Department of Economics: Master's FAQs

Master’s FAQs

What is the deadline for admissions?

The deadline is March 1, 2013 for Fall 2013 enrollment.

Do you admit for spring term?

No, we do not admit for spring term and we do not anticipate doing so in the future.

Can I apply if I am not an Economics major?

Yes, students from other fields can apply. An undergraduate major in Economics is not required. Except in unusual circumstances, applicants will have taken college-level economics (a minimum of introductory micro, introductory macro, and intermediate micro).

What are the minimum TOEFL/IELTS scores?

We expect international students will have a TOEFL (iBT) score of 92 or better. The minimum IELTS score for the Master's program is 7.0. Information on exemptions from these tests can be found under the UW-Madison Graduate School minimum English proficiency requirements.

What math preparation is necessary for the MS program?

For the MS program in Economics at UW-Madison, applicants are expected to have taken 3 semesters of calculus and linear algebra. In addition, applicants should have taken college-level economics, including introductory microeconomics, introductory macroeconomics, and intermediate microeconomics.

Can I apply directly to the Master’s program?

Yes, you can apply directly for the MS degree. When you fill out the graduate school application, you will be able to select the Economics MS program.

Can I apply for the Ph.D. and Master’s programs?

Yes, you can. You would submit an application for the Ph.D. The supplemental application will ask if you would also like to be considered for the Master’s program.

I am an international student. Do I need to send financial documentation with my application?

No. If you are recommended for admission by the Economics Department, the Graduate School will ask you to submit financial documentation. Information on financial documentation can be found on the Graduate School website: http://info.gradsch.wisc.edu/admin/admissions/financialinfo.html

After international applicants are recommended for admission by the department, the Graduate School will request financial documentation through OASIS (online application information system). It is very important that you save and refer to the original e-mail message you will receive from the Graduate School after you submit your application so you can access OASIS communication portal and respond to the request for financial documentation.

How important are GRE scores?

All aspects of your application are reviewed by faculty members of the admissions team. GRE scores are one component of your application and are reviewed in the context of the rest of your application.

Can I consult with faculty so I can get further input as to how I could strengthen my application?

The Department of Economics receives over 500 applications for our graduate programs each year. Given the volume of applications, it is not possible to respond to inquiries about the chances of admission, or to provide information about strengths and weaknesses in individual applications. If you have questions, please contact our graduate office at gradpro@ssc.wisc.edu

Can I get financial aid to attend the Wisconsin Masters Program?

We do not offer financial aid.

What do I do if I have submitted my supplemental application materials (transcripts, math prep form, writing sample, statement of purpose) but need to change or update them?

After you electronically sign and submit the graduate school application and supplemental application (https://www.gradsch.wisc.edu/eapp/eapp.pl), you can make changes to your supplemental application by notifying the Economics Graduate Office. Please email the Economics Graduate Office at gradpro@ssc.wisc.edu and we will re-set your application so you can make adjustments. After you have uploaded the revised materials, you will need to re-submit your supplemental application.

I am having troubles filling out the PDF math preparation form. What should I do?

You can use the Word version of the math preparation form. Please note that you will need to save this form as a PDF file before you can upload it to the supplemental application. The Economics MS supplemental application is available through the Graduate School application site: https://www.gradsch.wisc.edu/eapp/eapp.pl

If you continue to have problems, please contact us gradpro@ssc.wisc.edu

How do I check my application status?

After you complete and submit your online application with the Graduate School, you will automatically receive an email from the Graduate School with your ID. Each applicant has his/her own personalized web address in OASIS (online application information system). Please save that e-mail message for future reference.

To check your application status you can always log back into your application and you will see a link to OASIS from there. You can log into My UW to access OASIS as well.
You will need to activate your NetID and password using My UW-Madison portal at my.wisc.edu. To activate your NetID, click on the ACTIVATE NETID button located on the “My UW Madison” login screen. Enter your 10 digit student ID number and birth date. The NetID you create and password you enter are keys to your access to the MyUW portal. Make a record of it and keep it private. Follow the instructions at http://kb.wisc.edu/helpdesk/page.php?id=1140

If you are unsure about your NetID and password, contact the DoIT (Division of Information Technology) Help Desk at (608) 264-4357.