Graduate Program Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Who is eligible to apply to the program?
We welcome applications from anyone with a genuine interest in our program. We encourage applicants from diverse academic and professional experiences to apply. Additionally, there are specific admission requirements set by the Graduate School, such as a minimum GPA. For more details on these requirements, please visit this link.
Are applications currently being accepted?
Yes, we have a rolling admission process, meaning we are always accepting applications. However, please note that the most common application deadline is January 15, as it is the deadline for funding consideration.
What is the annual admission count for this program?
We generally admit about 5 students per year into the program, though this number has varied significantly from year to year.
What are my chances of being admitted?
Admission decisions depend on the overall pool of applicants each year, as we have a limited number of spots available. Therefore, we cannot assess individual admissibility through email. We encourage you to submit your application for full consideration, as that is the only way to evaluate your qualifications against the current applicant pool.
When will I hear about the admission decision?
While we have a rolling admissions process, the most common deadline is January 15. Admission and funding decisions for applications submitted by this deadline are typically communicated by late March.
Can I contact the department regarding the application process?
Yes, you may contact department (are@uconn.edu) with questions about your application. However, we ask that you review our website and FAQs first, as they may address your inquiries and help you find the information you need.
Cost, Funding & Waivers
Can you provide an estimate of the costs associated with the graduate program, including accommodation expenses?
Tuition rates are set by the University and are not determined by individual departments. For detailed information on tuition and fees, please visit this page. Additionally, you can find relevant information about costs at this link. Please note that we often offer funding to our graduate students, which includes a tuition waiver and stipends. More details can be found here.
Do you offer funding to students?
Yes, we provide funding to students through Graduate Assistantships, which include a tuition waiver and a stipend set by the university. For more detailed information, please visit here. Note that the availability of funding can vary significantly from year to year, and it is generally more accessible to our PhD students than to MS students. Consequently, not all admitted PhD or MS students receive full funding; full funding is awarded to a select group based on qualifications and available resources.
Do you provide funding to MS students?
Funding for MS students is limited compared to the availability of funding for PhD students. While we do offer some funding opportunities, they are generally more accessible for PhD students.
What are my chances of receiving funding?
Funding decisions are based on the qualifications of applicants and the availability of funding, which can vary significantly from year to year. As a result, we cannot assess individual funding prospects through email. We encourage you to submit your application for full consideration, as this is the only way to evaluate your eligibility for funding.
Can I obtain a waiver for the application fee?
The application fee is determined by the Graduate School at the university level, so individual departments do not have control over it. However, there are several opportunities for fee waivers available. You can find more information here: Application Fee Waivers.
Given my financial situation, am I eligible for a GRE waiver?
Unfortunately, the GRE remains a requirement for anyone seeking funding.
Department Application Requirements
What are admission criteria?
We carefully evaluate every aspect of each application. This includes undergraduate and graduate coursework and GPAs, work experience, research achievements, letters of recommendation, personal statements, GRE scores, and any other accomplishments or relevant circumstances shared by the applicant. Each component is considered to gain a comprehensive understanding of the applicant’s qualifications and potential for success in our program.
Which mathematics courses are recommended prior to applying?
We expect students to have a solid quantitative background to succeed in the coursework. This includes multivariable calculus, statistics, and econometrics. Additional mathematics courses, such as linear algebra, differential equations, and real analysis, are beneficial but not required. Additionally, experience with core economics courses, including microeconomics and macroeconomics, is also expected.
Is it necessary to submit writing samples as part of the application?
While submitting writing samples is highly recommended, it is not mandatory. However, most applicants do choose to provide writing samples, such as term papers or theses, to enhance their application.
Can my work experience be considered to fulfill the quantitative requirement for admission?
Job experience is valued and will be considered in the admission criteria, as we highly regard professional experiences. However, a quantitative background is a separate criterion, and we expect students to possess a sufficient quantitative foundation before entering the program to ensure their success in the coursework.
What is the minimum GRE score required for admission?
There is no minimum GRE score required for admission. We consider the GRE as one component of a holistic review process, taking into account various aspects of your application.
What is the typical competitive GRE quantitative score for applicants to this program?
We do not have statistics on average GRE scores. However, please note that the GRE is only one component of the application, and we do not impose a minimum score for consideration.
Can the GRE be waived?
The GRE is not mandatory for admission; however, it is required for applicants seeking funding. If you are applying for funding, you will need to submit your GRE scores.
What if I cannot travel to the GRE testing center?
We do accept at-home GRE testing, provided it is officially administered by ETS.
Is it acceptable to submit an unofficial transcript with my application and provide the official transcript later upon admission?
Yes, you can upload an unofficial transcript for the initial part of the application process. However, official transcripts will be required if you are officially accepted. The Graduate School will request these to verify that your GPA meets the minimum requirement of 3.0. Many applicants choose to submit their official transcripts right away to save time, but doing so is not mandatory.
Program Details & Recommendations
Is the MS program STEM designated?
Yes, the MS program is STEM designated.
Do you accept students starting in the Spring semester?
The acceptance of students for the spring semester depends on the program you are applying to. For the MS program, we do accept students in the spring. For the PhD program, while we also accept students for the spring semester, priority for admission and funding is given to those starting in the fall, as most of our coursework is sequenced to begin then. PhD students who start in the spring typically spend that semester taking master’s level courses or other relevant classes that do not require first-year coursework, helping them prepare for the fall semester’s coursework.
I’m undecided whether I should apply to the MS program or the PhD program. What should I do?
You have several options:
- You can apply for both the MS and PhD programs; however, please note that you will need to pay the application fee for each.
- You may apply for the PhD program and indicate your willingness to start in the MS program if the admissions committee believes you are not yet ready for the PhD track. In this case, you would take MS courses during your first year and transition to the PhD program the following year once you are prepared.
- Alternatively, you can apply for the MS program with the intention of applying to the PhD program later while you are enrolled in the MS program.
Do you accept students into the PhD program with a bachelor’s degree (without a master’s degree)?
Yes, we accept students directly from undergraduate programs without requiring a master’s degree.
Is it possible for students without a quantitative background to be admitted, and can they fulfill the requirements through options like summer courses or additional coursework during the semester?
We expect students to have a solid quantitative background to succeed in the coursework. This includes multivariable calculus, statistics, and econometrics. Additional mathematics courses, such as linear algebra, differential equations, and real analysis, are beneficial but not required. If you have not taken multivariable calculus, we strongly recommend completing it before applying.
Are the admission criteria for the PhD program comparable to those of the MS program?
The admission criteria for the PhD and MS programs are quite different. As expected, the standards for PhD admission are much more stringent. Prospective PhD students must demonstrate their capability to handle rigorous coursework and exhibit strong potential for conducting research.
Should I contact a potential supervisor before applying?
While it is not required, we encourage you to reach out to faculty members whose research aligns with your interests, especially if you are applying to the PhD program. Contacting potential supervisors can help you determine whether their research focus matches your own and explore the possibility of them serving as your advisor.
Can I apply without identifying a faculty advisor, or will one be assigned during the application process?
You do not need to have a faculty advisor to apply. You can identify potential advisors whose research interests align with yours in your application. After admission, you will select your advisors during your second year, and they can differ from those you listed in your application.