Requirements for Graduate Admission

Applying for the Program

Prospective students may apply for the M.A. in Economics program using the online application through the Hunter College Graduate Admissions page. The online application will guide you through a straightforward application process including:

  • Completion of the core application form.
  • Uploading of your statement of purpose and scanned unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
  • Completion of program-specific supplemental forms.
  • Submission of letters of recommendation, by the recommenders, via our Online Recommendation System only.
  • Payment of the application processing fee by credit card.

Before you begin the process of completing the application form online, please read the entire Graduate Admissions website carefully.


Bachelor’s Degree

An applicant for admission to Hunter College as a regular, matriculated student in any of the master’s programs must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, comparable in standard and content to a bachelor’s degree from Hunter College.

Departmental Requirements

In addition to the general requirements for graduate admission to Hunter, the requirements below should be met. We are willing to make exceptions

Economics Course Requirements

  • at least 18 credits of undergraduate courses* in economics1 which must include:
    • Economic Statistics (ECO 221)
    • Intermediate Microeconomics (ECO 300)
    • Intermediate Macroeconomics (ECO 301)
    • Introductory Econometrics (ECO 321)

    Mathematics Course Requirements

    • Calculus I and II (MATH 150 and MATH 155)
    • Matrix Algebra (MATH 160)

    1. A student must have an undergraduate average of B in the economics courses and an average of B- in the undergraduate record as a whole.

    College and University Transcripts

    Prior to submitting your application, you are required to upload scanned unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions where you earned (or will earn) a degree, studied for one semester or more, or took classes. For more information, see the Transcipts section of the Graduate Admissions page.

    Statement of Purpose

    A statement of purpose of approximately 500 words describing your objectives in undertaking graduate study. In reviewing applications, considerable importance is placed on the applicant’s interest in and commitment to advanced study and professional development.

    GRE Scores

    GRE requirements have been temporarily suspended. The test is not required for admission in Fall 2021.

    You may direct the Educational Testing Service (ETS) or the Graduate Management Admissions Council to send your GRE or GMAT scores, respectively, to Hunter College, Graduate Admissions Office. It is strongly suggested that all nationally administered examinations be taken no later than February for fall admission and no later than September for spring admission.

    TOEFL for Non-Native English Speakers

    Applicants are expected to have a firm command of the English language before they apply. Foreign students are required to have taken the TOEFL at least 9 months prior to their intended date of enrollment. Such applicants are also advised to take the TWE and the TSE.

    Applicants whose native language is not English and who have taken all or part of their undergraduate education in a country where English is not the native language are required to submit scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The following minimum scores must be obtained:

    • Paper Based Test: 550
    • Computer Administered Test: 213
    • Internet Based Test: 60 (less speaking component)

    Letters of Recommendation

    Students must submit two letters of recommendation from college teachers, including one from a member of an economics department. Letters of recommendation are submitted by recommenders electronically via the online Graduate Admissions application. Once the applicant inputs the names and corresponding contact information of each recommender, an email will be sent to them with a link and detailed instructions on how to submit the letter online. This is explained in the Letters of Recommendation section of the Graduate Admissions page.