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Thank you for inquiring about admission to the Ph.D. program in Economics.
The admissions application for Fall 2025 has now closed. Please also visit the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs’s website for additional information and resources.
The UC San Diego Graduate Program in Economics has long been recognized for the strong preparation its students receive in econometrics and microeconomic theory. During the last few years, our Department has expanded dramatically, with rapidly growing strengths as well in macroeconomics and applied microeconomics. Among the fields we now cover are behavioral economics, development, environmental economics, finance, labor economics, international trade, macroeconomics, political economy, and public finance, in addition to econometrics and microeconomic theory.
Information about the graduate program including program requirements, faculty, and job placement history are on this web page.
Please review all resources thoroughly, including our FAQ, and should you have additional questions, please e-mail us at econ-phdadmissions@ucsd.edu.
Please do not send hard copies of your transcripts at this time. You may upload your unofficial transcripts to the online application. We will only require official, hard copies of your transcripts if admitted and you decide to attend UC San Diego. For international students, please make sure to upload a translated copy of your transcripts.
Area of Study | School of Social Sciences |
Department | Economics |
Major | Economics |
Degree | Doctor of Philosophy |
Admissions Terms | Fall |
Additional Notes |
Carefully evaluate your qualifications against the criteria below before paying the application fee and submitting your application. |
Application Deadlines |
December 4, 2024 (Fall 2025) Fall 2025 Admissions Applications have now closed. Information on Fall 2026 Admissions will be posted soon. |
Admissions Tests |
GRE General is required. |
English Proficiency Exams (international applicants only) |
A test of English language proficiency is required for international applicants whose native language is not English and who have not studied full-time for one uninterrupted academic year at a university-level institution in which English is the language of instruction and in a country where English is a dominant language. The following test(s) are accepted by this department: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) |
Letters of Recommendation |
Minimum of 3 recommendations required. 3 letters of recommendation required. Accepts online letters of recommendation ONLY |
Statement of Purpose |
Required Accepts only the online Statement of Purpose; 2500 word limit |
Writing Sample |
Required Writing sample should be an original piece of research, paper written as part of coursework, or other written material authored by the candidate. |
Resume/CV |
Recommended Including your resume as part of your application is optional but recommended. |