Program Overview

Program Overview

The UC San Diego Graduate Program in Economics has long been recognized for the strong preparation its students receive in econometrics and microeconomic theory. The Department has expanded dramatically, with rapidly growing strengths in macroeconomics and applied microeconomics. The fields covered include behavioral economics, development, environmental economics, finance, labor economics, international trade, macroeconomics, political economy, and public finance, in addition to econometrics and microeconomic theory.

Program Details

• 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.

Admission Criteria

• Undergraduate GPA: 3.5 minimum on 4.0 scale. For international applicants, equivalencies will be determined.
• The Department recognizes different colleges have different grading standards and will take this into account in reviewing applications.
• In particular, the Department notes that there are a small number of prominent colleges whose grading standards are substantially harder than most colleges and may consider applicants from those institutions that narrowly miss the 3.5 minimum standard.

Application Deadlines

• Application Deadlines: December 3, 2025 (Fall 2026)
• Fall 2026 Admissions Applications will open on September 3, 2025.

Basic Requirements

• 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 tests are accepted by this department:
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
  • PTE (Pearson Test of English)
  • DET (Duolingo English Test)
• 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.