PhD Program in Economics

Admissions and Financial Aid

The LeBow College of Business seeks applicants with exceptional ability and motivation who can succeed in a research-oriented program. Admission to this full-time program is competitive and highly selective.

In reviewing an applicant's credentials, the faculty will consider the following factors:

• Prior Academic Accomplishments: The faculty will examine all course work taken prior to application, paying particular attention to the specific courses that have been completed. Applicants should have attained a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for all undergraduate course work completed. They also should have attained a minimum 3.3 average for any graduate-level course work taken. The faculty generally expects applicants to demonstrate a substantially higher level of accomplishment than these minimum requirements. A master's degree is not a requirement.
• Graduate Management Admissions (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE): Applicants are required to submit GRE scores. GRE scores are not accepted if they are more than five years old.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): applicants whose native language is not English and who have not already received a degree from a U.S. university must also submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
• Personal Statement/Essay: Each applicant must submit a personal statement. The personal statement should explain the applicant's educational and personal experiences that have influenced the decision to pursue a PhD and should discuss the candidate's career plans and goals. The faculty are especially interested in learning about an applicant's prior research experience and the commitment to future research in the applicant's area of specialization.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation must be submitted in support of the application. Applicants are strongly encouraged to seek recommendations from academics or other professionals who can assess the applicant's likelihood of success in a research-oriented PhD program.

Admission Procedures
The PhD Program in Economics admits students each fall. To be considered for admission, the completed application must be reclieved by the LeBow College of Business Office of Graduate Admissions no later than January 15th. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all transcripts, test scores and letters of recommendation, as well as the application form and the personal statement, are received by Drexel University no later than January 15th.

Assistantships and Financial Aid
The LeBow College of Business strives to provide a graduate assistantship to each entering PhD student. Therefore, each applicant to the PhD program is automatically considered for a graduate assistantship as well as for admission into the program. First-year graduate assistants are assigned to work with a faculty member on research activities. During the second and subsequent years, graduate assistants are generally assigned a combination of teaching and research responsibilities. Assistants receive a stipend and 27 credits of tuition remission per academic year. Doctoral students who are making satisfactory progress toward the degree can expect to be provided with an assistantship for four years.

To obtain an application, please contact:

Graduate Admissions Office
Bennett S. LeBow College of Business
Drexel University
3141 Chestnut Street
Matheson Hall 207
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2875
(215) 895-6952
lebowphd@drexel.edu