How to Apply

Basic Expectations for Admission

To be admitted to the program, a student should show demonstrated excellence in undergraduate studies, possess likely aptitude for graduate work of an applied nature, and a satisfactory knowledge of calculus and intermediate level microeconomic and macroeconomic theory. A student need not be an undergraduate economics major. The specific departmental requirements for regular admittance to the graduate program are as follows:

  1. An undergraduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  2. Completion of intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics with a grade B or better.
  3. Evidence of proficiency in calculus and statisitcs with a grade of B or better.

A student who is deficient in one or more of the above criteria, particularly in the third, but who exhibits good prospects for successful performance in the program may be admitted on provisional graduate status.

Any student who has not previously received credit in ECNS 301 and 302, or the equivalent, must take the missing courses before admittance to full graduate status.

Additional Requirement for International Students:

Students whose native language is not English, must submit TOEFL, IELTS or MELAB scores to be admitted as a graduate non-degree or graduate degree seeking student. If the TOEFL score is below 580 (paper-based), 237 (computer-based) or 92 (internet-based), the IELTS score is below 6.5 or the MELAB score is below 82, applicants may be admitted provisionally into a graduate program or as a graduate non-degree student and be required to complete English as a Second Language course(s).

Application Requirements

An Application to the University of Montana Graduate School includes:

  • A completed online application through the University of Montana Graduate School website 
  • 3 letters of recommendation submitted online
  • Short personal statement of purpose
  • TOEFL scores (Non-native English speakers)
  • Payment of application fee - non-refundable $60 application fee 

The following should be sent directly to the Economics Department:

  • Official undergraduate transcripts (can be sent electronically)

Deadline and Admission

We accept applications on a rolling basis, but applicants who submit a completed application before March 1 will be given priority for the following Fall semester.

Completed applications for admission to the program will be reviewed by the faculty graduate committee. Please apply at least two months prior to the term you expect to enter.

Funding

Financial aid, usually in the form of teaching assistantships (TAs) is available on a competitive basis. Applications for teaching assistantships will be reviewed and awards made for the following academic year in mid-April. Priority in financial aid is given to students who have never received aid or those who have excelled in past assistantship duties.

Graduate School: Tuition and Funding