PhD in Economics

In order to be successful in our program, you should have a strong math foundation. This foundation is best proven through intermediate to graduate-level coursework in mathematics (e.g., linear algebra; analysis, see syllabus; and probability and statistics.) Our program DOES require the submission of official GRE scores. Additionally, we do not have a minimum GPA requirement, but any student admitted to a graduate program at KU must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the duration of their program. Note: A previous Master's degree is not required to apply to our PhD program; a previous bachelor's degree is sufficient. 

Admitted PhD students receive an offer of a five-year financial support package which includes a full tuition waiver, a paid GTA position with an academic year salary of ~$19,500 for 20 hours/week (~August 18 - May 15), a 75% health insurance subsidy, and some funding for conference travel. All complete applications received by the submission deadline (January 5) will be considered for funding. Note: For non-native or non-native-like speakers of English seeking a GTA position, priority funding consideration is given to applicants who provide a qualifying, official TOEFL (22 on Speaking section)/IELTS (7 on Speaking section) score with their initial application.

If helpful, you can estimate tuition costs using KU’s tuition calculator. Be sure to select “Nonresident”, if you are not a Kansas resident. You will then select “Graduate Student” in “Liberal Arts & Sciences.” In addition to meeting general requirements, the PhD candidate in Economics must complete a minimum of 48 credit hours of course work in economics and at least 1 credit hour of ECON 999 Doctoral Dissertation. However, most students complete more credit hours. 

• Résumé/curriculum vitae

  • Please use the following GPA calculator to determine your GPA if your degree-granting institution uses a grade/point system different from the one used in the U.S. To assist the Admissions Committee, you can list your converted GPA on your CV and the online application. Graduate Admissions confirms GPA estimates using this same GPA calculator.

• Statement of Purpose

  • You should declare your interest in the program, and its relationship to your graduate course of study and/or career objectives. It is helpful for you to specifically explain why you think the University of Kansas Economics is a good fit for you, how you can pursue your specific interests with us, and mention a professor or professors in our department whose research you find interesting. 

• Copies of official transcripts from each university or college you have attended.

  • Please do not upload grade reports from a student-accessed online portal. Transcripts should be issued from your university's Registrar's office, these usually have a seal/signature on them to denotes they are official.

  • Official transcripts (sent directly to KU from the Registrar) are not required until after you have been admitted into the PhD program.

• Three letters of recommendation

  • Contact information for your letter writers will be submitted in your application. Letter writers will then receive a request to submit a letter on your behalf electronically.

• Proof of GTA-level English proficiency if non-native or non-native-like speaker of English (If seeking a GTA position)

  • TOEFL scores should be sent by ETS to KU institution code 6871. Do not enter a department specific code, as this may cause a misrouting of your scores. IELTS should be sent to KU Graduate Admissions via the e-delivery service. PTE score sheets containing the Score Report Code and Registration ID should be emailed to graduateadm@ku.edu for verification.

• List of Math Courses

  • Please provide a one-page document on the academic courses you have taken that taught multi-variable calculus, linear algebra, and introduction to proofs. This should include a brief course description (or bulleted list of topics covered) as well as the textbook that was used.

• GRE score

  • GRE test scores should be sent by ETS to KU's institution code of 6871. Do not enter a department specific code, as this may cause a misrouting of your scores. 

For fall semesters, submit an application by January 5th. We do not typically admit students for spring semesters in our PhD program.

Application review begins immediately following the deadline and the first-round of GTA offers are typically sent in late February. Additional offers are sent through mid-April. Please aim to have all materials submitted by the deadline (this includes letters of recommendation).

Please note that there are different English proficiency requirements for admission and holding a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) position. You can read more below:



English proficiency requirements for admission

English proficiency requirements for holding a GTA position