Application Checklist

The deadline for all PhD application materials is December 12, 2023.

Applications must be complete by the above date, including test scores, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. We will accept applications and materials after December 12, but they will be given a lower priority for admission and financial aid. All materials, including letters, need to be submitted by December 12, 2023 for your application to be reviewed. Please spell your name on your application exactly as it appears on your passport or driver's license; failure to do so will cause delays in processing your documents.

How to Apply

You can apply after September 1 using the new application system.

The following documents are required for your application:

Document Name How to Submit Notes
Unofficial Transcripts You do not need to submit official transcripts unless admitted. You must submit a transcript for each college or university you have attended. To upload transcripts use unofficial text-only versions. We do not want ones with color or backgrounds full of logos, because the application takes too long to open and many are unreadable. Do NOT take a photo of transcripts with a phone. Make a black/white photocopy to scan into a PDF. For fall semester grades, send only one page without the grading scale. If a file is too large or hard to read we will not upload it. More information on uploading transcripts.
Personal Statement Upload as Personal Statement This statement should include information about your research interests, academic background, and reasons for applying to Minnesota. Extenuating Circumstances Statement is not required, but you may submit it if you wish. 2 pages maximum.
List of Mathematics and Economics Courses Upload to the "Coursework List/Abstract" area You must use our MATH/ECON course form.
Application Fee Information about Application Fees The fee is $75 for US students and $95 for international students. We cannot waive it.
Letters of Recommendation Recommenders must submit electronically per instructions instructions by December 31, 2022. Applicants must submit a minimum of three and a maximum of four letters. Please email the program at econdgs@umn.edu if they cannot be sent electronically.
Official GRE scores

Self report your score and have official scores sent from ETS.  

Upload the sheet you receive (with the red stripes).   

GMAT scores are not accepted.

Our institution code is 6874 and our department code is 1801.

If your official score is not electronically submitted by ETS, your application will not be evaluated.  You must use the same name with ETS and the application or scores cannot be matched.

 
Official TOEFL or IELTS scores (if needed) Self report your score and have official scores sent  from ETS.  TOEFL scores are preferred. Our institution code is 6874 and our department code is 84. You do not need to submit these scores if English is your native language or if you have completed at least 16 credits at an American, Canadian, Australian, or British college or university within 24 months of your desired date of admission.

If you are submitting IELTS scores, mailing information can be found in the English as a second language information section.

Optional materials:

Document Name How to Submit Notes
Writing Sample Upload into the Writing Sample section The Writing Sample must be in English and should be no more than 25 pages long.
Research Description Upload into the Research Description section If you want to include additional information on your research other than your Personal Statement, you may provide a 1-2 page Research Description
Application for the Diversity of Views and Experiences (DOVE) fellowship
(U.S. citizens only)
Upload to Diversity Statement To apply for the DOVE fellowship, submit a statement detailing how your background, experiences, and achievements will promote the University's goal of promoting excellence through diversity.
ICGC Fellowships Visit ICGC for application instructions. This fellowship is designed to support students who are committed to the study of global change, especially in the context of the global south.

Please contact the Economics Graduate Studies Office at econdgs@umn.edu if you have any questions regarding your application.