ADMISSIONS

Applicants to the MAE program should have a quantitative background including courses like linear algebra, multivariate calculus, probability and statistics. Students will gain familiarity with computer assignments involving the use of statistical and econometric applications such as R, Matlab, Stata, and Python. Applicants should be adept at using quantitative concepts in order to complete the program. We will use a combination of relevant undergraduate and graduate coursework and scores on the GRE quantitative sections to assess students’ quantitative abilities. In addition, we will also value documented work experience in research, business, or other professional environments.

How to Apply

Admissions for the 2019-2020 school year are now closed. Admissions for the 2020-2021 school year will open in the Fall. Our application is online, except for  test scores, which must also be sent directly to the Department of Economics (see checklist below). All applicants must apply online via the UCLA Application for Graduate Admission. Official transcripts are not needed during the initial stages of application. You will be contacted if official documents are needed.

The MAE will offer merit based fellowships.

Complete applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received.

Please click here to enter the UCLA Application for Graduate Admission website.

Application Materials

GPA Requirement

The minimum requirement for admission for a U.S. applicant is a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, comparable in standard and content to a bachelor’s degree from the University of California. A scholastic average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better, or its equivalent if the letter grade system is not used, is required for the last 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of undergraduate study and in any post-baccalaureate study.

An international applicant whose post-secondary education is completed outside of the U.S. is expected to hold a degree representing completion of at least four years of study with above average scholarship from a university or university-level institution.

Official transcripts are not needed during the initial stages of application. You will be contacted if official documents are needed.

If you are contacted, one official copy of your transcripts (and degree certificates, if applicable) must be sent directly from the registrar(s) of the academic institution(s) you have attended (beyond secondary school), or you may request official copies and mail them yourself in the sealed envelope provided by the issuing institution. Transcripts must be sent to the address below.

Attn: Master of Applied Economics
UCLA Department of Economics
8283 Bunche Hall
Box 951477
Los Angeles, CA 90095

Please note that submitted records become the property of the University and cannot be returned. If you are a university/college senior, do not risk missing the deadline by waiting for senior-year grades to be posted before submitting your application and transcript. UCLA undergraduates are exempt from mailing official copies of UCLA transcripts.

International Applicants

Official transcripts are not needed during the initial stages of application. International applicants should submit transcripts in both the original language AND the authorized, complete, and exact English translation certified by the issuing institution. Degree and diploma certificates (or other evidence of conferral of all degrees, diplomas, or professional titles) must accompany the transcripts, and must also be submitted in the original language AND in English. This evidence may be in the form of officially certified copies of the actual diploma, entries on official records, or official statements from granting institutions. In all cases, the statement must include the exact, original title of the degree and the date of its formal conferral (month and year).

Official GRE scores must be sent directly by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Photocopies of the report is not considered an official document and cannot be used for admission evaluation. Please provide the ETS with the following codes when requesting your scores:

GRE – UCLA: 4837 / Econ: 1803

Please be advised that all applicants, regardless of their degree or major backgrounds, must submit GRE scores. There are no substitutes for the GRE, including the GMAT.

A GRE score is valid if the examination was given no more than five years prior to the date your application is submitted. If your score has expired, you must re-take the exam.

Applicants who hold a bachelor’s or higher degree from a university located in the United States or from another country in which English is both the spoken language and the medium of instruction, or who have completed at least two years of full-time study at such an institution, are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement.

Official TOEFL scores must be sent directly by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Photocopies of these reports are not considered official documents and cannot be used for admission evaluation. Please provide the ETS with the following UCLA codes when requesting your scores:

TOEFL – UCLA: 4837  (there is no department code for MAE, so please enter 99 for ‘not listed’)

If you have previously taken the TOEFL exam, your score is valid for two years from the test date. If your score has expired, be sure to take the exam by February so that your scores will arrive by March.

A TOEFL score of at least 560 on the paper and pencil test or 220 on the computer based test is the minimum required. For the internet-based TOEFL, applicants must have a minimum total passing score of 87. You do not need to meet the minimum passing scores for each section as long as this minimum overall score of 87 is met. An IELTS overall band score of at least 7.0 is the minimum required.

Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose. This statement provides an opportunity for applicants to demonstrate to the Admissions Committee how their previous academic training, research or interest areas, work experience, and any other relevant evidence based qualifications have prepared them to contribute to the UCLA MAE program and to the field.  Please include your future career goals and how obtaining a MAE might help you reach your professional potential.

Applicants are required to submit a personal history statement. This statement can be used to add any pertinent personal information that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider.

Applicants must submit a resume or CV. This document is especially useful in showcasing your experiences outside the classroom and any awards or honors you may have received.

Two letters of recommendation are required from individuals who are well acquainted with your performance in academic or work settings, preferably direct professional or academic supervisors. Although only two letters are required, a third letter will be reviewed if provided.

The 2017-2018 application fee will be $105.00 for U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents and $125.00 for all other applicants. The application fee is devoted to the administrative cost of processing all applications received, and is not refundable under any circumstances, regardless of the outcome, the date of filing, time of review, or if, for whatever the reason, the application is withdrawn.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Expenses

The total program fee for the 2019-2020 academic year is $54,669.28. This fee includes health insurance, but excludes books and other costs of attendance. There will be a non-refundable admission enrollment deposit of $1,500. Each Spring, the university sets the fee rates for the upcoming academic year. Fees are subject to change on an annual basis. The 2019-2020 estimated cost breakdown can be found below:

  • Program Fee
  • Room & Meals
  • Books & Supplies
  • Transportation
  • Personal
  • Total Estimated Cost
  • $54,669.28
  • $17,793
  • $1,287
  • $1,371
  • $2,217
  • $77,337.78

Financial Aid

The Department of Economics does not cover any costs for the MAE program. Please visit the Financial Aid Office at financialaid.ucla.edu for information about financial aid specific to graduate students.

Housing

The Department of Economics does not provide housing assistance. UCLA Housing has on campus living options and provides assistance in locating off campus housing. Please visit housing.ucla.edu for more information.

Please view a previous webinar for more information!

QUESTIONS?

For questions about our departmental admissions policies and procedures, you may contact mae-office@econ.ucla.edu.

Please visit the UCLA Graduate Division’s website at grad.ucla.edu for comprehensive information about admission to graduate programs at UCLA. If you have specific questions about the online UCLA Graduate Division Application system, please email the Graduate Division Admissions office at onlineapphelp@grad.ucla.edu.

If you experience technical issues with the online application, please use the “TECHNICAL SUPPORT” button found at the top of each page of the application.