The Department of Economics at the University of Oregon offers graduate programs leading to master’s and doctor of philosophy (PhD) degrees. Excellence in teaching and research and a spirit of shared learning are characteristics of graduate study in economics at the University of Oregon.

Master of Economics

Fall 2025 application deadline: May 1, 2025.

Required application materials:

• UO online Graduate Application opens September 15. Application fees apply. Unofficial transcripts (all applicants). Upload unofficial transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended as part of the online application. Unofficial transcripts should show all coursework taken to date and, if applicable, the title of the degree earned and the date the degree was conferred.
• Official transcripts (admitted applicants who accept offer). If you accept an admissions offer and matriculate, you must submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities where you received a bachelor’s degree or higher. Detailed information about submitting official transcripts is available here.
• Two (2) academic letters of recommendation. Enter recommenders’ emails in the online application.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores sent from the testing center. UO institution code: 4846; Economics Department code: 1801. GRE scores are required unless you are a University of Oregon undergraduate who qualifies for a GRE waiver.
• Evidence of meeting English language requirement. All applicants for whom English is not a native language must satisfy one (1) of the English Language Proficiency criteria in order to be eligible for admission.

The final deadline for applications is May 1 for fall term admission, however decisions will be made on a rolling basis and applicants may receive their admissions decision anytime after January 1.

Questions? Contact the Graduate Coordinator

Due to the large volume of requests during the application season, please review the Frequently Asked Questions section before contacting the Graduate Coordinator by phone or email.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. This publication will be made available in accessible formats upon request.

PhD in Economics

Candidates for admission to the PhD program must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year (4-year) university, have substantial knowledge of intermediate economic theory, micro and macro, and calculus I, II, and III, including several or multi-variable calculus, elementary linear algebra, and statistics. Elementary analysis is recommended. Strong grades in economics and mathematics courses, as well as academic potential, will be important to the admissions committee.

Application Deadlines for Fall 2025:

• January 15, 2025—PhD program applications (with funding)
• April 1, 2025—PhD program applications (not applying for funding)

Required application materials:

• UO online Graduate Application opens September 15. You can pay the application fees ($70 for domestic applicants, $90 for international applicants) by credit card or check.
• Unofficial transcripts (all applicants). Upload unofficial transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended as part of the online application. Unofficial transcripts should show all coursework taken to date and, if applicable, the title of the degree earned and the date the degree was conferred.
• Official transcripts (admitted applicants who accept offer). If you accept an admissions offer, you must submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities where you received a bachelor’s degree or higher. Detailed information about submitting official transcripts is available here.
• Three (3) letters of recommendation from references who can evaluate your academic potential. Provide email addresses of your recommenders in the online application.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores sent from the testing center. The UO’s institution code is 4846; Economics Department code is 1801.
• All applicants for whom English is not a native language must satisfy one (1) of the English Language Proficiency criteria in order to be eligible for admission. NOTE: to receive full consideration, all non-native English speakers--including those with degrees from English-speaking countries--are encouraged to submit TOEFL/IETLS scores (expired scores are acceptable) to demonstrate their speaking proficiency. We give funding preference to applicants with a score of 26 on the speaking portion of the TOEFL or a 7.0 on the speaking portion of the IETLS. Test scores must be submitted by the January 15 deadline to be considered for GE funding. Use the UO code 4846 when routing official test score.
• Brief statement of purpose or personal statement, uploaded into the online application.
• Curriculum vitae or academic resume, uploaded into the online application.

Questions? Contact the Graduate Coordinator.

Due to the large volume of requests during the application season, please review the Frequently Asked Questions section before contacting the Graduate Coordinator by phone or email.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. This publication will be made available in accessible formats upon request.

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Master's Program Frequently Asked Questions

Applying

1. What items do I need to submit to apply for the graduate program?

• Completed online application. The application opens September 15 and is due May 1.
• Unofficial transcripts for all colleges or universities attended (upload in online application). More information.
• GRE scores. Use the code 4846 for the University of Oregon and 1801 for the Department of Economics. GRE scores are required unless you are a current University of Oregon undergraduate who qualifies for a GRE waiver.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score if an international student. Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or from an institution in the following countries-Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom- are exempt from this requirement. More information.

2. When does the application open?

The application portal opens on September 15 each year.

3. When is the application deadline?

Applications for the master's program are due May 1. Please note that applications that are incomplete by the deadline date will not be reviewed. All graduate students are admitted for the fall term only. 

4. When will I receive my admissions decision?

Decisions are made on a rolling basis, and applicants may receive their admissions decision any time after January 1.

5. What is the minimum GPA I need to be accepted to the graduate program?

The admissions committee are looking for students to have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, and if you have graduate level work, a 3.5 GPA at that level. Strong grades in economics and mathematics courses are especially important.

6. What types of courses should I complete in my undergraduate studies to be considered for the program?

Applicants should have a quantitative background that includes courses in economics, calculus, and statistics. Specifically they should have:

1) A two-term sequence in differential and integral calculus (at UO these courses are labeled MATH 241/242 or MATH 251/252).

2) At least one term of introductory college level statistics (at UO, MATH 243).

3) A course in both intermediate macroeconomics and intermediate microeconomics (at UO, EC 311 and EC 313).

4) An introductory course in econometrics or something similar (at UO, EC 320).

    7. What minimum test scores do I need to be considered for the program?

GRE Scores. Our Graduate Admissions and Awards Committee would like to see GRE scores at or above the 70th percentile in the quantitative and analytical sections.

TOEFL iBT or IELTS (non-native English speakers): The minimum score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) is 88. The minimum score for International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is 7.0.

   8. Do I qualify for a GRE waiver?

Current UO students with a quantitative major (e.g. economics, business, math) and an overall GPA of at least 3.2, qualify for a GRE waiver. Students at other universities and University of Oregon graduates who are not entering the master’s program in the academic year immediately following completion of their undergraduate degree do not qualify and must submit GRE scores for admissions consideration.

   9. I already have a master’s in economics. Am I eligible to apply for this program?

Students who already hold a graduate degree at the same level and discipline for which they are applying may be admitted to the University of Oregon only by petition to the Graduate School. In cases where a student already holds a similar degree, the content of the original degree must be fundamentally different from the degree to be pursued at the UO. Contact the graduate coordinator if you have questions about your eligibility.

International Students

1. How do I meet the English language requirement?

Non-native English speaking applicants for the master’s program must meet the University’s English language requirement by submitting test scores from the TOEFL iBT or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or a transcript demonstrating the applicant received a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. institution or from an institution in the following countries: Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom. We do not accept the Duolingo English Test. More information.

2. What minimum language test scores must I have to be considered for the program?

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Scores. The minimum score for the TOEFL iBT test is 88. The minimum score for IELTS is 7.0.

3. Once I accept the offer of admission, how do I apply for my visa?

International students who will be sponsored by the University of Oregon on an F-1 visa or J-1 visa must first obtain a “Certificate of Eligibility” Form I-20 or DS-2019 in order to schedule a visa appointment. Verification of a student’s financial capability to pay tuition, fees, and living expenses for at least the first year of study is required before Form I-20 or DS-2019 can be issued. More information.

Admissions

1. Does the Department of Economics offer conditional admission?

No. The department does not offer conditional admission to its graduate program.

2. Can I contact someone to learn about my chances of being admitted?

Unfortunately, we are unable to evaluate such requests. Because our entire admissions committee must evaluate each graduate program application, it is important to have all your application materials received by the specified deadlines to ensure that it receives a thoughtful review. After the deadline, the committee works as quickly as possible to notify applicants about their decision.

3. How long does it take to receive an admissions decision?

After the application deadline has passed and all materials have been received by the Department of Economics, you’ll receive a notification of admission from the department within two to three weeks. Afterward, you’ll receive a formal admission notification from the UO Office of Admissions. This notification can take four to six (4-6) weeks.

4. Is enrolling part-time an option?

Yes. See the sample program of study for more information.

Funding

1. What is the cost of attendance?

For tuition, fees, and estimated living expenses see the Office of Financial Aid’s Graduate Cost of Attendance estimates and the Office of the Registrar’s tuition and fees calculator.

2. Is funding available for the master's program?

Unfortunately, we are unable to financially assist students in our master’s degree program. Students are encouraged to seek outside funding. See the Graduate School’s list of Graduate Employee (GE) Openings, the Office of Financial Aid, and International Student and Scholar Services for opportunities.

Doctoral Program Frequently Asked Questions

Applying

1. What items do I need to submit to apply for the graduate program?

• Completed online application
• Unofficial transcripts for all colleges or universities attended (upload in online application). More information
• GRE scores. Use the code 4846 for the University of Oregon and 1801 for the Department of Economics
• Proof of satisfying the English proficiency requirement. To receive full consideration, all non-native English speakers--including those with degrees from English-speaking countries--are encouraged to submit TOEFL/IELTS scores (expired scores are acceptable) to demonstrate their speaking proficiency. We give funding preference to applicants with a score of 26 on the speaking portion of the TOEFL, or a 7.0 on the speaking portion of the IELTS. Test scores must be submitted by the January 15 deadline to be considered for GE funding. 
• Personal statement and curriculum vitae (upload in online application)

2. When does the application open?

The application portal opens on September 15 each year.

3. When are the application deadlines?

Please note that applications that are incomplete by the deadline date will not be reviewed. All graduate students are admitted for the fall term only.

PhD Program
January 15—if applying for GE funding
April 1—if not applying for GE funding

4. What is the minimum GPA I need to be accepted to the graduate program?

The admissions committee is looking for students to have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, and if you have graduate-level work, a 3.5 GPA at that level. Strong grades in economics and mathematics courses are especially important.

5. What types of courses should I complete in my undergraduate studies to be considered for the program?

At minimum, applicants should have a knowledge of intermediate economic theory, micro and macro, calculus I, II, and III, several or multi-variable calculus, elementary linear algebra, and introduction to mathematical methods of statistics. It is highly recommended that applicants have taken a real analysis class.

Applicants who are missing any of the above courses should plan to take supplemental coursework to complete these prerequisites at a college or university near them before starting the PhD program. It is fine if this coursework is in progress at the time of application and online courses are fine, though this coursework is looked at more favorably if offered by an institution that also has a brick and mortar presence.

6. What minimum test scores do I need to be considered for the program?

GRE Scores. Our Graduate Admissions and Awards Committee would like to see GRE scores at or above the 70th percentile in the quantitative and analytical sections for admission to the doctoral program. However, to be competitive for admission and appointment as a Graduate Employee, you should have GRE scores at or above the 80th percentile. 

TOEFL or IELTS (for non-native speakers of English using testing to satisfy the English proficiency requirement).The minimum score for the TOEFL iBT is 88. The minimum score for IELTS is 7.0. NOTE: to receive full consideration, all non-native English speakers--including those with degrees from English-speaking countries--are encouraged to submit TOEFL/IETLS scores (expired scores are acceptable) to demonstrate their speaking proficiency. We give funding preference to applicants with a score of 26 on the speaking portion of the TOEFL or a 7.0 on the speaking portion of the IETLS. Test scores must be submitted by the January 15 deadline to be considered for GE funding. 

International Students

1. Is the PhD program STEM classified?

Yes, the PhD program in Economics is classified as STEM (CIP Code 45.0603: Econometrics and Quantitative Economics).

2. What tests must I take to be considered for the Ph.D. program?

Non-native speakers of English must satisfy the English proficiency requirement. Tp receive full consideration, all non-native English speakers--including those with degrees from English-speaking countries--are encouraged to submit TOEFL/IETLS scores (expired scores are acceptable) to demonstrate their speaking proficiency. We give funding preference to applicants with a score of 26 on the speaking portion of the TOEFL or a 7.0 on the speaking portion of the IETLS. 

Note: Please ensure that you take these tests in plenty of time to meet the January 15 deadline to be considered for a GE appointment.

3. What minimum test scores must I have to be considered for the program?

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Scores. The minimum score for the TOEFL iBT test is 88. The minimum score for IELTS is 7.0. We give funding preference to applicants with a score of 26 on the speaking portion of the TOEFL or a 7.0 on the speaking portion of the IETLS. 

4. Once I accept the offer of admission, how do I apply for my visa?

International students who will be sponsored by the University of Oregon on an F-1 visa or J-1 visa must first obtain a “Certificate of Eligibility” Form I-20 or DS-2019 in order to schedule a visa appointment. Verification of a student’s financial capability to pay tuition, fees and living expenses for at least the first year of study is required before Form I-20 or DS-2019 can be issued. More information.

5. Can I contact someone to learn about my chances of being admitted or receiving GE funding?

Unfortunately, we are unable to evaluate such requests. Because our entire admissions committee must evaluate each graduate program application, it is important to have all your application materials received by the specified deadlines to ensure that it receives a thoughtful review. After the deadline, the committee works as quickly as possible to notify applicants about their decision.

6. How long does it take to receive an admissions decision?

After the application deadline has passed and all materials have been received by the Department of Economics, you’ll receive a notification of admission from the department within two to three (2-3) weeks. Afterward, you’ll receive a formal admission notification from the UO Office of Admissions. This notification can take four to six (4-6) weeks.

Funding

1. How much does a GE award cover?

Graduate Employee (GE) awards are available to a small number of doctoral students. The awards carry a tuition waiver and a stipend of approximately $24,092 for a nine-month (9-month) academic year. Fellowships are awarded to admitted doctoral students based on the strength of academic qualifications and potential, as documented in the admissions file.

For full consideration of an award for the following fall term, all admissions materials must be received by January 15.

2. How many students receive an award each year?

In general, the Department of Economics awards GE appointments to approximately six to ten (6-10) doctoral students each year.

3. When would I be notified about receiving financial assistance?

Applicants to the doctoral program who meet the January 15 deadline will be informed of an award decision no later than May 15. However, most award decisions are made and communicated prior to April 1.

4. If I am an unfunded student, what is the cost of attendance?

For tuition, fees, and estimated living expenses see the Office of Financial Aid’s Graduate Cost of Attendance estimates and the Office of the Registrar’s tuition and fees calculator.