Admissions

Admission Questions? Email ace-grad@illinois.edu 

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

Master of Agricultural & Applied Economics: Non-Thesis (MAAE) Program

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

Master of Science in Agricultural & Applied Economics: Thesis (MS) Program 

Applicants are considered for admission to the MS program if they have (or are enrolled in the final year of) a bachelor’s or equivalent degree comparable to degrees granted by the University of Illinois.

Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural & Applied Economics (PhD) Program

Applicants for the PhD 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 (MAAE, MS, and PhD) are STEM-designated programs under 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 the opportunity to obtain a 24-month STEM OPT extension if you meet the qualifications outlined in the overview, and laid out in more detail.

Rules and Guidelines Applicable to All Programs

A grade point average of 3.0 (A=4.0), or comparable GPA depending on the grade scale used by the institution you attended. 

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

All applicants must submit the materials listed on the Application Checklist including GRE scores (if applicable, you can request to waive the GRE). If you have a special situation that prevents you from taking the GRE, (GRE can be waived if requested by emailing ace-grad@illinois.edu after application has been submitted.) 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, an online 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
  • Application Checklist
  • Applicants need to apply using the University's online application system.

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, 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. (GRE can be waived if requested by emailing ace-grad@illinois.edu after application has been submitted.) 

Required of Ph.D. Applicants

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

Required of International Applicants

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