Apply Now

Ready to join UB? Here’s how to get started.

Whether you're beginning your college journey or advancing your graduate education, the University at Buffalo Department of Economics offers nationally recognized programs, expert mentorship, and hands-on opportunities to prepare you for impactful careers in academia, industry, government and beyond.

Undergrad Application Graduate Application

Why choose UB?

🎓 Expert Mentorship
Study with faculty who are internationally acclaimed scholars, researchers and practitioners in economics. Our professors bring real-world experience and cutting-edge research into the classroom— providing personalized mentorship and collaborative research.

🌍 A City on the Rise
Buffalo, NY offers an affordable and vibrant community perfect for communication students. Network with local media outlets, nonprofit organizations, startups and global corporations—all within a dynamic city that values innovation, storytelling and connectivity. Discover the possibilities waiting in the Buffalo Niagara region.

💼 Career Preparation
Our graduates thrive in media, marketing, corporate communication, public advocacy, research and more. Through internships, networking events and hands-on projects, UB equips you with the skills and experience to launch a successful, impactful career.

 

Eligibility

  • Minimum undergrad GPA: 3.0 (4.0 scale)
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required
  • Applicants from non-economics majors (e.g., math, statistics, physics, engineering) with strong quantitative skills are encouraged to apply

🌍 International Applicants

International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early to allow time for student visa processing, which can take 1 to 4 months depending on your country of origin.

Funding Opportunities

PhD Funding Opportunities

  • Academic year stipends of $23,000 and a full tuition waiver for all full-time, funded PhD students on 10-month academic teaching assistant, research assistant, or graduate assistant appointments.
    • UB’s stipend levels are competitive among public Association of American Universities (AAU) member institutions.
  • Additional Fellowship Opportunities:
    • Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship Program: Candidates are required to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must demonstrate how they have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education. Candidates must also demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the diversity of the student body by facilitating and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in their academic programs and campus activities. Even though financial need is not a requirement for program eligibility, applicants may utilize economic disadvantage as a basis for eligibility. This scholarship program is open to any and all prospective candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, or sex, and is consistent with all current governing federal and state nondiscrimination law. All application submissions will be assessed and evaluated in accordance with the required eligibility criteria. Students may apply for the Schomburg Fellowship on the UB graduate application for their program.
    • Presidential Fellowships: To be eligible for Presidential Fellowships, candidates must meet the criteria listed on the Presidential Fellowship page. Both domestic and international students are eligible, if they meet these criteria. For any questions regarding funding for academic year 2025–2026, contact the director of graduate studies or department chair.
View Presidential and Schomburg Fellowship Details

How to Apply

Step 1: Review the Application Requirements

💵 Application Fee: $75

Pay online through the UB Graduate School website or by check/money order to the University at Buffalo.

Step 2: Start your Graduate Application

Apply using UB’s online application system.

  • Create an account
  • Choose your program and term
  • Follow the instructions for the College of Arts and Sciences
  • Returning users: Log in to check your status or update your application
Apply to UB
Request more information before you apply

PhD Deadlines

  • Jan. 10: Priority for Presidential Fellowship
  • Feb. 1: Full funding consideration
  • May 1: Deadline for domestic applicants
  • March 1: Deadline for international applicants

MS and MA Deadlines

  • Applications accepted on a rolling basis
  • Review begins in January
  • 🌍 International students encouraged to apply early due to visa processing times

Admission to the PhD, MA or MS is available for Fall Semester only. Applicants who wish to apply to both the master's and doctoral program must submit separate applications. 

Still have questions?

If you have any questions, please contact