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?
You may apply for spring admission, though we strongly encourage you to apply for fall admission, particularly for the doctoral program. Doctoral core courses are offered in fall-spring sequences. Beginning the spring or summer will make it difficult to arrange a proper course schedule. Beginning the masters program during the spring semester is not quite as problematic.
When is my application due?
| Term | US Applicants | International Applicants |
| Fall | June 25 | March 1 |
| Spring | November 25 | July 15 |
| Summer | March 25 | December 15 |
If you wish to be considered for departmental funding, please submit GRE scores and application by February 1.
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, such as letters of reference, should go directly to our Graduate Economics program office at CB# 8110, Raleigh, NC 27695-8110.
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.
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
1575 Varsity Drive
Flex Lab Building
Module 6, Room 1418
Raleigh, NC 27695
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 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.
Does the graduate economics program offer financial support to master’s students?
We do not fund students at the master’s level.
How many students does the graduate economics program support each year?
On average, we fund 7-9 incoming doctoral students each year.
How large is the average incoming class?
On average, we welcome 20 new doctoral students and 25 new masters students each year.
Is the GRE required? May I submit GMAT scores in lieu of GRE scores?
The GRE is required of doctoral students who are seeking funding through the graduate economics program. The GRE is not required (though it is highly recommended) for all other students applying at the doctoral and masters level. We do not accept GMAT scores in lieu of the GRE.
What are the average GRE scores of accepted students?
Verbal: 410
Quantitative: 720
Analytical Writing: 3.0
What are the average GRE scores and GPA of funded students?
Verbal: 475
Quantitative: 750
Analytical Writing: 3.8
GPA: 3.4
For whom is the TOEFL required?
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a Graduate School requirement for nearly all international applicants. However, citizens of some countries where English is an official language are exempt from this requirement. Here is a list of those countries: http://www.ncsu.edu/grad/handbook/official_language_english.htm. Additionally, international applicants who have attended an accredited U.S. institution as a full time student in a degree program for at least one year in the past five years are exempt from the TOEFL requirement.
What are the minimum TOEFL score requirements for admission to the graduate economics program?
The Graduate School sets a minimum total score requirement for the TOEFL and for each section of the TOEFL, as well. The graduate economics program follows these requirements. The scores are listed below. The Internet Based Test (IBT) is gradually replacing other versions of the TOEFL. The minimum IBT TOEFL score for admission is 80. The minimum IBT scores for each section are:
Listening |
15 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 |
The Computer Based TOEFL score must be at least 213 total (with at least 17 on three sections and no section score below 13). The Paper Based TOEFL requires a score of at least 550 (with scores of 50 on at least two of the three sections and no section score below 45).
What percentage of program applicants are accepted?
On average, we accept approximately 75% of applicants across both master’s and doctoral programs. These numbers hold across both domestic and international applicants, though the acceptance rate of international doctoral applicants is slightly lower at 68%.
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 should submit your application by February 1.
Are international students eligible for departmental funding?
Yes. We fund several international students each year. If you are an international student interested in departmental funding, please indicate your interest on your online application form.
What percentage of funded students are international?
Approximately 70% of our funded students are international.