1. Department of Economics
  2. Graduate
  3. Admissions

Graduate Programs in Economics

The Department of Economics accepts applications for our M.A. and Ph.D. programs through the Graduate School's application portal. Applications are accepted year-round, though the department rarely admits students for spring. Funding decisions are made each March for the following fall semester.

Expectations of Applicants

Expectations are the same for both M.A. and Ph.D. applicants since students often share core courses. Ideal applicants meet these minimum requirements:

  • Two semesters of calculus (differentiation and integration)
  • One semester of calculus-based probability and statistics (business statistics courses are not sufficient)
  • Undergraduate coursework through intermediate-level microeconomic and macroeconomic theory
  • GRE scores: Quantitative 155, Verbal 145, Analytical Writing 3.5
  • For non-native English speakers:
    • TOEFL: 80
    • IELTS: 6.5

Applicants must provide strong letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate their potential for graduate-level work. A personal statement outlining their interest in economics and relevant background is also required.

Application Process

Once an application meets Graduate School requirements, it is forwarded to the department for review. Admissions decisions are sent by email. Funding decisions are made each March ahead of the student's fall start date.

The M.A. Program

The Master of Arts degree in economics prepares students with analytical and quantitative skills for roles in business, government or data analysis. It also serves as a strong foundation for students planning to pursue a Ph.D. M.A. students must complete at least 30 graduate credit hours with a minimum 3.00 GPA.

Concentration in Financial Economics

M.A. students may pursue a concentration in financial economics. A transcript notation is awarded upon completion of specific coursework in financial engineering, linear programming, computer programming, financial derivatives and the M.A. core curriculum.

M.A. Program Information

The Ph.D. Program

A Ph.D. in economics qualifies students to teach at the university level and conduct original research in academia, government or the private sector. After completing core courses in theory and econometrics, students choose two fields of specialization: labor economics, public finance, financial economics or econometrics. Ph.D. students must complete at least 90 graduate credit hours, including 12 hours of dissertation research (ECON 799), and maintain a 3.00 GPA.

Concentration in Economics and Statistics

Students interested in data analysis can earn an M.S. in probability and statistics alongside the Ph.D. in economics by using cross-listed courses to satisfy requirements for both degrees.

Ph.D. Program Information

Contact Us

Department of Economics
Zulauf Hall 515
815-753-1031
815-752-1019 (fax)
Wei Zhang, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Studies
Zulauf Hall 505
815-753-1031
wzhang1@niu.edu
Debra Woolbright
Zulauf Hall 515
815-753-1032
woolbright@niu.edu

Office Hours

By appointment only