Applicants must fulfill University requirements for admission to graduate status described in the section “Graduate Education at UCSB” in addition to the departmental requirements for admission detailed below.
Doctor of Philosophy—Economics (Requirements - PDF)
Master of Arts—Economics (Requirements - PDF) (Based on successful completion of first year Ph.D. program requirements)
Admission Information
Admissions decisions are made by the departmental Graduate Faculty Admissions Committee, which is chaired by the Director of Graduate Studies. Admission to the program is based on academic achievement, intellectual potential and scholarly promise, programmatic fit and available space. A bachelor's degree is required, though not necessarily with a major in economics. The department expects that specific courses, particularly economic theory (Microeconomics and Macroeconomics), be passed with distinction. Most successful candidates also have course in Econometrics.
Prospective students are expected to have a bachelor’s degree and have taken specific Economic Theory courses, such as Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. Most successful candidates have also taken Econometrics courses, and it is recommended that candidates have also taken as many courses in advanced Mathematics and Statistics as possible, such as Calculus, Mathematical Statistics, Matrix and Linear Algebra. It is highly recommended to take one proof-based course, ideally in Real Analysis.
Admission and Diversity
Admission to the PhD program in Economics focuses on identifying students of outstanding promise. There is no single criterion for admission, but we emphasize previous academic success as indicated by coursework in economics and mathematics, excellent grades, strong scores on the GRE general exam, essays, Resume or CV, and three letters of recommendation. Effective letters of recommendation are written by mentors who can speak directly to the candidate’s ability to excel in graduate school and to conduct independent research. Students are advised that it is most effective to obtain letters from Economics Faculty.
The UC Santa Barbara Department of Economics actively seeks to recruit a diverse set of graduate students. Our program is made up domestic and international students with a wide range of perspectives and experiences. We welcome students from colleges and universities in the United States and abroad. We strongly encourage applications from students who have excelled academically despite economic or social disadvantages.
While admission is competitive and based on merit alone, the University may provide extra fellowships to candidates who increase diversity. Criteria for diversity are varied, and applicants should read the information provided on the UC Santa Barbara Graduate Division website and include relevant elements in the personal statement.
Although the minimum undergraduate grade point average requirement for admission to graduate school at UC Santa Barbara is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, the average for those admitted and starting the program is normally much higher. Meeting the minimum requirement does not guarantee admission.
The average undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, as well as information on the size of the applicant pool, how many were admitted, and how many started the program are listed online at econ.ucsb.edu/programs/graduate.
All applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and the GMAT is never accepted.
Optional Interdisciplinary Emphases
Students pursuing a doctoral degree in Economics may petition to add the following Optional Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Emphases: Climate Sciences and Climate Change, Demography, Economics and Environmental Science (EES).
Requirement sheets for each emphasis may be found on this page.