preferred since it assures timely receipt of the documents. If these materials cannot be submitted electronically, they should be sent to the WVU Office of Admissions and Recruitment. In the case of paper submission, letters of recommendation should be completed on letterhead and either sent directly to the Department of Economics by the writer or sealed in an envelope with the writer's signature over the seal and included with the other application materials sent to the Department of Economics by the applicant.

Applicants will then need to send their official transcripts to WVU's Office of Admissions. If the applicants undergraduate school offers "e-script" (an official electronic copy of transcripts), email the transcripts to [email protected]. This will help expedite the admissions process. If they do not offer this service, please have your official transcripts mailed to: West Virginia University Office of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment  PO Box 6510  Morgantown, WV 26506-6510

For applicants submitting GRE scores, the GRE Institution code is 5904, Department code is 1801. Applicants scoring below a combined score of 300 in the verbal and quantitative sections or below a 3.0 in the analytical writing section should consider re-taking the exam to strive for higher scores.

Students whose first language is not English must obtain a score of at least 79 on the TOEFL-ibt or a score of at least 6.5 on the IELTS test to be admitted to graduate study. Go to www.toefl.org or www.ielts.org to register and find out more about the test. This is a University requirement. Applicants who have received a high school diploma or an undergraduate degree in Australia, Canada, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, Liberia, Nigeria, Commonwealth Caribbean Countries (Anguilla, Antigua, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caico) do not need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores for admission. For TOEFL, our Institution code is 5904, Department code is 1801. Generally, West Virginia University and our department will accept test scores that are no more than five years old as long as the applicant can provide a valid copy of the official score report.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis once all parts of the application are received including official transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation. To be assured of full consideration for admission and financial aid, all materials should reach the WVU Admissions Office by January 15th, when we begin our application review. Depending on availability of spaces, we can continue to process applications until May 14.

All completed applications are automatically considered for financial aid. We do not need additional information about the applicant’s financial status. We do not admit PhD students in the Spring semester except under special circumstances.

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The Doctor of Philosophy is a research degree.  It signifies that the recipient is able to conduct independent research and has both a broad basic knowledge of all areas of economics and a comprehensive knowledge of one area in particular.  The Ph.D. program equips its graduates with modern economic techniques, enabling them to take leadership positions in economic research in the academic, business, and government worlds.

The Department of Economics has risen to prominence in recent years by attracting internationally renowned scholars to its faculty and by carefully selecting its student body.  There are many reasons to believe that we can offer students an outstanding intellectual environment.  Seven members of our department are Fellows of the Econometric Society, and one is a Nobel Laureate.  Many currently serve or have served on the editorial boards of major journals, including the  American Economic Review ,  Econometrica , the  Review of Economic Studies , and the  Journal of Economic Theory .  Perhaps most significantly, the department placed among the top ten in the Tilburg University  ranking  of economics departments.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admission to graduate studies in economics is limited to students of outstanding promise. All applicants must submit scores from Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which is administered by the Educational Testing Service, Princeton, N.J. 08540, to complete their application and be considered for admissions. All international students must take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) examination or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Exceptions to this rule include students who attended English speaking college-level institutions. Students from English speaking countries, such as the U.K. or Ireland are also exempt from taking the TOEFL or IELTS exams.

The Ph.D. program is designed for full-time students only. In evaluating applicants for this program, members of the departmental admissions committee consider the following criteria: previous academic performance, quantitative GRE scores, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and background in economics and mathematics. Because of the diverse nature of such information, we do not adhere to strictly defined cut-off points on grade-point averages or GRE scores. Applicants should also remember that the Ph.D. and the M.A. programs are very different and have different objectives and  admissions criteria. Admission into the M.A. program does not guarantee eventual admission to the Ph.D program. Those interested in the Ph.D. program are encouraged to apply directly to the Ph.D. program, and not to the M.A. program.

DEPARTMENTAL FELLOWSHIPS, PRIZES, AND AWARDS

There are various sources of funding for students in the Ph.D. program. Our top students receive MacCracken fellowship awards. These fellowships guarantee funding for five years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) in the form of payment of the basic tuition fee as well as a living allowance for the year. Many other students work as teaching adjuncts, sometimes assisting a professor and sometimes teaching a course of their own. Many professors also have research grants from a variety of sources (National Science Foundation, C.V. Starr Center, etc) which provide research assistantships (R.A.'s) to graduate students.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A Ph.D.

Program Requirements

Field Requirements

Assessing Progress in the Economics PhD Program

Responsible Conduct of Research

Graduate Handbook

Related Information

• Fellowship Information
• FAQ for Doctoral Students
• Advisor Report Form
• Field Completion Form
• Requirements and Deadlines for Applying to the Economics PhD Program
• GSAS Application Resource Center
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• New Student Checklist
• NYU Economics Alumni Club
• Instructions for Visiting PhD Students
• Preliminary Oral Defense Form
• P.h.D. Fall 2020 Curricular Plan
• CV Template

Department of Economics

Have questions about earning a Ph.D. in Economics? Browse the list below for some of the most common questions, or explore our site for more information!

Q: what is your application deadline.

Our annual application deadline is January 15 for the following fall semester.

Q: What materials/tests do I need to submit with my application?

Please submit the following materials with your application.

• Three letters of recommendation (these should be submitted electronically)
• Unofficial transcripts, uploaded with your application; if you receive an offer of admission, we will request mailed hard copies of these transcripts
• Official GRE scores
• International applicants only: official TOEFL or IELTS scores; if your undergraduate degree was taught entirely in English, you may contact the department to request a waiver of this requirement

Q: What test scores do admitted candidates usually have on the GRE?

Applicants often overestimate the importance of GRE scores for Ph.D. applications. The GRE tests whether you can do high school math quickly and correctly, as well as your vocabulary. Scores below a certain level (say, below 155 verbal and below 161 quantitative) tend to indicate problems, while very high scores do not necessarily guarantee that you are fully prepared for a Ph.D. program in economics.

For candidates who satisfy these thresholds, we look primarily at their preparation for a Ph.D. program in terms of how they did in the challenging courses they took in both advanced economics and math, rather than going only by their specific GRE scores.

Q: Do you have a minimum TOEFL or IELTS score?

Admitted international candidates tend to have a minimum TOEFL speaking score of 24 or an IELTS speaking score of 7.

Q: Can I get an application fee waiver?

The department usually grants fee waivers only to domestic Pell Grant students. To request a fee waiver, please contact the department directly.

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Welcome to the School of Economic Sciences PhD Programs

Phd programs in economics and agricultural economics.

The School of Economic Sciences offers two doctoral programs: the PhD in Economics and the PhD in Agricultural Economics.

• The PhD in Economics is designed to prepare students for careers as professional economists in academia, government, and the private sector. The program is structured so that a student with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and an appointment as a graduate assistant should be able to complete the required coursework within three academic years, excluding summer sessions. Students with a Master of Science in Applied Economics degree may be able to complete the required coursework in less time, depending on the content and quality of previous work. The length of time required to complete the dissertation varies greatly but students usually complete the entire program, including the dissertation within four years.
• The PhD in Agricultural Economics is designed to provide the student with an excellent foundation in the theory and methods of economic analysis as well as experience in applied analysis of agricultural, agribusiness, and/or resource economics problems. Career opportunities for agricultural economists also include academia, government, and the private sector. Many academic positions (especially at land grant universities) include salary support for a combination of teaching, research, and/or outreach related to the food and fiber sectors and the natural resource base that supports them. The time required to complete the doctoral degree in agricultural economics is comparable to that required for the economics PhD.

We next list key features of our PhD programs.

Student publications . The collaboration between students and professors is close, our offices are often next to each other, and it is common for professors to coauthor papers with PhD students, which turn into journal publications. In the last years, coauthored papers with our students were published in journals such as  Science, Economic Inquiry, BE Journal of Macroeconomics, Canadian Journal of Economics, Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, American Journal of Agricultural Economics,  and  Economic Letters , among others. In addition, the environment between students and professors is very collegial, and we meet once a week (normally after seminars) for drinks in a relaxed environment.

Job placement . The job market placement of our recent PhD graduates has been extremely positive, including positions at the University of Arkansas, Penn State University, Yale University (Post-Doc), University of Connecticut, Purdue University, California State University, College of William and Mary, Cornell University (Post-Doc), Colorado State University, University of New Mexico, Illinois State University, University of Kentucky, Hamline University, University of Oklahoma, University of Georgia, and University of Nebraska; City University of Hong Kong, Renmin University, University of International Business and Economics, and Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (China); Higher School of Economics (Russia); at government agencies such as the US Department of Agriculture, Freddie Mac, the United Nations; and at firms such as JP Morgan-Chase, Amazon, BNP Paribas, Charles River and Associates, Amgen Corporation, FedEx, and American Express.

Funding opportunities . Many admitted students are international and around 80% of admitted students receive graduate assistantships from our School (with other students being funded by governments in their home countries, or private foundations, such as the Fulbright Scholarship or the Soros Foundations). At this point, common assistantships (with a 20-hour per week work obligation) pay an estimated monthly stipend of $1,949. The stipend is provided for the nine-month academic year. Health insurance and most tuition costs are provided to you in addition to the stipend, resulting in a total award value of up to $46,396 depending on residency status. Also, students in good academic standing typically receive one additional month of pay for teaching and/or research assistance during the summer. Therefore, Ph.D. students with a 9-month assistantship plus one-month of summer pay receive a total stipend estimated at $19,490 per year. Please note that we plan to increase monthly stipends starting every year, conditional on funding availability.

MS in Statistics. The PhD program enhances the marketability of graduates in all degrees by deepening their training in economic theory and econometrics. To further strengthen their quantitative training, some students simultaneously pursue a Master’s degree in Statistics (pdf) (at least 2-3 students pursue this option every year).

Class size. On average, our incoming class has around 18-23 students. Most of our students complete the program in 4 years, and a few students complete it in 5 years. Overall, we often have more than 80 students in our PhD program. You can learn more about the Economics Graduate Student Association .

The PhD requires core courses in economic theory and econometrics, advanced topics courses in applied fields, and the completion of a dissertation. In the first year, study in the doctoral program is tightly structured. During the first year, full-time students take four core theory courses, one core course in statistics for economists and one core econometrics course. Because the fall core courses offered in the first year are prerequisites for subsequent courses, students generally must begin the program in the fall semester. Additional core courses are taken in the second year. Field courses are taken in the second and (possibly) third years. Total requirements for the PhD degree include a minimum of 72 credits beyond the baccalaureate, including at least 39 credits of coursework from the core and field courses and 20 credits of doctoral research.

While an advisory committee tailors each student’s program to his or her interests, all programs are designed to meet the following requirements.

Core courses:  A 27-credit core curriculum ensures that each PhD student receives advanced training in economic theory and quantitative methods: (1) theoretical foundations of economics–12 credits (EconS 500, 501, 502, 503) or their equivalents; and (2) tools for research and empirical analysis–12 credits (EconS 510, 511, 512, and 521) or their equivalents.

Directed elective:  Students take one 3-credit, 500-level course as a directed elective with the approval of their academic advisor.

Fields of specialization:  A student’s program is required to demonstrate an area or areas of concentration that prepare the student for the dissertation. Through field courses, the students receive additional preparation in at least two areas of specialization. Together with individual research activities and mentored study, the field courses prepare the students to apply economic theory and quantitative methods to real-world problems.  Selections among field courses allow students to tailor their graduate program to specific interests and to interact with faculty working in their area. The fields of study offered are: Macroeconomics; Development Economics; Health Economics; Econometrics; Environmental & Natural Resource Economics; International Economics; Industrial Organization; Public Economics; Agricultural Economics (required for Agricultural Economics PhD) .

Advanced topics are taught in a repeatable, variable-credit course in each field area. Students take a minimum of six credit hours in each of two fields, and 12 credits overall in field courses.

Additional credits:  Additional coursework and research credits are used to bring the student up to 72 credits.

Application Process

For more information, please visit the following link, which provides instructions about the on-line application process and all necessary application materials: Application Process . Please note that applications to our Ph.D. program require you to submit your CV, your undergraduate transcripts (and, if applicable, transcripts from your Masters or other postgraduate courses), your scores in the GRE exam, your scores in the TOEFL exam (unless you can show that your undergraduate education was taught entirely in English), a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation on your behalf. You do not need to establish connections with faculty during the application process. You will pick faculty to work with on research after the first year of the PhD program. The School of Economic Sciences does not charge or handle the application fee. Please contact the Graduate School at [email protected] .

• GRE exam . We do not have a minimum GRE score. However, the average GRE score in the quantitative section (the most important section for our application process) is around the 75th percentile (157 points), but most funded students are above the 80-85th percentile (about 159 points or above). If you took your GRE exam in the last 1-2 years, please contact us to check if you should include a more recent score in your application.
• TOEFL exam . The minimum TOEFL score is 213 in the computer version (which corresponds to 550 points in paper version and 80 points in the internet version). In case you took the IELTS exam, the minimum IELTS score is 7 points. Please note that the TOEFL/IELTS exams can be waived if you completed a degree (or at least an entire academic year) at a university in the which all coursework was taught in English. Specifically, the Graduate School from WSU waives the TOEFL/IELTS exam to applicants who completed their degree from institutions in the following countries: Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Botswana, Canada, Guyana, Kenya, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Nigeria, and Trinidad and Tobago. For more details on this policy, visit International Requirements website and for more information about the TOEFL exam .
• GPA score . The average GPA score into our Ph.D. program is around 3.4, but it varies depending on the coursework the applicant did in undergrad (for instance, we understand that your GPA can be lower than 3.4 if you took several math or Master-level courses).
• Transcripts . Applicants must submit transcripts from both their undergraduate and graduate-level courses, clearly reflecting the grade obtained in each course. Applicants can submit unofficial copies of all transcripts. If admitted into our program, the WSU Graduate School may contact the student asking him/her to submit official copies of all documents.

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Application FAQs

Applications for Fall 2024 admission are now closed.

Applications for Fall 2025 admission will open in mid-September 2024

How do I apply?

All applications are submitted online.

The Laney Graduate School application for admission

What is the timetable for the admissions process?

Students are only accepted for fall admission. The three important admissions dates to remember are:

• Deadline for completing online applications is January 1.
• Admissions offers are made in the months of February, March and early April.
• Student decisions must be submitted by April 15.

How many applications do you receive and how many students do you accept each year?

View our degree program statistics:

• Number of applications we receive
• Number of students accepted into our program
• Time to degree

Do you admit international students?

Yes. We examine each applicant on the basis of their own portfolio. International students typically enter the U.S. on an F-1 visa.

Visit Emory's  International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) for more information.

Can you evaluate my chances of successful admission?

Do you offer funding, fellowships, or other financial aid.

Students admitted to our program receive multiple years of support (tuition plus stipend) contingent upon acceptable progress towards degree completion. The stipend is typically paid over a period of 12 months.

Advanced students may receive additional support through teaching, research grants, or dissertation completion fellowships. Additional funds are also available through special competitive fellowships offered through the University.

Students have the opportunity to teach in summer for additional pay starting at their third year.

Do I have departmental duties in exchange for the fellowship?

What requirements do i have to fulfill before i start teaching.

All students are required to complete the Laney Graduate School’s TATTO (Teaching Assistant Training and Teaching Opportunity) program.

This program involves a sequence of pedagogy courses taught within the LGS as well as the department. Provided that this training is completed successfully, you will receive hands-on experience with teaching through TA duties starting at the second year.

You will have the opportunity to teach your own course(s) after your third year.

Can the TOEFL/IELTS requirement be waived?

If you have completed your undergraduate or graduate education at an English-speaking university, this requirement is waived. No documentation is needed to secure this waiver if you graduated from a U.S. university.

To secure the waiver from a foreign university with English as the language of instruction, please include a letter from the university (on university letterhead) stating that instruction at that university is provided in English. This letter can be attached and submitted with your resume.

Do you require the GRE (Graduate Record Examination)?

The GRE has been required for all applicants in the past but is  OPTIONAL for Fall 2025 admissions and we will not put any applicant at a disadvantage because they don’t submit a GRE score. GRE Scores are valid for a period of 5 years.

When GRE is required, the admissions committee will accept self-reported GRE scores for initial review but official scores are required if you are admitted.

The TOEFL or IELTS is required of all international students from non-English speaking countries provided they do not have an undergraduate or master's degree from an English-speaking institution.

Do you require official GRE and TOEFL scores sent by ETS?

The GRE has been required for all applicants in the past but is  OPTIONAL for Fall 2025 admissions .

When GRE is required, the admissions committee will accept self-reported GRE and TOEFL scores for initial review. Official scores are only required if you are admitted.

• The department code for the GRE is 1801.
• The department code for the TOEFL is 84.
• Emory’s code is 5187.

Will you accept a copy of my transcripts rather than official reports?

The admissions committee will accept unofficial transcripts for initial review. Official transcripts are required if you are admitted.

Do you require the TSE (Test of Spoken English)?

Do you have minimum gpa or gre requirements.

We do not have strict minimum requirements, although we recommend that applicants demonstrate a score of at least 60% on the GRE Quantitative Exam and 50% on the GRE Verbal Exam.  Note:   GRE is OPTIONAL for Fall 2025 admissions.

We recommend that you show high grades in your upper level economics, mathematical, and statistics courses.

Can I have more than 3 letters of recommendation?

Do i need to secure a faculty advisor prior to admission.

No, it is not necessary to secure a faculty advisor prior to being admitted. That is something that is done after your first year in the program. It is, however, useful to review our faculty biographies found on our website to determine whether your areas of interest are aligned with our faculty research areas.  

Please do not send questions to faculty or current graduate students during the application process. Instead, check our Application FAQs or send your questions to our program staff at [email protected] .  We will connect you with faculty and current graduate students as you move along the process if needed.

Should I contact a faculty member or current graduate student about my application?

No. Most questions are answered in our Application FAQs. We will connect you with faculty and current graduate students as we move along the process if needed.

Can I tour the department or meet with faculty prior to admission?

Can i submit a writing sample along with my statement of purpose, is the supplemental video required and what information should the video contain.

We encourage applicants to submit a video as part of their PhD application. While not required, the video offers you the opportunity to provide more details regarding your areas of interest and why you believe the PhD program in Economics at Emory is a good fit for you.

What classes can I take to strengthen my preparation for the Ph.D. Program?

We have found that advanced preparation in mathematics and statistics is very useful to our students.

Most students enter the program with courses such as:

• Real Analysis
• Multivariate Calculus
• Linear Algebra
• Differential Equations
• Probability Theory and Statistics
• Econometrics

Do I need a Master's Degree to qualify for your program?

Do you offer a self-contained master's degree program, who do i contact if i have specific questions about the admissions process, application requirements.

General Application Instructions

Before applying, please review the Laney Graduate School’s general application requirements and instructions.

Renee Sevy-Hasterok

Graduate program coordinator.

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What's the GRE? Everything International Students Need to Know

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) opens doors to graduate programs worldwide.

Overall, this standardized exam evaluates your potential for advanced study — and for international students dreaming of higher education in the U.S., conquering the GRE is key.

Two Paths, One Destination: GRE General and Subject Tests

There are two main versions of the GRE: the General Test and Subject Tests . Most programs accept the General GRE, but subject tests focus on specific fields like biology or psychology and may be required by a select few.

With one measure, the general GRE helps compare applicants from diverse backgrounds. For international students, acing this exam means you'll shine among the competition.

Is the GRE Required for Grad School? 

Wondering if you need the GRE to apply? Requirements vary by school and program. Many graduate programs are now optional for the GRE, meaning you don't have to submit scores. 

There is (sometimes) a catch: international students may still need to prove English skills depending on the program.

The Decision Is Yours

If the program doesn't require the GRE, you're all set without it. But if it's listed as optional, a strong score can boost your chances. Schools like SMU , among others, have gone test-optional nationwide.

Application Strength Beyond Tests

More and more schools are taking a holistic approach to applications; now, students from all over the world can shine through GPA, research experience, recommendations, statements, and interviews — not just test scores. 

For example, organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) report the percentage of psychology graduate programs requiring GRE scores as decreasing substantially:

“Between the 2020–21 and 2021–22 academic years [GRE requirements] continued to decrease in the 2022–23 academic year. The percentage of doctoral programs requiring GRE Quantitative and GRE Verbal scores decreased from 45% to 14%, and GRE Writing score requirements decreased from 40% to 13%.”

Whether you’re planning to study humanities or STEM, thoughtfully weighing all the components of the programs you're considering can help you stand out from other applicants.

What's on the GRE Test?

The GRE will evaluate critical thinking, writing, verbal, and math skills during your test — but don’t worry — it’s much less intimidating when you know what to expect.

Let’s break down the three main sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The Analytical Writing Section

What it is: In the analytical writing section, you'll analyze an issue and an argument. You must build a persuasive case and articulate complex ideas clearly.

The Specifics: These tasks require critically evaluating the prompts. You'll need to support your positions with relevant examples and reasoning. The Verbal Reasoning Section

What it is: The verbal reasoning section measures how well you analyze written material and grasp complex relationships between words.

The Specifics: this section includes reading comprehension questions based on passages from academic sources. You'll need to interpret and analyze the texts and complete questions about text completion and sentence equivalence. The Quantitative Reasoning Section

What it is: The quantitative reasoning section tests your ability to use mathematical models across multiple areas of math.

The Specifics: You'll solve problems involving arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. There are also quantitative comparison questions to analyze quantities.

You don’t have to take the GRE alone. Use ETS’s preparation resources to make your testing experience easy.

What's a Good Score on the GRE?

“Trust yourself; you know more than you think you do.”

Benjamin Spock, America’s most famous pediatrician, once said this to his patients. But if you think about it, the same could be said for taking a test like the GRE.

According to ETS , GRE scores range from 130 to 170 for Verbal and Quantitative sections. Your score gets ranked into percentiles, showing universities how you performed compared to other test-takers. A 170 score lands you in the 99th percentile — meaning you outscored 99% of others.

Universities assess international and domestic applicants' GRE scores similarly, considering percentile rankings and your undergraduate institution's caliber. However, they may emphasize the verbal score more for non-native English speakers to gauge English proficiency.

For example, SMU’s Department of English reports that applicants admitted to the program have had an average verbal GRE of 164/670 (old scale), and an analytic score of 4.5.

When to Consider Retaking the GRE

The Economic Times states , "Strong GRE scores amplify your chances not only for admission to your preferred program but also for coveted assistantships and scholarships."

So, while "good" GRE scores depend on your program, aim for the highest percentile possible to maximize chances at top programs. Consider retaking the exam if your initial scores disappoint.

Applying to U.S. Universities with GRE Requirements

Understanding how GRE scores impact the admission process is essential for international students.

The short answer?

Depending on the school, the GRE can play an important role in evaluating applicants for U.S. graduate programs. A high score doesn't guarantee admission, but it strengthens your application.

In the past several years, many U.S. universities have emphasized evaluating applications holistically. They consider academic records, recommendation letters, personal statements, research experience, and other achievements. A comprehensive application showcasing your strengths gives you an edge as an international student.

SMU’s Optional GRE Policy

We know that applying to U.S. universities with GRE requirements as an international student can feel overwhelming — and it doesn’t define your worth as a student.

It's worth noting that universities like ours have made the GRE optional for many programs. Check out our GRE and testing requirements by school:

• Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences
• Lyle School of Engineering
• Meadows School of the Arts
• Moody School of Graduate & Advanced Studies
• Simmons School of Education and Human Development
• Cox School of Business
• Dedman School of Law
• Perkins School of Theology

English Tests for International Students

While the GRE may be skipped, many programs still ask international applicants to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores if their prior instruction wasn't in English. These tests demonstrate English proficiency.

What are TOEFL and IELTS? 

The Test of English as a Foreign Language , or TOEFL, and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) evaluate a student's proficiency in four areas of English language skills — reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

All international applicants from countries where English is not the native language must have a TOEFL/IELTS score. Your test scores must be within the past two years of the application deadline; otherwise, you must retake the test. 

Want more information? SMU’s comprehensive graduate school resources will help!

Be sure to download our guide, the International Applicant's Guide to a PhD , or visit our Graduate School Resource Library to get all of your information in one place.

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The International Applicant’s Guide to a PhD: Applying, Funding, Living Abroad, and Everything In Between

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GRE Scores & Submission Rates At The Top 50 U.S. MBA Programs

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In the spring of 2023, Poets&Quants reported that the Graduate Record Exam appeared to have peaked : that the test, which for years had been gaining market share against the Graduate Management Admission Test, seemed to have plateaued in terms of the rates at which prospective MBA students were submitting it with their applications to the top business schools.

Not so fast. A new analysis of submission rates at 54 of the leading U.S. B-schools shows that 2022 may have been just a minor slump. Boosted by a return to mandatory admissions testing at several schools, the GRE bounced back in 2023, with 23 of 54 B-schools analyzed by P&Q showing year-over-year increases in GRE submission rates. The average increase was 7.6 percentage points.

The rebound was not clear-cut: Nineteen schools had GRE declines in that span, averaging more than 9 percentage points. But underscoring the GRE’s strength and the GMAT’s weakness are submission rates for the latter test: Even more than the GRE’s ascendancy, the GMAT — long the dominant entrance exam for graduate business admissions — continues to decline, down at 39 of 54 schools from 2022 to 2023, and up at only eight. And the number of schools where the GRE is the preferred test continues to grow, with 16 schools reporting higher GRE than GMAT submission rates in 2023, up from nine schools the year before.

GRE SCORES AT P&Q’S TOP 10 BUSINESS SCHOOLS, 2021 TO 2023

Source: business schools, stanford leads in gre average; yale tops in median.

In past years, U.S. News & World Report included GRE score averages in the data release accompanying its annual B-school ranking ; this year the magazine released only GRE ranges for 2023, making score comparisons with past years across the top 50 B-schools impossible. Fortunately, several elite B-schools publish their own GRE data as part of their MBA class profiles; see the table above for 12 of the leading schools for which this data is publicly available.

Once again, in average GRE scores, Stanford Graduate School of Business led the way, averaging 164 in each of the Quant and Verbal portions of the GRE for a total score of 328. In medians, Yale School of Management reported scores of 166 on the Quant and 164 on the Verbal for a total of 330. That was better by 4 points than both Harvard Business School and Northwestern Kellogg School of Management , both of which reported median scores of 163 on both Quant and Verbal for a total of 326.

U.S. News ‘ GRE ranges don’t tell us much but offer only a very general sense of the kind of score test-takers need to gain admission; see page 2 for a complete list of ranges at the top 54 B-schools. Some highlights for the Quant portion of the GRE:

• Highest high end, Quant: 14 schools at 170
• Lowest high end, Quant: 2 schools at 161: Arizona State Carey and UC-Davis
• Highest low end, Quant: 4 schools at 158
• Lowest low end, Quant: 2 schools at 144: William and Mary Mason and Southern Methodist Cox

And for the Verbal:

• Highest high end, Verbal: 3 schools at 170: Kellogg, Stanford, Harvard
• Lowest high end, Verbal: 2 schools at 158: Maryland Smith and Northeastern D’Amore-McKim
• Highest low end, Verbal: 2 schools at 158: NYU Stern and Yale SOM
• Lowest low end, Verbal: Rutgers Business School, 141

In the third portion of the test, which measures a candidate’s writing ability, 41 of 54 schools reported score ranges to U.S. News, with Virginia Darden School of Business and Michigan Ross School of Business the only two schools with perfect 6.0 scores at the upper end of their range. Eight schools reported high low ends of 4.0.

BIGGEST DECLINES IN GRE SUBMISSION RATE, 2022 TO 2023

Source: u.s. news and business schools, breaking down submission rates of the gmat & gre.

In graduate business education admissions, the GRE remains a little brother to the GMAT, and the release of streamlined versions of both tests in late 2023 and early 2024 — and the fact that only 20 of the top 54 U.S. B-schools currently are test-optional, down in one year from 37 schools — will doubtless roil the rivalry between the two even further.

But before we get to set eyes upon data from takers of the new tests, we have numbers from the 2022-2023 MBA application cycle — and by far the most interesting have to do not with actual scores but with submission rates.

Nineteen of 54 U.S. B-schools lost GRE submission volume between 2022 and 2023, with the biggest drop-offs occurring at Florida Hough Graduate School of Business (down 40 percentage points to 6%), Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business (from 69% to 40%), Washington Foster School of Business (64% to 39%), Washington Olin Business School (47% to 27%) and UC-Irvine Merage School of Business (29% to 6%). Altogether, seven schools saw GRE submission declines by double digits year over year.

Yet compare that to the GMAT, which saw declines at 39 of 54 schools, and double-digit drop-offs at 18. The biggest: 29 points at CMU Tepper (to 40% from 69%), followed by 25 points at Washington Foster (to 39%), 24 points at Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business (to 30%), 22 points at Emory Goizueta Business School (to 28%), 19 points at Rice Jones Graduate School of Business (to 20%), and 18 points at both Rochester Simon Business School (to 21%) and Ohio State Fisher College of Business (to 18%). Notably, five of these seven schools do not require entrance exam scores for admission.

Altogether, 12 schools of 54 saw declines in the submission rates of both tests. Wisconsin School of Business , where GMAT submissions declined by 7 percentage points and GRE by 6, is one of those schools. See the table on page 4 for details.

BIGGEST INCREASES IN GRE SUBMISSION RATE, 2022 TO 2023

Gmat losing ground while gre surges.

Then there are the gains: 23 of 54 B-schools grew their GRE submission volume from 2022 to 2023, including 14 of the top 25, with the biggest leap coming at Rice Jones, which jumped 24 percentage points to 31%; Washington Foster was next with a 23-point gain, to 32%. Altogether, seven schools grew their GRE volume by double digits between 2022 and 2023; in the year between 2021 and 2022, only two did.

In the seven years from 2017 to 2023, 19 schools in the top 50 have seen their GRE submission rates grow by double digits. Only four have dropped by double digits in that span. Thirty schools overall have seen GRE increases since 2017, and just nine have seen declines.

The GMAT hasn’t kept up. Only eight schools saw GMAT submissions increase in 2023, led by Florida Hough, which grew its rate to 72% from 54% — one of only two schools, along with Boston Questrom School of Business (27% from 17%) to report a double-digit GMAT increase. Hough was the top school in 2023 for GMAT submission rate; Questrom, interestingly, was the only school out of 54 to have gains in both tests: Its GRE share grew to 28% from 18%.

The number of B-schools with a higher GRE than GMAT submission rate doubled in 2023 to 16, with the average rate at those 16 schools growing to more than 30%; in 2022, the average at eight schools was 17.4%. In 2023, there were 30 schools with GRE submissions at 25% or higher, up from 23 in 2022. Conversely, GMAT in that span fell from 46 schools to 43. And while there was only one B-school with more than 50% GRE submissions in 2023 — UC-Berkeley Haas School of Business , at 53% — the number of schools with GMAT submissions over 50% dropped to 11 in 2023 from 18 the year before.

Key data points in the matchup between the GRE and GMAT:

• Average % at the top 10 B-schools in 2023: GMAT 50%, GRE 32.3%
• Average % at the top 10 B-schools in 2022: GMAT 55%, GRE 31.1%
• Average % at the top 25 B-schools in 2023: GMAT 46.5%, GRE 30.6%
• Average % at the top 25 B-schools in 2023: GMAT: 54.2%, GRE 29.6%

See next pages for data on GRE score ranges at the top 50 B-schools, GRE submission rates for the last seven years, and GRE versus GMAT submission rates for the last two.

Questions about this article? Email us or leave a comment below.

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