School of Economics

Admission to the School of Economics is competitive. While an undergraduate degree in economics or a related field is desirable, it is not essential for admission. The School of Economics prioritizes the applicant’s capacity for graduate study, quantitative reasoning, and the quality of previous work. See below a list of required and recommended courses.

• Applicants seeking admission are expected to achieve a B grade or higher in these courses and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Those seeking funding are generally expected to achieve an A- grade or better in most required courses and have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Applicants with lower grades or GPAs may still be considered for admission and funding if they can demonstrate unique experiences that show strong knowledge, skills, determination, and the ability to succeed in a rigorous graduate program, as well as the potential to make an outstanding contribution to the School of Economics.

Please visit the UMaine Undergraduate Catalog’s Course Search to view course descriptions for each of the UMaine equivalent courses listed in this table.

Other Requirements

In addition to the required and recommended courses listed above, we expect:

1. Statement of Purpose (personal essay). This is a crucial component of your application, as it needs to clearly express why you are well-suited for our program and why our program is well-suited for you within the context of specific academic and professional goals. Your essay should also showcase your potential to overcome challenges and succeed.
2. Three strong letters of recommendation from faculty who have taught courses included in our admission requirements and/or other mentors of related work (e.g., thesis/research advisor, job supervisor, etc.). These letters should speak to your ability to succeed in a challenging graduate program.
3. A curriculum vitae/resume demonstrating a strong work ethic and interest in gaining applicable skills/knowledge outside the classroom.

English proficiency test scores (e.g., TOEFL and IELTS)

Official English proficiency exam scores are required, unless you have obtained a degree from an English-speaking institution. For details on whether you need to submit a proficiency test score, please visit the Graduate School website or contact them via email at graduate@maine.edu.

The University of Maine requires the following minimum English proficiency scores for admission: TOEFL score of 82, IELTS score of 6.5, Duolingo score of 115, or Pearson PTE score of 65. To be eligible for funding, the minimum scores are higher: TOEFL score of 98, IELTS score of 7, Duolingo score of 130, or Pearson PTE score of 75.

Application Checklist

Prospective graduate students must submit their application to the School of Economics through the University of Maine’s Graduate School. A complete application includes:

• The application form.
• Statement of Purpose.
• Resume/CV.
• Official transcripts of all undergraduate grades (unofficial transcripts are sufficient for the initial review).
• Required test scores (including English proficiency for international students).
• Three letters of recommendation.
• The application fee.

You must click submit for the application to be sent to us for review.

The application deadline is January 15. Applicants must submit all required application materials by this deadline to be considered for admission with financial support. Recommendation letters may arrive a few days later, but all letters must be received by January 31.

*If you have questions, please review our FAQ page. You can also complete an Application Inquiry form (at the bottom of the FAQ page) or email the Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Keith S. Evans: keith.evans@maine.edu.