Frequently Asked Questions

Most students begin the program in the summer term with classes typically starting in mid to late June. However, students with sufficient prior coursework or experience may opt to begin in the fall semester instead. Learn more about the summer course waiver option here.

The online application allows the option to apply for either summer or fall admission. Application deadlines for each term can be found here. If you’re not sure which term to apply for, please contact us at econ@uic.edu.

The minimum prerequisites for entry into the MA in Applied Economics program can be found on our Prerequisites page.

In order to waive summer courses and begin the program in the fall, students must meet additional requirements. Learn more about summer course waiver requirements here.

Yes! Graduate-level courses in other departments can be taken as elective coursework with the permission of the program director (and of the other department, if required).

Yes, the MA in Applied Economics is designated as a STEM degree by the Department of Homeland Security for the purposes of international students pursuing a STEM OPT extension.

Our program does not offer an organized internship program, and we do not offer direct internship placements. If a student wishes to pursue an internship independently during their time in the program, we do have a credit mechanism available for internships that can be used as an elective with the approval of the program director.

International students may be subject to additional restrictions. Further information about employment for international students can be found on the Office of International Services website.

Any Applied MA student interested in pursuing a PhD must submit a complete PhD application for admission. All applications to the PhD program are considered on an individual basis.

For summer and fall 2024 admission, GRE scores are optional. You may choose whether you wish to submit scores or not.

For students who do choose to submit scores, there is no minimum requirement. Among enrolled students, the average Quantitative score is 157, the average Analytical Writing score is 3.5 and the average Verbal score is 155. Official GRE scores should be submitted to UIC through ETS.

No, we only accept GRE scores. We do not accept scores for the GMAT or any other exam. However, for summer and fall 2024 applicants to the MA in Applied Economics, GRE scores are optional. You may choose to submit no test scores at all.

Yes! In order to be considered for admission to both programs, you should submit one application to the PhD program. In the application, you have the option to indicate that you would also like to be considered for the MA in Applied Economics should your initial PhD application be denied.

We will accommodate late applications on a case-by-case basis. Please email econ@uic.edu for more information.

We do not offer any form of tuition waivers or scholarships for students in the MA in Applied Economics program. The MA in Applied Economics is designated as a Full-Cost Recovery program, meaning students in the program are not eligible for any tuition waivers offered by the University.

In some instances, MA students may be offered paid positions to provide grading or course support within the Economics department. These are graduate hourly positions (not assistantships) and are typically awarded in the weeks leading up to the start of each semester. However, there is no guarantee that such positions will be available in every semester.

Students with external scholarships or grants (not awarded by UIC) can likely apply these toward tuition costs. Domestic students may be eligible for federal student aid through the FAFSA.

UIC does not grant application fee waivers for financial hardship. Application fee waivers are available in only a few limited instances, as explained on the Graduate Admissions website.

No fee waivers are available for the international credential fee.

Yes.  UIC is ranked in the top 15 most ethnically diverse universities in the United States.  An important resource driving change and promoting equity at UIC is the manifold voices, races, cultures, beliefs, identities, orientations and perspectives that inform the collective discourse.  The Applied Economics MA program embodies this diversity mission by attracting students from all backgrounds.

UIC is centrally located in Chicago’s booming West Loop neighborhood.   Located on the Blue Line with direct rail access to O’Hare International Airport, UIC has excellent public transportation connectivity within the city.  UIC is as much a part of Chicago’s legacy as a resilient, forward-thinking, gutsy metropolis, as Chicago is part of UIC’s legacy as an enterprising, broad-minded, spirited public research university accessible to all who aspire to achieve. UIC and the city look to one another for leadership, opportunities, and growth.

Yes. Email the program director, Kiana Yektansani at kianay@uic.edu to coordinate a visit.

Congratulations! Once you accept your offer of admission you will begin to receive further instructions from various offices across campus and from the Economics Department specifically. Further information for admission students is posted on our Admitted Students page.