Economics

The Graduate Program

Graduate study in the Department of Economics stresses both applied and theoretical economics. The department’s several degree programs emphasize economic theory, econometrics, and specialized fields in applied and development economics. The department prepares students for careers in academics, government at all levels, and in international organizations. Graduate courses in the department help students master basic tools of economic theory and quantitative analysis and, further, demonstrate the means by which theoretical tools may be applied to practical problems. Faculty in the department maintain close and informal contact with graduate students, and guide research students through what are often their first major pieces of independent research.

Affiliated with the Department of Economics is the Institute for Economic Development (IED), which focuses on the economic problems of developing countries. It serves as a focal point for economic research by students, faculty, and visiting scholars. For more information on IED, contact the administrative assistant at IED, 264 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215; 617-353-4030; ied@bu.edu.

For more information about the department or program, contact the PhD Program Administrator at 617-353-4454 or acamp@bu.edu, the Master’s Program Administrator at 617-353-445 or econma@bu.edu, or visit the Department of Economics at 270 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215.

Admission

Prospective applicants are urged to visit the department’s website at www.bu.edu/econ. Departmental requirements are explained and more complete information on courses, programs of study, and expenses than can be included in this bulletin are available.

In order to be admitted in the academic year starting in September to the MAPE/PhD and PhD programs, complete applications must be submitted by January 2.

In order to be admitted to the MA, MAGDE, and MAEP programs in September, complete applications must be submitted by March 1. International applicants are strongly advised to apply and submit all required credentials by January 2.

Applications are also accepted for admission in January to the MA and MAEP programs (but not to the MAGDE, MAPE/PhD, and PhD programs). Complete applications for January admission must be received by October 1. Deadlines may be adjusted without notice.

All applicants for admission whose native language is not English are required to submit results of the TOEFL examination. Applicants are urged to take the test at the earliest possible date in order to establish their level of English competence. Retaking the test after further language training is perfectly acceptable, and later results will be substituted for earlier ones in the admission dossier.

Applicants must submit results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test. The GRE is a major factor in admission decisions and is crucial for those applying for financial aid from Boston University.