Apply to Master of Arts in Economics (MAE)

Unofficial transcripts are required from all prior post-secondary institutions attended. Transcripts are not required for an institution if all grades are reflected on the transcript for a different school (for example, when a student has transferred or participated in study abroad).

To better assess the level of their prior training, candidates can provide textbook title and syllabi (in English) for the most advanced economics coursework they have taken in econometrics, microeconomics, and macroeconomics, mathematics, and statistics.

If applying to the Research Intensive Track, candidates are required to upload the final exam or, if not available, a set of materials (i.e. lecture slides, problem sets, midterm exams that demonstrates the level at which the course was taught) for the most advanced course in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, mathematics, and statistics.

Please provide a 1-page candidate statement that discusses your post-graduation plans and how the resources that the Master of Arts in Economics will make available to you will help you achieve them. You may want to discuss the coursework you would like to complete in the context of your career goals and your prior background.

If applying to the Research Intensive Track, please submit an additional 1 to 2 page statement that discusses the research plan you wish to develop while a student in the MAE program: 

Provide a description of 1 or 2 research topics that you would like to pursue and explain how your prior research background supports them.

Place the research questions in context of the coursework that you plan to complete during your MAE year.

Provide the name of a member of the research faculty who you believe will be the ideal advisor and explain why.

Applicants can submit a 5-to-10-page class paper that demonstrates their ability to synthesize research. 

If applying to the Research Intensive Track, it is required to submit a journal-length article that showcases your ability to conduct independent research. This article should, ideally, be an undergraduate thesis in Economics or the equivalent. It should include a literature review, a blend of modeling and empirical work, a clear identification strategy (if it is an applied economics article) and a discussion of the main results.

Upload a current resume or CV that reflects your work experience, education, community service, professional honors, and any other relevant information.

Recommenders must submit letters through the online application. To submit your application, you must provide the names and contact information for two recommenders in the application portal. You can submit your application prior to the actual letters being received, but you must list the names and contact information for two recommenders in order to submit. We allow a grace period of one week for receipt of recommendation letters after our deadline; applications incomplete after that grace period may be at a disadvantage in the review process.

Guidance for who to select as a recommender, as well as best practices for requesting letters, can be found on the Division of the Social Sciences website.

GRE scores are optional for all applicants. Please submit scores to institution code 1832 (any department code is acceptable).

The University of Chicago only admits students who have demonstrated a superior level of English language competence. Students are invited to submit scores from any English proficiency examination they believe represents their English language ability. If you feel as though mastery of the English language is already represented throughout your application, you are not required to submit formal exam scores.

Students who choose to submit English proficiency scores may share either official or self-reported scores. Students sharing self-reported scores will not be required to submit official score reports unless they are admitted and choose to enroll.

A non-refundable application fee is required of all applicants. Application fee waivers are available; learn more about available application fee waivers on the Division of the Social Sciences website.

Students currently enrolled in the University of Chicago's Master of Arts in Economics (MAE), MAPSS-Economics, or MACSS-Economics programs may apply for entry into the PhD program via a later application round (March 15 deadline).

Current students applying to the PhD program via the later round must supply the same application materials as other potential applicants. However, there are additional requirements as well:

1) Students must include a UChicago transcript with six graded courses from MAPSS, MAE, or MACSS. Applicants are expected to have earned grades of A- or higher in 3 graduate courses offered by the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics

2) Of the three required reference letters, at least one must come from one of tenured-track faculty in the Department of Economics.

3) Beginning with MA students beginning their studies in 2026, only MAE Research Intensive Track (RIT) and MACSS-Econ students may apply to the PhD via the late round.

The University of Chicago’s Division of Social Sciences administers applications to the doctoral program. Please email the Admissions Office to initiate your application.