Graduate Program

Admission

To be admitted into the graduate program, a student must hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university. It is not essential that the undergraduate degree be in economics. Graduate students entering the Department have had a wide variety of major background preparation, varying from literature to physics. However, some preparation in undergraduate economics, especially in economic theory, is a necessity. Similarly, a working knowledge of calculus is essential.

Completed application forms for admission must be submitted online by December 15th prior to the September in which the applicant wishes to enter. The Economics Department has one application period per year, for entry in September. February entrance is granted only under exceptional circumstances, since many subjects given in the spring are extensions of subjects given in the fall.

All applicants must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Original score reports must be submitted, in addition to the unofficial pdf copy uploaded in the application. Photocopies are not acceptable. Information on the GRE may be obtained online at www.ets.org or by contacting ETS directly at Educational Testing Service, 660 Rosedale Road, Princeton, NJ 08541 USA, (609) 921-9000, FAX: (609) 734-5410.

Decisions regarding admission are the responsibility of the Departmental Graduate Admissions Committee, which bases its judgment on the previous academic record of the applicant, both in general and with respect to particular subjects, the letters of recommendation, the candidate’s statement of objectives, and the Graduate Record Examination. Notices of acceptance are usually sent out by March 1^st.; candidates have until April 15 to notify the Department of their decisions.

For more information on the application process and requirements, please visit our FAQ page: http://economics.mit.edu/graduate/admissions