The Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics receives 600-700 applications for an entering class of 20-25 students per year. The number of well-qualified applicants exceeds the number of offers we can make. Nevertheless, we strongly encourage those interested in graduate economic study to apply.
The application deadline for the 2024-2025 academic year is December 5, 2023. The University of Chicago’s Division of Social Sciences administers applications to the doctoral program. Please see the division’s webpage for an online application.
MAPSS & MACSS Student Application for Admission to the PhD Program
Students currently enrolled in the University of Chicago's MAPSS-ECON or MACSS-ECON programs may apply for entry into the PhD program.
The following admissions documents are required for current MAPSS-ECON and MACSS-ECON students:
1) A transcript with two quarters of grades from MAPSS or MACSS
2) At least one letter of recommendation from one of our tenured-track faculty
4) Statement of Purpose
5) Applicants are expected to have earned grades of A- or higher in 3 graduate courses offered by the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics
The application deadline for the 2023-2024 academic year has passed. The University of Chicago’s Division of Social Sciences administers applications to the doctoral program. Please email the Admissions Office to initiate your application.
Student Qualifications
The Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics considers a wide range of factors to evaluate each applicant including, but not limited to: Previous educational record; letters of recommendation; a writing sample; previous research experience; the applicant’s scores on the GRE and on the TOEFL or IELTS; the compatibility of the applicant’s research interests with the program strengths in the department; and any special factors that the applicant may bring to the Department’s attention. The Department evaluates each applicant on the basis of all material available; no arbitrary cut-offs in terms of a student’s grade point average or test scores are used.
The goal of the Ph.D. program is to train students for careers of research and teaching in economics, broadly defined. A primary concern in admissions is the likelihood that a student will be able to complete the Ph.D. program with distinction and embark on a successful research career. The Department looks for evidence that the applicant will be able to master the quantitative analytical methods of modern economics and will be able to do high-quality independent research. A recommendation letter is most effective when the recommender can explicitly compare the applicant’s preparation and research potential with others who have been successful in top economics Ph.D. programs. In the Statement of Academic Purpose, Writing Sample, and the choice of people to write recommendation letters, applicants should try to provide information and evidence about their academic objectives and aptitude for research in economics.
Fellowships
All PhD students enrolled in the Division of the Social Sciences will be funded for the duration of their program with funding support from the University of Chicago, external sources, or a combination of the two, regardless of citizenship or other factors. Funding support includes a full-tuition scholarship, health insurance premium (for the student only), coverage of the Graduate Student Services Fee, and a living stipend. Additional funding from department-based fellowships, awards, additional research work and teaching is common. External funding through extramural agencies is encouraged.
Campus Visit & Resources
Our next Campus Visit Days are March 28 - 29, 2024!
