Economics Department| Application deadlines vary for our various Master's programs. To see upcoming deadlines, visit the Graduate School Application Deadlines page. |
Application Instructions
Applicants interested in pursuing a graduate degree in economics must apply through the Duke University Graduate School. Please refer to The Graduate School's website for information about application procedures and requirements. For general admissions questions or questions about the university requirements, you may also contact the Duke Graduate School at grad-admissions@duke.edu.
Department Requirements
Writing Sample
- MAE and MSEC Programs: We strongly recommend that applicants submit an original writing sample demonstrating academic and research capabilities.
- MAPE Program: Applicants must submit an original writing sample demonstrating academic and research capabilities.
Supplemental Questionnaire
All applicants (MAE, MSEC, and MAPE) are also required to complete a supplemental questionnaire. This will be included as part of the required application materials available from the Graduate School Admissions website. If you would like to preview the questions that will be required in the application, you may download the appropriate questionnaire(s) below:
Video - MAE Applicants Only
MAE program applicants will be asked to upload a short video in the application portal not to exceed two minutes. Directions and a prompt for the video will be shared with you as you complete the application steps. The video is one additional resource to help us know who you are as a candidate and what makes your interests and experience unique or valuable.
GRE Test
The Economics Department requires Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores from applicants. Only the GRE general test is required, not the subject test. Ask Educational Testing Service to send an official copy of the scores to The Graduate School. Use institution code 5156; you do not need a department code. Please refer to The Graduate School for more information about score requirements and how to submit your score(s).
English Language Proficiency Test Scores
If your first language is not English, you must submit scores from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the academic modules of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The scores will be a decisive factor during the application review process. Please refer to The Graduate School for more information about score requirements and how to submit your score(s).
Application Fees
The application fee is $95.
The Graduate School offers an application fee waiver option to support prospective students from various populations, including those who may be experiencing economic stresses. The Department of Economics does not waive application fees.
Application Status
After submitting your online application, you can check the status of your application materials via the Applicant Portal. You should log in to this system periodically to ensure that all required application materials have been received. Incomplete applications will either not be considered or will be rejected on the basis of incompleteness.
Application Review Process
After you submit your online application, it will be made available to your department of interest within one to two business days. The actual in-depth review of your file is conducted by an admissions committee. All applications are reviewed with respect to openings in the department and the strength of other applicants. Attention is given to every aspect of an application, with an attempt made to evaluate past achievement as well as scholarly potential. Academic records, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and your statement of purpose are all taken into consideration. Admission to the Duke University Graduate School is a competitive process, and your chances of being admitted will differ from year to year depending on the strength of the applicant pool. Decisions about fall admission are generally made in February and March.
Funding
Aid offers are made on a rolling basis, as funds permit, beginning in late February.
Decision Notification
All applicants are notified of admission decisions via e-mail (we do not mail paper copies of notifications). The notification e-mail will provide instructions for accessing the online decision letter.
If You Are Accepted
If you are offered admission, unless otherwise indicated, you must notify The Graduate School of your enrollment decision through the Applicant Portal system by April 15 or within 15 days of your receipt of the admission letter, whichever is later. If we do not hear back from you by then, we will assume that you have declined the offer of admission, and your application record will be withdrawn.
Deferral of Admission
Your admission offer is valid only for the term and program indicated in the admission letter. Requests for deferral are rarely approved by The Graduate School. Valid reasons for a deferral include serious health issues, visa issues beyond the student’s control, or military service.
For more information, please contact the Master's Programs Assistant