Graduate FAQs

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How do I apply to the graduate program?
Go to: http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu and complete an on line application. We require three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, transcripts (one set), GRE General Test and TOEFL scores. All this information does not have to arrive at the same time, but should be forwarded to the Graduate Admission Office, 18 Bishop Place, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901. There is a $65.00 fee required with the application. We will notify you before applications are reviewed if we do not have all your information.

What is the cutoff date for applications?
The deadline to apply is January 1st.

Do you admit students in the Fall and Spring?
We only have Fall admission.

Do you offer an M.A. and a Ph.D.?
We do not currently offer a terminal Master’s degree program for incoming students. However, Master's degree are awarded to doctoral students currently in the program who either: (i) wish to obtain a Master’s degree during their progress towards their Ph.D.;or (ii) have decided to end their pursuit of a Ph.D. and wish to obtain a Master’s degree.

Is it a full time program?
We are a full time day program with no evening, weekend or summer classes.

How many applications do you receive?
We receive approximately 400 applications and admit around 100. The entering class is usually between 15-25.

Do you offer financial aid?
Yes, we offer fellowships and teaching assistantships on a competitive basis.

What about GRE and TOEFL scores?
We require the GRE General test. GRE scores are valid for three years. An official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are required of non-native speakers of English. The minimum TOEFL score is 213 (computer version) and 550 (paper version), 83 (IBT). The completion of a Master’s Degree in the United States is not grounds for waiving test results. To be eligible for financial aid, you must have a TOEFL score of 250 (computer version), 600 (paper version) or
90 (IBT).

When does the admissions committee make decisions?
The committee meets in February and you will be notified of your status concerning admission and financial sometime in March. . You may also check your status on the Graduate Admissions website.

How many credits do I need to complete the program?
The Master’s program can be completed by fulfilling 30 credits and choosing one of two options: either by passing the Micro and Macroeconomic qualifying examinations or writing a Master’s essay. Doctoral students complete 48 course credits, 24 research credits, the qualifying examinations in micro and macroeconomic theory, 2 field examinations, a second year research paper, a dissertation proposal and a Ph.D.dissertation.

How long does it take students to complete the degree?
An average of 2 years for the Master’s; 5 years for the Ph.D.

Can I transfer credits?
Applications for transfer of credit must be approved by the graduate director. No core courses may be transferred.

Do you accept non-degree students?
We do accept non-degree students who are allowed to take two courses in a semester up to a total of 12 credits and must submit a transcript.  The student must also contact the faculty member for permission to take the course, after which he should call the Administrative Assistant for the Graduate Program to obtain a special permission number.

Who is the person to contact if I have a question?
You can This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. the Graduate Program,  fax 732/932-7416 or call (732) 932-7451.

Contact Us

New Jersey Hall, Room 202
75 Hamilton Street
New Brunswick, NJ
08901-1248

P  (732) 932-7363 (undergraduate)
P  (732) 932-7451 (graduate)
F  (732) 932-7416
help@econ.rutgers.edu

Rosanne Altshuler - Department Chair
Donna Ghilino - Department Administrator
Carolyn Moehling - Undergraduate Director
Norman R. Swanson - Graduate Director
Undergraduate General Help
Undergraduate Advisor

Graduate Advisor