Application Checklist
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, 2024 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 online application portal: choose.umn.edu/apply.
Required Materials:
| Document Name | How to Submit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unofficial Transcripts | Upload unofficial transcripts/credentials to your application | You must submit a transcript for each college or university you have attended. To upload transcripts use unofficial text-only versions. Do not send official transcripts. For more information, check out the uploading transcripts page. |
| Personal Statement | Under Materials, upload into the Personal Statement section | 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 | Fill out the course preparation table in the application | Our Economics PhD program requires that all students have completed at least multivariate calculus, linear algebra and intermediate economic theory prior to beginning graduate study. |
| 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, 2024. | 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 |
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. It takes about 4-6 weeks for the scores to be verified on your application after submitting it through ETS. If your scores are still not verified after 6 weeks, please email the program at econdgs@umn.edu. |
| Official TOEFL or IELTS scores (if needed) | Self-report your score in the application and have official scores sent from ETS |
Our institution code is 6874 and our department code is 84. TOEFL scores are preferred. You do not need to submit these scores if English is your native language. The English requirements may be waived for admission if the applicant has completed secondary school education or at least 16 credits of college-level work at a university/college from a country on this list within 24 months of the desired date of admission. If you are submitting IELTS scores, mailing information can be found in the English Language Proficiency page. |
Optional materials:
| Document Name | How to Submit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Writing Sample | Under Materials, upload into the Writing Sample section | The Writing Sample must be in English and the main body should be no more than 25 pages long. The 25-page limit does not include tables/figures, works cited, and appendices. |
| Research Description | Under Materials, 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. |
| Diversity Statement | Under Materials, upload into the Diversity Statement section |
All applicants can attach a 1-2 page diversity statement. For U.S. citizens, you can apply for the Diversity of Views and Experiences (DOVE) Fellowship by submitting a diversity statement detailing how your background, experiences, and achievements will promote the University's goal of promoting excellence through diversity. |
| Extenuating Circumstances Statement | Under Materials, upload into the Extenuating Circumstances section | If you would like the admissions committee to know of extenuating circumstances, you may attach a 1-2 page statement. |
| 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.