FAQs | University of North Texas

All Applicants must first apply to and be admitted to the Toulouse Graduate School in order to be considered for admission to the graduate program in economics. Start here: https://tgs.unt.edu/future-students/graduate-admissions/index.html. In addition to the steps for admission listed on the traditional admissions page, international applicants should click here to review the additional information for other application requirements and priority dates. The application fee cannot be waived. Applicants are required to submit:

Full college transcripts
GPA requirement for UNT consideration - Graduate applicants to UNT are evaluated holistically, based on specific departmental and program requirements. In the past, successful candidates usually have met a GPA minimum of 3.00 in the undergraduate degree for admission to the Master's program.
Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores - GRE scores not more than five (5) years old are required for admission purposes. It is recommended to take the test at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The GRE score is a significant component of the admission decision. Preference will be given to applicants with combined quantitative and verbal GRE score above 300, and quantitative score 155 and above. The UNT school code for the GRE is 6481.
UNT degree program applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency. Minimum TOEFL score requirement is 79; Minimum IELTS score is 6.0; Minimum PTE score is 53; Minimum DET score is 100 (Scores must be less than 2 years old). The Division of International Affairs provides a complete list of ways to demonstrate English language proficiency. Click here to "English Proficiency Requirements."

Applicants seeking funding also must submit the additional items below directly to Graduate Admissions Advisor in the Department of Economics (via e-mail: ECON-GradAdvising@unt.edu or ground mail).

A personal essay not to exceed 1,000 words, summarizing their accomplishments and their motivation for obtaining a graduate degree in economics.
A current resume or vita listing any research projects, any honors or accomplishments, any volunteer work or community service, and any examples of leadership roles.
Two letters of recommendation, which should be solicited from people familiar with the applicant's academic potential. No special form or format is required. Applicants should have their recommenders send their letters directly to the graduate advisor in the Department of Economics (via e-mail: ECON-GradAdvising@unt.edu or ground mail). (top)

What undergraduate degree do I need to apply (i.e., Must my undergraduate degree be in economics?)?
A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) is required. It is not essential that the bachelor's degree be in economics, but a strong background in economic theory is preferred, as well as a working knowledge of calculus. See the list of required courses under "How to Apply". (top)

What undergraduate courses must be completed to be accepted for graduate study?

Required courses prior to admission to the MS Econ program include a grade of A or B (or the equivalent) in:

Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory
Calculus I (with grade of at least B); Calculus II is strongly recommended but not mandatory.
Calculus-based statistics (any of the following courses at UNT: DSCI 3710 (Business Statistics), MATH 3680 (Applied Statistics), MATH 4650 (Statistics), or ECON 4630 (Research Methods)). (top)

What is the deadline for my application?

The deadlines for application

Application Deadline if seeking funding: March 01

Domestic applicants' deadlines:

Application Deadline if not seeking funding: June 15

Additional deadlines for International Students (top)

Can I apply for spring admission?

NO, due to our course sequencing, the Department of Economics admits students to begin our Master's program only in the fall term of each year. (top)

How can I check the status of my application?
You can check the status of your application online by logging onto the MyUNT portal at http://my.unt.edu using your EUID and password. Once you have entered the portal page, select the "Student Center/Register" tab found on the left sidebar. At the bottom of the "Student Center" page is a section entitled Admissions and it contains updates regarding your status. (top)

What does it mean if my application is "currently under review"?
The Graduate Admissions Office has completed the initial review of your application and has determined you meet the basic requirements for admission to the Graduate School. Your application has been forwarded to the Department of Economics for departmental review. Application decisions are made on a rolling basis. You can check the status by logging onto the MyUNT portal at http://my.unt.edu using your EUID and password. (top)

I've been accepted to the program. What is the next step?
Once you've been accepted to the program, it's time to think about funding. Click here for calculating tuition and financial aid, fellowships, etc.

In addition to this, you will need to contact Dr. Margie Tieslau, the Graduate Student Advisor, about planning your first semester of courses before registration (e-mail Margie.Tieslau@unt.edu). Dr. Tieslau's full contact information is located (here). You may not register for graduate classes until you have established your degree plan with Dr. Tieslau.

Following is information on the online process for on campus housing. You might choose to move off-campus once you are familiar with the area but this might be a good place to start. http://tsgs.unt.edu/graduatelife

Following is information for off-campus housing: https://offcampushousing.unt.edu/ (top)

I've been accepted; where do I begin with computer services email?

Welcome to the Department of Economics in the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences (CLASS) at UNT!

At UNT, you are assigned a single Username (EUID) that you will use to logon to services all across campus. You can use the Account Management System (AMS - http://ams.unt.edu) to manage the password associated with your EUID.

You will need to activate your EUID before using any services on campus. To activate your EUID:

1. Browse to the AMS Activate Account page: http://ams.unt.edu/activate.php

2. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Your UNT e-mail address is typically: firstname.lastname@unt.edu. (Your e-mail address will be given to you by UNT in your welcome information.)

To access your UNT e-mail via the web:

1. Browse to Outlook Web Access: https://webmail.unt.edu/

2. Logon using your E-mail address and EUID password (Username is in the format: firstname.lastname@unt.edu)

You can find instructions on accessing your e-mail from your mobile device or other e-mail client here:

http://itservices.cas.unt.edu/services/email/using-mobile-devices-iphone-android-etc (top)

What courses will I take in my first semester?
Students typically enroll in Mathematical Economics (ECON 5600), Multivariate Regression Analysis (ECON 5640), and an elective of your choice. See "Degree Requirements" for a list of classes that may be offered during a given semester.

Your degree plan will be established with the approval of Dr. Tieslau prior to beginning coursework; that degree will specify your choice of classes for your course of study. (top)

What type of assistantships are offered?
Research assistants and academic assistants are allocated competitively and are offered to incoming as well as second-year students. Second year students also may become teaching assistants, or be offered a teaching fellowship. Such assistantships funded by the department support more than half of the department's graduate students. For more information about graduate assistantships, please click here. (top)

When will I be notified if I am to receive an assistantship?
The number of assistantships allocated varies from year to year, depending on our funding allotment. Assistantships cover both the fall and the following spring semester provided the student is making appropriate progress towards the degree and has completed his or her work satisfactorily. Assistantships typically are renewed the following year given the same conditions. Assistantship decisions are made beginning March 15; all applicants who have complete application portfolios by March 1 are considered for an assistantship position and are contacted by March 31 to offer an assistantship, or to inform the student that he or she will not be offered an assistantship. Students offered an assistantship must respond to the Department's offer by April 15. (top)

I've been awarded a graduate assistantship. What does that mean?
Nine month salaries range from $12,900 in the first year for teaching and research assistantships to $15,200 in the second year for assistantships and teaching fellowships. Some positions include in-state tuition rates for out-of-state students, and partial tuition waiver. Hourly positions are available for tutoring and grading for Principles of Economics classes. Students are required to work 20 hours per week for a professor if awarded a research assistantship. Details of student's contracts vary. Each student who is offered a position is sent a contract that details his or her specific offer. Under normal circumstances that contract must be signed and returned by April 15. (top)

I've sent my documents to UNT International and have not heard back. What should I do?
Applicants can check their application to-do list online 24 hours a day by logging in to http://my.unt.edu with their UNT ID and password. Applicants also can check their application status by emailing international@unt.edu or calling 1.940.565.2442, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (except during holidays and school closings). (top)

What will my expenses be while I'm at UNT?

Tuition and fees Calculator:
- Fall 2024 - Spring 2025 for Texas resident Econ MS with 9 hours
- Fall 2024 - Spring 2025 for International student Econ MS with 9 hours
- Or, visit the following general link, estimatemytuition, to explore different options.
UNT International’s website “Estimated Costs” https://international.unt.edu/content/financial-requirements-international-students
Financial aid office's website: https://financialaid.unt.edu/

These figures should be close to what you can expect, but your actual living expenses and such could be higher or lower, depending on what you choose to purchase.(top)

What does the STEM designation mean?
A STEM designated degree program is an academic program that falls under one or more of the approved categories from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for their focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

STEM designated degree programs have a special implication for international students who are studying in the United States on a student F-1 visa. For most international students, there is an opportunity to complete work experience following the completion of their degree through a program called Optional Practical Training (OPT). The standard duration for OPT is 12 months. However, if the student has completed a STEM approved program, OPT can be extended by as much as 24 months for a total of 36 months. OPT can only be utilized if the student has a legitimate job offer in a position that relates to their field of study. (top)

I'm an international student. How do I apply for the required visa?
First, contact the Graduate Admissions Office and tell them that you want your name sent forward to the I-20 Office. (E-mail: graduateschool@unt.edu or phone: 1.940.565.2383) They will ask you HOW you want your I-20 delivered to you. You can choose the less expensive option, regular mail, which takes a very long time, or you can choose the more expensive option, international expedited delivery, which is very fast. It is up to you to decide which method you prefer. Once the I-20 Office has your name, they will issue your I-20 and send it to you. Once you receive your I-20, you must go to the U.S. Embassy in your area and apply for your student visa.

Once you receive your visa, you should then contact Dr. Margie Tieslau, the Economics Department graduate advisor, to discuss the next steps for you to enroll in your fall semester classes. Note: you will not be permitted to enroll in any classes without the approval of Dr. Tieslau. It is mandatory to meet with her to establish your degree plan. (Margie.Tieslau@unt.edu) (top)

I'm an international student. How much money must I show for the I-20 documentation?

Students should always use the dollar value stated by the I-20 office since they are the ones that issue the I-20. UNT International may only give general information regarding financial requirements. UNT International processes the financial documents and then the I-20 office reviews them to determine if there is sufficient documentation and funding for an I-20 to be issued. Following is the link for current funding requirements for both in-state and out-of-state international students: Financial Requirements for International Students | International Affairs (unt.edu). (top)

How should I pay my tuition for the courses I want to register for in the fall semester?
After discussing your degree plan with Dr. Tieslau, you will register for courses on-line and then the charges will appear on your account. (For international students, this will be after you get your I-20.) At that time, you can pay all of the charges with a check, cash, or a credit card, OR, you can ask the University to establish a payment plan, where you pay a portion of the charges now, and the rest in three installments throughout the semester. If you have been offered an assistantship, once you complete the online process called "Onboarding," the Department will put money into your account that you can use to pay your tuition. On boarding will be explained to all students to whom it applies. (top)

When is my tuition due?

Payments | Student Accounting. (top)

Are there other on campus employment opportunities?

https://careercenter.unt.edu/jobs/category/on-campus-employment/ (top)

I have been contacted about a criminal history background check. What should I do?

If you receive a notice from UNT about a criminal background check, please follow the directions in the communications you receive, and refer to the information posted here: Graduate Student Recruitment & Retention Plan | Office of the Provost (unt.edu).

Who should I contact if I have other questions?

For general admissions questions, applicants can contact scrappy says at https://scrappysays.unt.edu/s/. For department-specific questions, email Dr. Janice Hauge at ECON-GradAdvising@unt.edu. (top)