The Graduate Program in Economic Development at Vanderbilt University

Applicants must meet the requirements for admission to the Vanderbilt University Graduate School. The minimum requirement is a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent (preferably with a major in economics) and a grade average of B or its equivalent.

TOEFL
Students whose native language is not English, or who have not attended an institution where English is the language of instruction, must present proof of proficiency in English. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is strongly recommended. Students should have a grade of 570 (paper- based) or 230 (computer- based) or 88 (Internet-Based) to comfortably take a full academic load. The Vanderbilt ESL center offers free english courses to students with lower TOEFL scores. See English Language Center below.

GRE
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a requirement for admission to the Vanderbilt University Graduate School. All students applying to the GPED must take the GRE general test.

Application Requirements
The following are required for application to the Program:
- Completed application form
- Official transcripts from all universities previously attended

- Official GRE and TOEFL scores 

- Statement of Purpose
- Three letters of recommendation, preferably submitted on-line or otherwise mailed directly by the persons writing the letters to the address below:

 

Students who have been admitted for a particular semester and find they cannot enroll at that time may defer their admission for a semester or a year.  Students who defer for one or two semesters are not required to resubmit an application.

Preparatory Programs
Students who have been admitted to the Graduate Program in Economic Development may wish to attend a preparatory program in English and/or Calculus during the semester prior to enrollment in the Master's program. The following programs are offered at Vanderbilt.

English Language Center
Vanderbilt's English Language Center offers a variety of courses in English for international students at all levels in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Courses are offered each semester (including two terms in the summer). For detailed information regarding course offerings and information on how to apply, visit the English Language Center web site at:  www.vanderbilt.edu/ELC