What is the application deadline?

Our application deadline for Fall 2026 is December 2, 2025. All completed applications received by the December 2, 2025 deadline will be reviewed, and admissions decisions will be made without regard to the date of submission of the application.

Can you send me information on the Ph.D. program in Economics?

All information about our Ph.D. program is available on our website.

Do you offer a master's program in Economics? If so, how do I apply?

Our department offers admission only to students interested in earning a Ph.D. in economics. Our program is not designed for students who are interested only in a Master's degree. However, our Ph.D. students may obtain an M.A. degree during their program, either as a terminal degree for students leaving the Ph.D. program or as an intermediate sign of achievement for students who are continuing in the Ph.D. program.

For students who are interested in applied economics, but are not pursuing a Ph.D., our Department offers a stand-alone Master of Science in Applied Economics. This program is not designed to be a stepping stone to a Ph.D. in economics. Please visit the UMD ECON Masters Program website for more information.

Do you offer a part-time program?

Our Ph.D. program in Economics is strictly a full-time program.

Do you offer spring or summer admission?

Applicants are considered for admission to the fall term only. There is no spring or summer admission.

Where can I find an application for the Ph.D. program in Economics?

The University of Maryland's Graduate School accepts applications through its GradApply application system. Before completing the application, applicants are asked to check the Graduate School for specific instructions.

Where do I send my application materials?

As required by the Graduate School, all application materials are to be submitted electronically:

  • Graduate Application
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (Required for Fall 2026)

  • TOEFL/IELTS

    All applicants, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate English language proficiency. Applicants are automatically deemed to have met this requirement if they hold a degree from a university in the United States or from an English-speaking country included on the UMD Graduate School’s list (the list can be found at the bottom of the page). This decision rule is based solely on the country in which you were educated, and not on your citizenship.

    All students who do not automatically meet the English proficiency requirement must provide proof of an English language test score above a threshold deemed by the University as adequate for “full enrollment” as described on UMD's English Language Proficiency Requirements page. Our department will not consider for admission to our Ph.D. program any applicant whose TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores do not meet the requirement for full enrollment at the time of application. No exceptions will be made.

  • Transcripts from all institutions attended after high school or secondary school whether or not a degree was granted. An official copy of all previous degrees/diplomas and transcripts issued in the original language with a literal English translation. The transcripts should be uploaded into your online application.
  • Statement of purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Program/Department supporting documents
  • Non-refundable application fee of $75 for each program to which an applicant applies

The electronic submission of application materials helps expedite the review of an application.

When and how will I be notified of the admissions decision?

Admissions decisions are usually made by early March. We will send an offer letter of admission by email. If you are not offered admission, you will receive a formal rejection letter directly from the Graduate School.

How can I pay the application fee?

Applicants must pay the non-refundable $75 application fee with a credit card during the electronic application process.

The application fee is handled directly through the Graduate School. Please note that only credit cards are accepted.

How much is the application fee? Can it be waived? Can I pay the fee after I find out if I have been admitted?

You will be assessed a non-refundable $75 application processing fee for each program to which you apply. You are responsible for paying this fee whether or not you are offered admission or choose to enroll. You must pay your application fee online. Your application will not be processed until you pay your application fee and the payment is authorized.

Unfortunately, as a department, we cannot waive the application fees, even in deserving cases.

Please visit the UMD graduate school's page on fee waiver eligibility for more information.

I am interested in an assistantship or fellowship. Do I submit a separate application for funding?

It is not necessary to submit a separate application for funding. All applicants will be considered for assistantships and fellowships through the regular application review process.

I am currently in a Ph.D. program. How can I transfer to your program?

You will need to apply through our regular admissions process, and your application will be evaluated along with the other applications that we receive from students seeking admission to the program.

In general, credits do not transfer. A student can petition the Graduate School to allow coursework from another institution to count toward coursework requirements in the department, but permission is not automatically granted. Students who have completed coursework at another Ph.D. program can opt to try to pass our first-year comprehensive exams upon entering the program rather than take our first-year coursework, but virtually all transfer students end up taking our first-year courses upon arrival.

How can I check the status of my application?

You can visit the UMD GradApply website to check the status of your application to the University of Maryland.

I am having technical problems with my University Online Application or the Application Supplemental Form. What should I do?

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Graduate School online application helpdesk for any technical issues.

What kind of mathematics preparation do I need in order to be admitted?

It is extremely rare for us to admit a student who has not completed the equivalent of three semesters of calculus, a semester of linear algebra, and a semester in differential equations at the time of application. The overwhelming majority of admitted students have also completed coursework in real analysis or other upper-level mathematics courses.

If I send an email to you with information on my GPA, my GRE scores, the courses that I have taken, and my work experience, can you assess the probability that I will be admitted to the Ph.D. program?

Because of the large number of inquiries we receive concerning admission to our Ph.D. program, and the large number of completed applications we receive, we cannot assess an individual's probability of admission without evaluating that individual's completed application and the completed applications of all other applicants.

In general, our admitted students have GPA's well above a "B" average, particularly in economics and mathematics; very high GRE's (particularly quantitative); math preparation that includes at a minimum three semesters of calculus, a semester of linear algebra, and a semester of differential equations; and three excellent letters of reference that speak to an applicant's potential to successfully complete a Ph.D. in economics.

Can I reapply if I am denied admission? How do I reapply?

Yes. We maintain application materials for one year. If you wish to reapply, you must submit a new application and application fee. If you would like to update any other supporting materials, please do so. You can also request that supporting materials in a prior application be used for your new application.

Are there graduate-level, non-degree options at the University of Maryland? If so, how can I apply?

Non-degree seeking students wishing to take graduate classes at the University should apply as Advanced Special Students. For more information on Advanced Special Student status, see the UMD Graduate School information page on non-degree admissions.

Advanced Special Student status is not available to students in F-1 or J-1 status. These students should consult with the Office of International Student and Scholar Services at 301-314-7740 if they have questions about exceptions in this category.