Program Overview

Master of Arts in Economics

The Master of Arts in Economics program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in economics, preparing them for careers in research, academia, and industry.

Admissions

The Summer 2026 M.A. Economics application for admission opens in August of 2025. The application deadline is February 1, 2026 for international applicants and March 1, 2026 for domestic applicants; all application materials must be received by these dates for full consideration.

• Important note for international applicants: we recommend submitting application materials by January 1, if possible, as UT’s Graduate Admissions office can take up to 1 month to process international credentials, including transcripts and test scores.
• Prerequisites: An undergraduate degree in Economics is not required, but some exposure to undergraduate economics (ideally at the intermediate level) is highly recommended. The only strict requirement is a full calculus sequence (including multivariate calculus) prior to enrollment. Coursework in linear algebra and statistics are also recommended. Strong GRE scores and a high GPA in mathematics/economics coursework are expected.

Application Instructions

• Step 1: Apply online using the UT-Austin Graduate School Application for Admission. Select “Summer 2026” and “Economics- Option III” from the drop-down menus to locate the M.A. Economics application for admission.
• Step 2: Within 3 business days (72 hours) of submitting your application, the Office of Graduate Admissions will send you an acknowledgement email message containing instructions for activating your UT EID and password.
• Step 3: Upload the required application materials:
  • Transcripts: Submit electronic copies of your official transcripts to the Office of Graduate Admissions for each college or university attended.
  • GRE scores: Arrange to have your official score report sent by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores: International applicants must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores unless they are from an English-only speaking country or have earned a four-year undergraduate degree in an English-speaking country.
  • Three letters of recommendation: Letters of recommendation should be submitted electronically to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
  • Statement of purpose: Submit your statement of purpose electronically to Graduate Admissions.
  • “Mathematics preparation for graduate applicants” form: Available in the application for admission.
  • Resumé: Upload your resumé as a “miscellaneous document.”
  • Additional materials (optional): You may electronically submit other materials that you believe will enhance the quality of your application.
• Step 4: Pay the application fee. The application fee is $65 for U.S. citizens/permanent residents and $90 for international applicants.

Application Deadline

The M.A. Economics program’s application deadline is February 1 for international applicants and March 1 for domestic applicants. Though we will continue to accept late applications as long as seats remain available, priority consideration for admission and tuition reduction awards will be given to applicants who submit a completed application by the application deadline.

Decision Timeline

• Admissions decisions: The admissions committee will only review completed applications. Decisions will be made within 3-4 weeks of the application deadline, provided that a completed application is submitted by that date.
• Acceptance of admission: If admitted to the program, your offer letter will include a deadline for accepting admission. A $2,000 Program Enrollment Deposit is required to reserve your slot. The deposit is non-refundable, but will be credited towards your tuition bill in your first semester of enrollment.

Program Tracks

The M.A. Economics program offers 10-month, 18-month, and 24-month tracks to enable students to customize their educational experience. Degree requirements in each of the three tracks are identical; the primary differences between tracks are time to degree completion and cost. In your application, you will be asked to select one of the following three M.A. Economics program tracks, and to briefly explain how that degree timeline suits your academic and career goals:

• Accelerated “ACCL” 10-month track – begins in July 2026, degree awarded in May 2027
• Intermediate “INTR” 18-month track – begins in July 2026, degree awarded in December 2027
• Long “LONG” 24-month track – begins in July 2026, degree awarded in May 2028