The graduate program combines rigorous training in economic theory and research methods with inquiry into philosophical and social issues surrounding economic analysis. A key aspect of the program is exposure to diverse perspectives and methodologies that are appropriate to the study of economic processes and policies at the local, national, and international levels. The department has nationally recognized strengths in Regional Economic Analysis and in Political Economy; other fields of study include Development Economics, International Economics, Public Economics, and Environmental Economics. Students come from across the United States, and around the world. The student corps is typically 65% domestic and 35% international. Faculty members have won numerous teaching, research and service awards, and provide a supportive atmosphere for study. Students benefit from important teaching and research opportunities while in the program, and find successful placement in both academic and non-academic positions.

As a general University policy, the Graduate School requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and the department seeks applicants with GPAs of at least 3.3. In very rare instances, applicants with GPAs lower than 3.0, but with documented extenuating circumstances and high qualifications otherwise, may be granted conditional admission and must prove their abilities during their first semester of graduate studies. Applicants’ undergraduate background must include satisfactory undergraduate course work in intermediate microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics, econometrics, and calculus. Admission may be granted conditional on completing appropriate background course work before semester start date. GRE scores are required for consideration for admission (no exceptions, substitutions, or conditional cases). The department admissions committee expects a combined Verbal+Quantitative score of at least 305, with no lower than 155 on the quantitative score (or 1150 and 700, respectively, in the old scoring system). Besides academic background and test scores, the admissions committee evaluates the degree of “fit” between the applicant’s stated interests and objectives, and the department’s program fields and strengths. University policy requires international students to obtain a minimum TOEFL score of 213 (computer based), 550 (paper based), or 80 (internet based). As an alternative, an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher will be accepted. In some circumstances, admission may be granted conditional on achieving English proficiency, if initial scores are submitted with at least 150 for the computer-based TOEFL, or 4.5 for the IELTS; see the Graduate Bulletin for details.