Admission Department of Economics Graduate Programs Application and Admission Procedures Graduate coursework in economics requires high-level quantitative skills. A sound knowledge of intermediate calculus and statistics is critical for the study of graduate-level economics. An undergraduate background in macroeconomics and microeconomics is essential to developing an intuitive grasp of economic concepts. This course background in economics, mathematics and statistics forms the basic prerequisites for graduate study in economics at Iowa State. Most admitted students have GRE scores above the 70th percentile for the M.S. program and above the 80th percentile for the Ph.D. program.
Applicants receiving financial aid typically have much higher scores.
This requirement is waived for foreign students with degrees from universities in countries with English as the primary language. Graduate programs begin Fall semester only. Applications for fall enrollment should be completed by February 1. International applicants are encouraged to complete applications sooner to allow the processing of immigration forms. Individuals wishing to be considered for teaching and research assistantships must have all application materials submitted no later than February 1.