Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to the graduate program in economics?
You can find the online application form at http://www.ncsu.edu/gradprospect. To start your application, choose "APPLY NOW!" and click "Create Account." Once you create your applicant account, you will see a message that acknowledges the activation of your account and provides a link for you to begin the application process. You will receive an e-mail containing the PIN and password you need in the future to return to your online application and check its status.
Do you accept paper applications?
We do not. The Graduate School at NC State University accepts only those applications submitted through their online system at: http://www.ncsu.edu/gradprospect
May I apply for spring admission?
The PhD program admits students beginning in the fall semester only. Students applying for the masters program may be admitted for either fall or spring semester, but fall admission is recommended.
When is my application due?
| Term | US Applicants | International Applicants |
| Fall | June 1 | March 1 |
| Spring | November 1 | July 1 |
If you wish to be considered for departmental funding, your completed application (including GRE scores) must be submitted by February 1.
Please note, especially when considering application priority deadlines, that the application must be complete, with all components of the application received by the Graduate School, by the deadline date. This includes payment of the application fee. Students should periodically check the completeness of their application using the online application tool to ensure that the deadline is met.
Where do I send my transcripts, official test scores and letters of reference? Documentation such as transcripts should go directly to the NC State University Graduate School at CB # 7102, Raleigh, NC 27695-7102. Official test scores should be sent directly to the Graduate School from ETS. All other supporting documentation should be submitted through the online application.
Is the GRE required? May I submit GMAT scores in lieu of GRE scores?
The GRE is required of all students applying for the PhD program. The GRE is not required (though it is highly recommended) for students applying for the masters programs. We do not accept GMAT scores in lieu of the GRE.
What are the ETS codes for NC State University and the graduate economics program?
The ETS code for NCSU is 5496. The ETS code for the graduate economics program is 1801.
I only have a bachelors degree. May I apply for admission to the PhD program?
Yes. Please see the Admissions page for more information about program prerequisites.
Is it possible to have my application fee waived?
The graduate economics program cannot waive your application fee. Only the NCSU Graduate School has that authority. The Graduate School may, in circumstances of documented financial need, waive the application fee. If you would like to request a fee waiver, first submit your application and indicate that you will pay the fee by check. Next, contact the Financial Aid Office of your current or most recent college or university and request that they compose an affidavit attesting to your financial need for a fee waiver. You can send this to the Graduate School at the appropriate address below. If your fee waiver is approved, you will receive an official letter to notify you of the decision. International students are not eligible to receive an application fee waiver.
For U.S. Postal Service:
Graduate Admissions Office
North Carolina State University
Box 7102
Raleigh, NC 27695-7102
For all Couriers Requiring a Street Address:
Graduate Admissions Office
North Carolina State University
Research III Building
Room 240
1005 Capability Drive
Raleigh, NC 27606
Does the graduate economics program offer financial support?
The Economics Graduate Program offers financial assistance to qualified doctoral students in the form of teaching assistantships, research assistantships and, rarely, fellowships. We do not offer funding to master's students. Awards are merit-based, determined by an applicant's academic history and predicted success in the program.
In most cases, students receiving an assistantship are also eligible for the Graduate Student Support Plan (GSSP). The Graduate Student Support Plan is a highly competitive support package used to attract top students to NC State. Under the Plan, students who are supported on a teaching or research assistantship or a fellowship of at least $666.67 per month and who meet the minimum registration requirement receive (at no cost to the student and for a limited number of semesters) health insurance and payment of tuition.
How do I apply for a research assistantship (RA) or a teaching assistantship (TA)?
During the online application process, you will be given the opportunity to indicate your interest in being considered for departmental funding by an RA or TA. No additional materials are required for consideration for an RA or TA. If you are interested in departmental funding through an RA or TA, you must submit your completed application by February 1.
Does the graduate economics program offer financial support to master’s students?
We do not fund students at the master’s level.
Are international students eligible for departmental funding?
We do consider international students who have completed at least one year of study at a North American university for departmental funding via teaching or research assistantships.
If you are an international student interested in departmental funding, please indicate your interest on your online application form.
What percentage of program applicants are accepted?
For the Fall 2009 semester, we accepted roughly 50% of applicants across both masters and doctoral programs. For the doctoral program, we admitted 62% of domestic applicants (including permanent residents) and 54% of international student applicants. For the masters programs, we admitted 82% of domestic student applicants and 30% of international student applicants.
How large is the average incoming class?
On average, we welcome 20 new doctoral students and 25 new masters students each year.
How many students does the graduate economics program support each year?
On average, we fund 7-9 incoming doctoral students each year.
What are the average GRE scores of accepted students?
Verbal: 495
Quantitative: 759
Analytical Writing: 3.9
What are the average GRE scores of funded students?
Verbal: 574
Quantitative: 774
Analytical Writing: 4.6
What percentage of funded students are international?
Approximately 70% of our funded students are international.
For whom is the TOEFL required?
The Graduate School requires that all international applicants, regardless of citizenship, demonstrate proficiency in English at a level necessary to be successful in a graduate program at NC State. One way that international applicants may demonstrate proficiency is by providing a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 80 on the Internet-based Test (iBT), with minimum test scores for each section as follows:
Listening |
18 points |
Reading |
20 points |
Writing |
20 points |
Speaking |
20 points - for admission to the Graduate School |
23 points - for TA appointment where TA has direct verbal interactions with students |
|
26 points - for TA appointment where TA presents lectures in the class or laboratory |
If the iBT version is not available in your location, scores for the Computer Based TOEFL or Paper Based TOEFL may be submitted. For the Computer Based TOEFL, the score must be at least 213 total (with at least 17 on three sections and no section score below 13). For the Paper Based TOEFL, a score of at least 550 is required (with scores of 50 on at least two of the three sections and no section score below 45).
Can I submit International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores instead of the TOEFL scores?
Yes, international applicants can submit International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores instead of the TOEFL. To demonstrate English proficiency, students must have an overall band score of at least 6.5, with minimum test scores for each section as follows:
Listening |
6.5 |
Reading |
6.5 |
Writing |
6.5 |
Speaking |
6.5 - for admission to the Graduate School |
7.0 - for TA appointment where TA has direct verbal interactions with students |
Are any international students exempted from the TOEFL requirement?
Yes, international applicants who meet either of the following criteria are generally considered to be English language proficient and are therefore exempt from the TOEFL requirement.
1. the applicant is a citizen of a country where English is an official language and the language of instruction in higher education. A list of these countries is provided here: http://www.ncsu.edu/grad/handbook/official_language_english.htm.
2. the applicant has successfully completed at least one year of full-time study in a degree program at a four-year US college or university within the last five years.
More information about the Graduate School's English language proficiency requirement can be found here.