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Admission

Admission Deadlines

Early Decision | January 15th, 2026
Regular Decision | April 15th, 2026*

*International Student should apply by March 15th to allow time for securing a visa.*
All applicants are eligible for financial aid. Financial aid is awarded based on each individual's merits and accomplishments both inside and outside the classroom.

Who Should Apply

  • We recommend that applicants have completed 300-level courses in economic theory and have a solid understanding of statistics, econometrics, and knowledge of multivariate calculus.
  • We welcome applications from students who have not completed the recommended courses as long as they intend to take them before the start of the program or are able to demonstrate the required level of knowledge through other means, such as research or work experience.
  • The MA and MS programs offer admission to international students and United States residents.

Admission Checklist

Click on each step below for more details.

  • 1. Complete your application online +
  • 2. Write a statement of purpose +

    Tell us about your professional and/or educational interests in relation to an economic policy issue and how you feel graduate school will help you achieve them. This is your opportunity to show us how you think and write, a reflection of your personality and intellect, and one of the best ways for you to distinguish yourself.
  • 3. Upload your CV +
    Upload a PDF of your CV to the application portal.
  • 4. Submit your transcripts +

    In order to expedite the admission process, we accept unofficial transcripts and applicants are encouraged to submit directly by email. However, if you're offered admission an official transcript is required for enrollment.

    Both the official and unofficial transcript contain the same information about a student's academic record: classes, grades, and credits. Unofficial transcripts are printed on plain paper and cannot be used to confirm education or other credential verification. Official transcripts are printed on special watermarked paper and contain the college seal, the registrar’s signature, and the date it was issued. Official transcripts are legal documents mailed in a sealed envelope and therefore cannot be faxed or emailed. Paper copies should remain in the unopened, sealed envelope and mailed to :
     
           Levy Economics Institute of Bard College
           Graduate Programs in Economic Theory and Policy 
           PO BOX 5000
           Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504
     
    Some institutions now offer the option of official electronic transcripts (e-transcripts). The content of the official transcript is converted into a PDF document and delivered by an authorized delivery agent selected by the issuing institution. We consider this the most secure and quickest method to deliver an official transcript. Please submit official e-transcripts to: [email protected].
  • 5. Submit two letters of recommendation +
    At least one must be academic. Your recommenders will be able to submit their letter directly online.
  • 6. Standardized test scores are not required +
    Standardized test scores are not required for applicants to the Graduate Programs in Economic Theory and Policy.
  • 7. Submit proof of English proficiency +
    International students from certain countries are required to demonstrate English language proficiency as part of the student visa application process.
    Please contact your local US consulate or embassy to find out visa requirements. If English proficiency proof is required, iTEP IVP offers an online test: itepexam.com.

    Applicants who have spent the majority of their secondary education in an English-medium program are eligible for a waiver of the language requirement.
    They are also strongly encouraged to submit a writing sample. Please email [email protected].
  • 8. Submit a writing sample +

    Our admissions committee will consider all of your documents, but a writing sample allows you to express your interests and readiness for our program.

Admission Checklist

Click on each step below for more details.

  • 1. Complete your application online +
  • 2. Write a statement of purpose +
  • 3. Upload your CV +
  • 4. Submit your transcripts +
  • 5. Submit two letters of recommendation +
  • 6. Standardized test scores are not required +
  • 7. Submit proof of English proficiency +
  • 8. Submit a writing sample +
Alum Spotlight: Lara Merling MS ’16

Alum Spotlight: Lara Merling MS ’16

What You Need to Know about “Austerity”

Lara Merling MS ’16, an economist at the International Trade Union Confederation, talks about austerity policies on Marketplace.

Listen on Marketplace