Requirements for Admission and Aid

For admission it is necessary to have a solid record in courses such as intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics, calculus, and statistics.  An economics major is not required.  Recommended mathematics preparation includes: advanced calculus, linear algebra, and mathematical statistics (taught in a Mathematics Department). Additional math courses, such as real analysis or differential equations, are useful. Applicants must provide a transcript, letters of recommendation, and GRE aptitude test scores, but the GRE advanced test in economics is not required.  Most of the incoming students have a GRE quantitative score that exceeds the 90th percentile.  Applicants whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL scores . 
 
Most financial aid is distributed on a merit basis in March and April, so it is important to complete the application process by February 1.  Early application is critical for international students, since mailing delays and communication problems are common. Currently, our department is able to provide financial aid packages ranging from a teaching assistantship of $8,000 to fellowship stipends of up to $22,000
 
An M.A. is not a prerequisite for doctoral studies. Students in the Ph.D. program earn an M.A. while working towards the Ph.D.; however, it is not a terminal Masters degree program.  Students who are primarily interested in a terminal M.A. degree are advised to consider other universities with more applied M.A. level courses.

Students interested in joint work in law and economics must be admitted by both the Department of Economics and the Law School.  There is no joint program, but a few students have worked on law and economic degrees simultaneously.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

If you would like an ordinary application form, you can request that one be mailed to you by writing the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS), Admissions, 437 Cabell Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22903.  You will probably find it more convenient to download the admissions materials.

Send all applications and related material directly to GSAS, not to the Department of Economics.  Please remember that GSAS must receive the $60.00 fee and the application before they will begin to process your material.

Inquiries regarding application materials should be made to Peter Brunjes, Associate Dean, GSAS, 437 Cabell Hall, UVA, Charlottesville, VA  22903.  Telephone: (434) 924-7184.