Admission Questions? Emailace-grad@illinois.edu

The Admissions Committee only reviews complete applications (all materials have been submitted, including reference letters, GRE scores and TOEFL scores if required.)

Deadlines

All applications for the fall semester are due January 15th. *

*Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by December 15th for full consideration for all available funding opportunities.

All applications for the spring semester are due October 15th.

Master of Science (MSc) and MAAE programs

Applicants are considered for admission to the Master of Science and MAAE programs if they have (or are enrolled in the final year of) a bachelor’s orequivalent degree comparable to degrees granted by the University of Illinois.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program

Applicants for the Doctor of Philosophy program are considered for admission if they have (or are enrolled in the final year of) a bachelor's or master’s degree.

All three of the graduate program (MSc, MAAE and PhD) areSTEM-designated programsunder the Illinois Board of Higher Education. For international students studying on an F-1 Visa who hope to work in the US after graduation, this provides theopportunityto obtain a 24-month STEM OPT extension if you meet thequalifications outlined in the overview, andlaid out in more detail.

Rules and Guidelines applicable to all programs

A grade point average of 3.0 (A=4.0), or comparable GPA for an international applicant, for the last two years of undergraduate study is a minimum requirement for admission.

For admission, the University requires international applicants whose native language is not English provide Proof of English Proficiency:

• Minimum Requirements for Admissionare on theGraduate College's website.
• Exemptions to the University English Proficiency Requirements, including exempt countries, are located on thelower part of the same page.
• Results need to be submitted directly from TOEFL/ETS or IELTS. Institution code: 1836. Department code: 99.

All applicants must submit the materials listed on theApplication Checklistincluding GRE scores. If you have a special situation that prevents you from taking the GRE, you may emailace-grad@illinois.eduto petition to waive the GRE requirement. Note that in the absence of the GRE, the success of your application will depend more heavily on the remaining application materials. If you are unable to take the GRE, a Skype interview will be required before an admissions or funding offer will be extended.

In addition to quantitative elements of the application, the following enhance an applicant's credentials:

• Evident motivation to undertake graduate study
• A clear interest in studying and researching in a focus area of the department
• Good preparation in economics and quantitative methods
• Relevant experience
• Apply through the University's Graduate College
• Application Checklist
• Applicants need to apply using theUniversity's online application system.

The Admissions Committee only reviews complete applications (all materials have been submitted, including reference letters, GRE scores and TOEFL scores if required.)

Required of All Applicants

• Application for Admission to the Graduate College and application processing fee. Includes submission of a resumé (not to exceed 750 words) and a personal statement (not to exceed 1000 words). The resumé should include any academic degrees, non-academic training and employment experience, scholastic and professional memberships, awards, and recognitions, and a list of authored and co-authored publications. The personal statement needs to include information regarding educational and career goals. The personal statement is particularly important in judging the candidate’s interests in relation to the department’s programs and faculty.
• Official academic record of all post-secondary level study completed to date. Should include courses taken, grades earned, and degrees awarded. Unofficial transcripts meet this requirement.
• Three letters of reference, preferably from those familiar with the student’s academic or research experience.
• GRE general test scores. Should include scores for verbal, quantitative, and analytical or analytical writing sections. Scores should be submitted directly from Educational Testing Service (ETS).
  Institution code: 1836. Department code: 0101.

Required of Ph.D. Applicants

• Writing Sample: Examples include a copy of a published paper, a research report, or a selected chapter from an M.S. thesis. The writing sample must be in English. There is not a word limit or page requirement.

Required of International Applicants

• Attested English translation of academic record if original not in English.
• Proof of English Proficiency Requirements for Admissionare on theGraduate College's website.
• Exemptions to the University English Proficiency Requirements, including exempt countries, are located on thelower part of the same page.
• Results need to be submitted directly from TOEFL/ETS or IELTS. Institution code: 1836. Department code: 99.

If self-funded or sponsored, appropriate financial certification. See theEvidence of Financial Resources