Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution with degree standards equivalent to those of the University of California. The degree need not be in economics, a degree in engineering, mathematics, statistics, or another social science may work very well. The student's cumulative GPA or the equivalent must be 3.0 or higher. In addition, students should have a strong mathematics background including, at a minimum, one year of calculus and courses in linear algebra, statistics and probability. Additional mathematics coursework is desirable. Coursework in economics is also desirable but not necessary. Finally, students must have strong skills in spoken and written English.
As part of the online application all students must submit an academic statement of purpose detailing their motivations and goals for pursuing a Ph.D. in Economics at UCI. Students who have a strong preference for UCI's Economics Ph.D. program should credibly signal that preference in their statement of purpose.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores dated within the last five years. (Test scores from the various GRE subject tests are not required). Request that the Educational Testing Service (ETS) send GRE general test scores directly to UC Irvine using institution code 4859. Recently admitted students to UCI's Ph.D. program in Economics had mean GRE scores / percentiles as follows: Verbal (159.9 / 84%), Quantitative (165.4 / 90%), Analytical Writing (4.1 / 62%).
Three letters of recommendation from professionals –preferably academic--who can address the student's ability to succeed in a rigorous economics Ph.D. program and do original research. These letters can be requested and submitted electronically via the online application system.
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary educational institutions attended. We require only a single transcript from each school attended, uploaded by the applicant. We are no longer able to accept paper documents through the mail, or to upload electronic supplemental materials on the applicant's behalf.
Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for admission consideration. All admission offers will be provisional. Those who are offered and accept admission and financial support will then be required to submit official documents before the start of the Fall term, to clear the provisional admission status.
TOEFL / IELTS scores, if required –see additional admission procedures for International Applicants below. TOEFL or IELTS test scores should be sent directly to UC Irvine by the testing agency using institution code 4859.
Applicants taking the internet-based, TOEFL-ibT, must attain a minimum score of 26/30 on the Speaking subsection and a minimum overall score of 80/120 to be considered for admission and financial support. TOEFL scores should be sent directly to UCI by Educational Testing Service using institution code 4859.
Applicants taking the IELTS must attain a minimum speaking sub-score of 8/9, a minimum overall score of 7/9 and no individual module score less than 6/9 to be considered for admission and financial support
TOEFL iBT minimum score of 80
IELTS - An overall minimum score of 7.0 for admission, with a score of no less than 6.0 on any individual module.