Economics Ph.D. Admissions

Admissions Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission into the Ph.D. program in Economics are:

• A baccalaureate or advanced degree from an accredited college or university, or its equivalent
• An overall grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Undergraduate Econometrics or comparable course
• Intermediate Microeconomics or a comparable undergraduate course
• Intermediate Macroeconomics or a comparable undergraduate course
• Two semesters of calculus

Applicants who do not meet these requirements may be admitted with the approval of the Graduate Director. In such cases, they may be required to complete remedial coursework under Graduate Special status before formally entering the Ph.D. program. Admission is competitive and meeting minimum qualifications is not a guarantee of admission.

Application Deadlines and Procedures

Application Deadlines 

To be considered for the Fall semester, all application materials must be submitted by February 1.

For Spring semester admission, materials must be received by October 15.

Application Procedure: U.S. Students

Applicants should submit the following:

1. All Graduate School Admissions Requirements. These include 
   1. UNR online application
   2. Official transcripts 
   3. Statement of Purpose outlining your research interests, academic preparation, and relevant experience.
2. A minimum of two and preferably three letters of recommendation. 
3. GRE or GMAT exam
4. Optional: Applicants are encouraged to provide examples of written work (e.g., articles published and/or working papers, undergraduate or graduate theses, and reports or other professional publications).

Application Procedure: International Students

Applicants should submit the following:

1. All Graduate School Admissions Requirements for International Students. These include 
   1. UNR online application
   2. Official transcripts (Certified English translations when necessary)
   3. Statement of Purpose outlining your research interests, academic preparation, and relevant experience.
   4. Official Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson, or Cambridge English exam if your educational history is from a non-English speaking country
2. A minimum of two and preferably three letters of recommendation.
3. GRE or GMAT exam
4. Optional: Applicants are encouraged to provide examples of written work (e.g., articles published and/or working papers, undergraduate or graduate theses, and reports or other professional publications).

Transfer Credit Policy

• You may transfer up to 24 graduate credits earned prior to entering the Ph.D. program if earned in a master’s degree or doctoral degree program from an accredited school.
• You may transfer 12 graduate credits earned through taking graduate courses as part of earning a bachelor's degree.
• Only courses with a grade of “B” or better are eligible for transfer.
• You may also transfer up to 18 graduate credits from certificate programs completed at the University of Nevada, Reno.
• See Graduate School website for information on transferring credits from a completed master’s degree to a doctoral program (a “master’s en route”).
• For more information on transfer credits, please see the Economics Department’s Graduate Student Handbook (hyperlink). 

International Students and Optional Practical Training (OPT) 

The Economics M.S. program is classified as a STEM degree by the U.S. Department of State (CIP Code 45.0603: Econometrics and Quantitative Economics). This designation allows international students to work in the U.S. for up to 36 months after graduation under F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT), which includes a 12-month standard period plus a 24-month STEM extension.

For more information on student visas and OPT, visit the Office of International Students and Scholars.