What is a solid GPA to strive for in order to get into a good Economics PhD program? I want to be a Professor.

Question

I just want some encouragement to know that it is possible for me to get accepted into a good PhD program with the GPA I have or seeking to have. I am a non-traditional student and I'm not sure what is considered to be a good GPA. I am applying for the honors society at Miami University (Oxford, Ohio). I also want to be a part of a summer study program. Right now, I have started a study on the regional economics of Central Appalachia, which will be my honors thesis if I get accepted into the program, if I don't it will still be an ongoing study. But what if I don't get accepted? Can the things I do outside of classroom make up for what I don't do in the classroom? Is there anyone who can define the thin line that separates a successful PhD candidate from one who isn't?

Yeah, I know there isn't an honors thesis for a PhD, I am a 30 year old, non-traditional undergrad who knows what he wants to do, thats all. I was just referring to the thesis to mention that I have already began a study and plan to complete it regardless if I am accepted into the undergrad honors program.

Answer 1

It is amazing how many people answer questions when they don't know what they are talking about.

You do not need a master's in economics to get into a PhD program (as others have suggested). Here is what you do need to get into a top Economics PhD program:

1. GPA over 3.5 (the higher the better)

2. Strong Math skills -- in particular, you should have at least two years of Calculus and a course in linear algebra. A course in statistics or econometrics would be nice.

3. High GRE scores. To get into a top economics program, your math score should be at least 780 out of 800.

4. Positive recommendations from people who actually know you.

5. Address any deficiencies in your cover letter.

I got into a PhD program in Financial Economics at Berkeley at age 45 -- so understand what it takes to go back as a nontraditional student. As a point of reference, I can tell you that I had a BS in Math and had done graduate work in math and philosophy in my 20s. My overall GPA was about 3.5. At 43, I went back to school and got an MBA at Duke -- with a GPA of about 3.85. My GRE scores were 2150/2400 (with 790.800 in math). The other students in my program had similar academic backgrounds (or better).

Answer 2

There is no honors thesis in PhD programs...just so you know...that's an undergraduate term! PhD has a masters thesis and a dissertation...you gotta do those, it's not an option :)

Anyway, striving for a 4.0 GPA is always a good idea. However, you CAN make-up for a lower GPA with other things..like your GREs. If both your GPA and GREs are below 3.0 and 1200, respectively, it would be hard to get into a top PhD program in the US and that's probably a really liberal estimate...

Of course that's just the 'quantitative" portion of your application. The most important component sometimes are your LETTERS of rec. If you have poor GPA, low GREs and bad letters...FORGET IT!

Anyway, is that a fine enough line for you? I'm being harsh, just so you get a little scared and kick your own *** a bit!

Good luck!

Of course your personal statement is very important, too, but I'm sure you'll be good with that!

Answer 3

Do you have a Masters?
Can you find a job first at the World Bank, InterAmerican Development Bank, IMF, Panamerican World Health Organization, OAS, USAID, ....there are many organizations out there where you could work as an economist.

From there..I would launch into teaching. Get the education, then get the experience, then go to the classroom and teach..

Otherwise.. I don't know what all this education is good for. You have to apply what you learn then learn from your application. Not always what we learn is right or appropriate for every situation.

I'm not saying you need a masters, but most work in Economics in many of the organizations I mentioned will likely give you a difficult time without a masters..

Go for it. Obviously the better your GPA the higher your chances of getting what you want. My point was that with a good education, plus real-life experience, this can be translated into more than just theoritical rhetoric in the classroom.

I don't like professors who think that just because they have a degree that it makes them the authority.

Trust me.. I'm an Economist...and all the theory in the world just aids in making real-life monetary and policy decisions that ultimately impact the future of societies. Seing those decisions and their outcomes takes time. Most changes at the micro-and-macro level are not seen for a good 5 to 20 years down the road. That's what I'm saying.

Education + Experience = How you will add valuable insight to your future students.

Don't just be a book-guy.... Live it also!

Answer 4

If you want to be the best you will work hard at and your GPA wil be 4.0

I graduated from College with a 3.5

My Neice graduated from Medical School with a 4.0 and now she is a Doctor.

You can do what ever you put your mind to it.