Application Requirements
The following materials are required as noted for all graduate Economics programs (MA and PhD). Heading link
1. Online Application
Required for all programs.
To begin your application, follow the link below to the application page. Then scroll down to the search box, type in “Economics,” and select the appropriate degree program.
2. Application fee(s)
Required for all programs.
All applicants must pay the $70 general application fee. Applicants with academic credentials from institutions outside the U.S. will be assessed an additional international credential evaluation fee of $100.
Fee waivers are only available in a few very limited instances; waivers are not available for financial hardship. The international credential evaluation fee is never waived.
3. Transcripts and degree certificates/diplomas from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended:
Required for all programs.
Transcripts, degree certificates, diplomas, etc. may be required from all current or previous undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. These requirements are dictated by the Graduate Admissions Office. All transcripts and academic records must be submitted electronically through the application. See the links below for specific requirements.
4. Proof of English proficiency
Required for all programs.
Proof of English proficiency may be required based on the country or territory in which an applicant previously studied. Most applicants choose to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to meet these requirements. UIC’s minimum required scores for these exams are below.
Minimum Score Requirements
| Minimum Score Requirements | TOEFL iBT | IELTS Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Total Score | 80 | 6.5 |
| Listening | 17 | 6 |
| Writing | 21 | 6 |
| Reading | 19 | 6 |
| Speaking | 20 | 6 |
4. Proof of English proficiency
For Ph.D. applicants – English proficiency is an important consideration in our admission reviews, and students have a much better chance of admission when they exceed the minimum score requirements. While we evaluate English scores in the context of the application as a whole, successful applicants generally have TOEFL scores of 100+ or IELTS band scores of 7.5+.
5. GRE Test scores
Optional for MA in Applied Economics.
Applicants to the MA in Applied Economics can choose whether or not to submit scores. Any submitted scores will be taken into consideration in the admission review process. Applicants who choose not to submit scores will not be penalized in any way.
Required for PhD in Economics.
Applicants to the PhD n Economics will not be considered without GRE scores. No GRE waivers are issued for these applicants.
Score submission:
GRE scores should be reported to the university by the Educational Testing Service. UIC’s reporting code is 1851. These scores will be delivered to UIC and matched to your application file.
6. Three Letters of Recommendation
Required for all programs.
Letters should be on letterhead stationary from the recommender’s institution. Form and content is at the discretion of the recommender. Recommenders may be from either inside or outside academia, but should have knowledge of the applicant’s potential for graduate study. The online application system will request the name and email address of each recommender, and send them an email requesting that they upload their letters directly to the system.
7. Personal Statement
Required for all programs.
Applicants should submit a one-page statement summarizing their reasons for pursuing graduate study in Economics and their plans and objectives.
8. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Required for all programs.
Applicants may submit either a resume or CV.
9. Writing Sample
Optional for MA in Applied Economics applicants.
Required for PhD in Economics applicants.
Writing samples may include any item that you feel supports your application and speaks to your preparation for graduate study, such as an academic paper completed in a previous course.
Additional Application Instructions Heading link
Please visit UIC’s central Office of Admissions website for information about the online application system and specific requirements for transcripts/degree certificates/diplomas and English-language proficiency. If you have any questions or problems with the online application system itself, please contact Graduate Admissions directly.
When uploading materials to the online application system, we have provided one extra section titled “Optional Miscellaneous Document.” Should you decide to submit any extra supporting documents for consideration alongside your other application materials, please submit them as one file in this section. Do not upload extra materials under the sections for required materials (for example, uploading an extra writing sample under “Personal Statement”.) Do not upload academic credentials in these optional fields; academic credentials should only be submitted in their designated upload fields.
If your application remains incomplete for a long period of time, you will be sent a notification email requesting the missing materials. Should the Department of Economics or its Graduate Admissions Committee determine that additional materials are needed, an upload section will be added to the online application system and a notification email generated, or the Department of Economics will contact the applicant directly.
International Applicants Heading link
Any questions regarding visa applications or other concerns should be directed to the Office of International Services. If you are admitted to the program, OIS will contact you regarding the I-20 and supporting documents as soon as they have received your official letter of admission from the Office of Admissions. They will require an Affidavit of Support form and a supporting financial document. Please find the forms and contact information on the OIS website. While the upload fields for the OIS documents are available immediately, you do not have to upload these documents before your application deadline, as they are not utilized by the Graduate Admissions Committee for application consideration.
Non-Degree Admission Heading link
Applicants wishing only to take graduate level courses and not pursue a full degree may apply for general unassigned non-degree graduate status. The only documentation required is an application, application fee and proof of undergraduate degree (transcript and degree certificate/diploma). Non-degree applicants may later apply for a degree program and, if accepted, transfer up to 12 hours of credit earned as a non-degree student to their degree. Non-degree status is available only to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.