About PhD Program,
Our graduate program in agricultural and resource economics produces outstanding researchers in development economics, environmental and energy economics, international trade, and agricultural and resource policy.
Students enrolling in our doctoral program complete a rigorous course of study, including microeconomic theory (offered by the Department of Economics), econometrics, and field courses offered by ARE, the Department of Economics, and the Haas School of Business. A number of our graduate students also take doctoral-level courses in the Department of Statistics.
Read a letter to prospective graduate students from the chair of our department, Jeremy Magruder
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
You are eligible to apply if you have an undergraduate degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) at an accredited institution or will have completed it prior to matriculating at Berkeley.
We recommend that applicants have a satisfactory average, usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale. Undergraduate research, training and/or work experience can be helpful.
Formal records are relied upon heavily. We will not consider a student with a grade point average (GPA) below 3.0, which is the University’s minimum standard for graduate admission. Typically, we consider the overall GPA, the economics GPA, and the GPA in mathematics, statistics, and other quantitative methods, with particularly heavy weight placed on the economics and mathematics grades.
Many of our applicants have a Master’s degree in agricultural economics or economics from other institutions. When grades in graduate courses are available, we put greater weight on those than on undergraduate grades.
PhD Funding Coverage,
We are committed to supporting our students, both academically and financially. It is the policy of our department to ensure that all of our students are fully funded for at least five years as long as they are making satisfactory academic progress. Full funding includes student fees, nonresident tuition, and a stipend.
Please note that U.S. citizens are expected to establish California residency after their first year in California. International students do not acquire California residency, but the department provides out-of-state tuition coverage throughout their studies, provided they advance to Ph.D. candidacy before the beginning of their 7th semester, which is defined as normal progress.
Application Requirement,
We welcome your application for our Ph.D. program for the FALL term.
Your online application must be received by the deadline posted on the main Graduate Admissions website. Your application must be complete to be reviewed for admission, including all supplemental materials, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and official test scores. PLEASE NOTE DEADLINE DATE CUTOFF TIME. ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 1st, 2023, by 8:59PM *PACIFIC STANDARD TIME*. The online application site will automatically lockdown at 9:00PM, 12/01/21.
NOTE: We cannot recommend students for fellowships until their applications are complete (including receipt of test scores).
We do not admit students for the Spring term or for a terminal Master’s degree.
Please contact ARE’s Graduate Student Advisor Carmen Karahalios with questions regarding your application, carmenk@berkeley.edu.
Institutional code: 4833
Department code for the GRE: 0101
TOEFL code: 31
The GRE scores are part of a standard application. In case of hardship, we will consider applications without GRE scores that are accompanied by an explanation for the missing scores.
All applicants from countries in which the official language is not English are required to take the TOEFL. Please see the Graduate Application forms for more complete information regarding the GRE and TOEFL, and qualification for exemption of the TOEFL test.
International students are required to show competency in English, with a minimum TOEFL score of 90 for the internet-based test, 230 in the computer-based test, or 570 for the paper test.
It is very important that potential applicants arrange to take the GRE and TOEFL examinations early. We recommend that you take them by October or November. Official scores from the December tests may not reach us in time.
Application Deadline,
Dec 01, 2024
Application Fee,
If you are a U.S. citizen or current permanent resident, the non-refundable application fee is $135; for all others, the fee is $155.
