PhD in Economics

Become a Mason Graduate Student

All applicants for graduate study at George Mason University must meet the admission standards specified in the Admission chapter of the University Catalog.

You are responsible for submitting all required application materials by the posted deadline. Review your program's Admissions Requirements and Deadlines before you begin your application. You can also visit our Grad Admissions page for helpful hints on how best to prepare your transcripts and other Admissions materials.

Step 1: Complete and submit the online Graduate Admissions application. George Mason University requires all graduate applicants to upload all possible required supplementary materials, such as unofficial transcripts, goals statement and writing sample, at the same time you submit your application. Online applications require a non-refundable $75 application processing fee.

Step 2: Within a few days of submitting your online application, you will receive an email with your Mason G number (G#). This is a tracking number provided to all applicants that allows us to match your supporting documentation to your completed application.

Step 3: Check your application status and requirements checklist in your application portal. Initial processing takes 3 to 5 business days from the date of submission. You can use your application log-in and password to access your information throughout the application process. Graduate Admissions may send updates or notify you of issues with your application through your admissions portal, so it is best to log in periodically to monitor your application status.

Step 4: For newly admitted students, refer to the CHSS New Graduate Student webpage for tips on confirming enrollment, submitting official transcripts, registering for class and more.

The fall graduate degree seeking application opens September 15.

Program Specific Requirements

College Transcripts Goals Statement GRE Portfolio Recommendation Letters Resume Writing Sample
2

Additional Information

In addition to holding an undergraduate degree, not necessarily in economics, it is encouraged that applicants should have satisfactorily completed the following before enrolling in graduate courses:

  • Intermediate microeconomics
  • Intermediate macroeconomics
  • One year of calculus
  • One year of statistics
  • One semester each of matrix algebra and econometrics

The department considers all applications, considers them as a whole, and there is no minimum GPA or GRE required. To provide a baseline, the average incoming PhD student has a GPA of 3.60 and GRE percentile scores of 80% verbal and 80% quantitative.

The submitted GRE scores must be (general exam required) no older than 5 years. The GMAT or LSAT is not accepted in lieu of the GRE.

Students receiving funding generally score higher in all areas than our average students. We offer funding to about 25% of our incoming PhD students each year (5-10 students). Funding is awarded in the form of graduate assistantships, with stipends ranging from $8,000-18,000 and tuition waivers for 18 credit hours per academic year.

No applicant will be disadvantaged because of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak or their school’s decisions about transcripts. Our admissions review will assess applicants in the context of their curriculum and academic achievements before and after the pandemic outbreak.

There are no formal requirements for content or length for the goals statement; applicants commonly discuss their choice for economics study, interest in George Mason economics, and future or career goals, but may include any information they would like the admissions review committee to consider.

A writing sample is optional but will be reviewed if included with the application.

Application Deadlines

Priority Fall Deadline: February 01
Space Available Deadline: June 01

All applicants are encouraged to submit applications and all supporting documentation by the program’s posted priority deadline. Applying by the priority deadline ensures admissions consideration for the intended semester as well as consideration for funding opportunities (graduate assistantships and fellowships). After the priority deadline, the program will continue to review applications for admissions on a space-available basis until June 01.

The department accepts doctoral students for the fall semester only.

Additional Requirements for