Follow Us
If you're having accessibility issues, please let us know.
Application Info
The MSU Department of Economics offers a challenging and rewarding academic program, distinguished-yet-accessible faculty, and a friendly, supportive environment for study.
To apply, you must use the online link below and submit all required materials by Dec. 15.
Please read the following information completely before you apply. The key information is listed below, and the most common questions we receive are answered in the FAQ section.
We only accept electronic applications submitted through grad.msu.edu/apply.
The application deadline is Dec. 15.
Only complete applications are reviewed, which must include the following components:
Uploaded transcripts in the submission portal (which will appear after you pay the submission fee). Mailed hard copy official transcripts sealed in their original envelope is required before enrollment but not at the time of application; see logistical details in FAQ.
Note: Unofficial transcripts, GRE and language scores, SOP, and other materials such as writing sample will be requested via an automated email and can be uploaded on the MSU graduate portal after the applicant fills out and submits the electronic application form.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to log onto the online system to verify that the application is complete.
Before enrollment it is required to mail hard copy official transcripts sealed in their original envelope to
Office of Admissions
Michigan State University
Hannah Administration Building
426 Auditorium Road, Room 250
East Lansing, MI 48824-2604
Effective Spring 2015, Michigan State University requires all incoming ADMITTED students pursuing degrees or who have earned degrees from universities in China to submit a verification report (English version) through the China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Center (CDGDC) for their final bachelor degree transcripts (大学成绩单) and bachelor degree (本科学位证书).
Contact admis@msu.edu for any logistical issues.
Questions? Contact Hanzhe Zhang, Director of Graduate Admissions, hanzhe@msu.edu.
Michigan State University 486 W. Circle Drive 110 Marshall-Adams Hall East Lansing, MI 48824
Releases and StatementsIf you're having accessibility issues, please let us know.
SPARTANS WILL|© Michigan State University|
We cannot assess candidates without looking at the whole application. However, we can offer some general guidance. Our typical successful applicant has demonstrated excellence in mathematics by excelling in 7 or more undergraduate courses in mathematics (perhaps 3-4 semesters of calculus, 1-2 semesters of matrix algebra, 1-2 semesters of statistics, and 1-2 semesters of real analysis) and scores above 164 on the quantitative portion of the GRE. In addition, our typical successful applicant will possess strong English language ability (demonstrated on the GRE, TOEFL, and the application itself), solid research experience, and a strong overall academic record (demonstrated by overall GPA).
Unfortunately, due to the sequencing of our courses, we only admit students beginning in the fall semester.
Once your online application has been submitted, you will be directed to a website to enter your recommenders’ names and email addresses. They will receive emails with links to submit their letters.
Being undecided is fine—just select "Undecided." Please note that a large program such as MSU is ideal for students who are undecided because we cover many different fields.
The statement of purpose should include a discussion of 1) how your academic training has prepared you to handle the rigors of a Ph.D. program and how MSU's Ph.D. program fits with your research interests and 2) how your life experiences have prepared you to handle the rigors of a Ph.D. program. Please note, you should use this statement to provide an explanation for parts of your application that might otherwise appear weak and/or to highlight relevant aspects of your background that might not readily come through elsewhere. The statement should be no more than 2-4 double-spaced pages.
The University assesses the application fee, so the department is not able to issue any fee waiver. An application will not be considered until the Admissions Office notifies the department that the fee has been paid. Please refer to MSU graduate school’s fee waiver page: https://grad.msu.edu/application-fee-waiver.
You are welcome to include supplemental papers or a writing sample in your application, though this is optional and only test scores, transcripts, academic and personal statements, and letters of recommendations are guaranteed consideration as part of the admissions process.
No. The department will not consider any applications outside of the official admissions process. We recommend reading the characteristics of successful applications listed above to determine if you are similar to previously accepted applicants.
The Economics Department does not offer a stand-alone master’s degree in Economics.
No. All applications must contain a valid GRE score.
There is no minimum GRE score, and the admission decision is not based on GRE score alone; however, most successful applicants score above a 164 on the quantitative section.
No GRE subject tests are required for admission.
The minimum internet-based TOEFL score is 80 overall, with no subscores below 19 for reading, listening, and speaking, and no writing subscore below 22.
MSU has two procedures for acquiring waivers for the TOEFL or similar English language competency exams. Automatic waivers are provided for students with certain degrees from institutions in the U.S. or other English-speaking countries. Please see https://grad.msu.edu/english-language-competency for information on qualifying for automatic waivers. Students who do not qualify for an automatic waiver but wish to request a non-automatic waiver must still submit unofficial scores and request a waiver from the Economics Department. Granting of the waiver is not guaranteed and if the department sends it forward, the ultimate decision rests with the college and university. All other international applicants must submit official scores for their application to be processed.
The online application portal contains links to upload your statement of purpose.