phd in economics in usa without gre

Department of Economics

College of social & behavioral science, main navigation, program admissions.

CLICK HERE TO BEGIN YOUR PhD APPLICATION

The requirements for admission to the PhD program are:

• The completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited College or University
• GPA of 3.0 or better or its equivalent
• The successful completion of intermediate microeconomic and macroeconomic theory*
• Sufficient preparation in mathematics through calculus, statistics, and linear algebra
• Three academic reference letters
• A brief statement of personal academic goals

  A master's degree in economics is not a requirement for admission.  The GRE is no longer a requirement for admission. 

*If you do not meet these prerequisites, your application will be considered incomplete. Grades for the prerequisites should be posted on your transcripts at the time of application. These requirements may be completed at any accredited university, including as a non-degree seeking student at the University of Utah. These courses do not count towards your graduate degree program once admitted. 

Preparation in mathematics through calculus, statistics, and linear algebra is strongly recommended. It may be necessary for students not fully prepared for a graduate program to take remedial courses. Students who lack the proper background in micro and macroeconomic theory, statistics, and mathematics must take courses to remedy these deficiencies prior to their first year of study.

Detailed information on the University of Utah Graduate School admissions policies can be found here.

International students must demonstrate their proficiency in English by specific citizenship or examination. The University requires a minimum of 80 on the TOEFL i BT exam, 105 on Duolingo , or 6.5 on the IELTS . The TOEFL is preferred by our department. A strong speaking score (25 or higher) is particularly important for funding through a teaching assistantship. For details about the English Proficiency requirement, including approved non-examination demonstrations of proficiency, please visit this page . 

We recommend completing all TOEFL exams by December 15. To ensure that scores reach Admissions in a timely manner, please provide ETS with the following codes: University of Utah: 4853 Department of Economics: 1801

More information about University of Utah International Graduate Admissions can be found here .  

Application Deadline

Fall admission: january 15.

Applications for the PhD program are only accepted for Fall semester. The PhD program is scheduled so that the first-year core courses are offered in a sequence; therefore, it is only possible to begin the PhD program in the fall.

Applicants will hear back between early March and mid-May.

Applications for Fall 2025 will open on August 1, 2024. 

Application Procedure

Applications to our PhD program are made online through the Slate application system .

• Please upload all materials directly to Slate.
• Letters of recommendation are completed online and submitted directly through Slate. Please confirm with your recommendation providers before submitting your application that they have e-mail and Internet access and will be able to complete the process online. Letters of recommendation must be submitted by the recommendation provider by the February 1st deadline to be considered. 
• Please send official documents directly to the Office of Admissions , not the Economics Department.
• The Economics Department cannot waive the application fee . 
• Access the application at https://futureu.admissions.utah.edu/apply/ . After an application is submitted, applicants can login to their application status portal to track letters of recommendations, submit additional transcripts and other materials, withdraw their application, and view their decision. 

CLICK HERE TO BEGIN YOUR APPLICATION

Admissions Tips and Frequently Asked Questions

• Application Fee: We are unable to waive the application fee under any circumstances. New PhD students are offered $1,000 to help cover the admissions fee and moving expenses. This is disbursed as a reimbursement following the start of the program. 
• Late Submissions: Our Admissions Committee meets very soon after the January 15th deadline. Please complete your application by that date and ensure that all materials are uploaded and your letters of recommendation are submitted by that date. Late applications will not be accepted. 
• Letters of Recommendation: are completed online and submitted directly into the Slate system. Before beginning your application, please confirm with your recommendation providers that they have access to e-mail and the Internet and will be able to complete the process online. If a recommendation provider is having trouble completing their recommendation, they should reach out to Slate technical support. 
• Sending Materials: Please upload all materials directly into the Slate application system.  We cannot add emailed or mailed materials to your application. Official transcripts should be sent to the Office of Admissions as explained here .
• Transcripts: You may upload unofficial transcripts to the application system. Transcripts should include: Your name, Institution name,  Course names and grades, Credit hours, GPA, and Information about degree conferral or a degree certificate. If you are accepted you will be then be asked to have all official transcripts sent to the Office of Admissions as explained here .  
• Application Updates and Status: After an application is submitted, you can login to the application status portal at https://futureu.admissions.utah.edu/status to track letters of recommendations, submit additional transcripts and other materials, withdraw your application, and view your admissions decision.
• University of Utah Office of Admissions: The Office of Admissions and the Economics Department are separate offices. If you need to check on receipt of materials you have sent to the Office of Admissions, please contact them directly. The best email for Graduate Admissions in the Office of Admissions is [email protected] . The best email for International Admissions in the Office of Admissions is [email protected] . 
• Acceptance Rates: We receive around 160 applications each year and admit a cohort of 4-8 students. Four to six are fully funded with a teaching assistantship . The Admissions Committee conducts a holistic review that incorporates academic history (including completion of prerequisite courses and math preparation), recommendation letters, the personal statement, research interests and fit with the department's areas of research, and cohort make-up. 
• Financial Assistance:  All applicants are considered for a teaching assistantship alongside their application review. No additional information is required to apply for a teaching assistantship. The Department of Economics offers a teaching assistantship to 4-6 incoming students per year. This teaching assistantship is compensated with a stipend of $26,000 (for the 2024-2025 academic year) and participation in the University's Tuition Benefit Program , which offers full tuition and health insurance (per the policies found here and here ). More details about Financial Assistance and Tuition Costs can be found here . 
• Re-Applying: If you unsuccessfully applied to the program in a previous term and wish to apply again, you may do so.  You will need to submit all new materials. 
• Decision Notifications: Initial offers are made in early March, and additional offers (when available) are made on a rolling basis through early May. You will receive your notification by e-mail. We strive to have admissions decisions available to all applicants by May 15th. 
• Faculty Mentor/Advisor: Applicants do not need to identify a faculty mentor or advisor to support their application. Applications are reviewed by a central admissions committee within the Department of Economics. Faculty mentor/advisor relationships are developed during the program. 
• Part-Time or Full-Time: The PhD program is designed to be a full-time program of study with classes and research workshops scheduled for daytime hours. In limited circumstances, a student may be able to pursue a part-time program from their second-year onward. Prospective students wishing to pursue this option are encouraged to consult with the Graduate Student Coordinator before applying. Financial Assistance is only available to full-time students.
• GPA: This varies from year to year, but over the past 10 admission cycles, the average GPA of accepted students is 3.7 on a 4.0 scale.
• Statement of Purpose: The Statement of Purpose is an important part of your application.  Take the time to write a great one.  A page or two is a good length. Include information about your background, career goals, and research interests. Explain why you feel that our PhD program would be a good fit for you and what you would like to contribute.
• GRE: Our department no longer requires the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) for admission. You do not need to submit a GRE score.

International Students

• Proof of English Language Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo): The University accepts several English Proficiency tests for international students and several non-examination ways to prove proficiency. Please read this page thoroughly here to determine if you need to take an English Proficiency exam . Take the TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo test early enough so that your scores arrive before the January 15th deadline. Only offical test scores are accepted. Test scores should be sent from the examination service directly to the Office of Admissions (not to the Economics Department) for the quickest processing. The ETS code (for TOEFL scores) is 4853. If you wish to receive financial aid from our department, a strong TOEFL speaking sub-score (around 25) or a strong IELTS speaking band score (around 7.0)  is important and we would encourage you to take the TOEFL or IELTS even if it is waived.
• International Admissions: Please see this page for more information on International Application Documents .  
• I-20:  I-20s for international students are processed and mailed by the Office of Admissions after a student has been admitted into the PhD program. Processing times will vary. Students must have their I-20 documents sent to the Office of Admissions as early as possible, but no later than June 1st. To learn more about the I-20 Certificate of Eligibility required to apply for or maintain an F-1 Student Visa, please see this Office of Admissions page . 

Have questions about applying? Please check our FAQ page  before emailing us at [email protected] . We partner with Harvard Economics to connect prospective students from underrepresented groups with graduate student mentors. Details of this Application Assistance and Mentoring Program are available below.

Application requirements

The application to our doctoral program is open annually from September 15-December 15 for admission the following September. The application for September 2024 admission is now closed.

Your application is considered complete when you have successfully submitted the following requirements by the December 15 application deadline:

• Online application
• $75 application fee
• Scanned copy of college transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English Qualification (C1 & C2) test score (any one) for international students whose native language is not English
• The GRE is required as part of applications for the 2025-2026 cycle (for September 2025 admission)

To request a fee waiver, please complete MIT's application fee waiver form . You should carefully review the eligibility criteria prior to applying. A representative from MIT’s Office of Graduate Education will be in touch about the outcome of your request.

Transcripts

Please upload one copy of each transcript from all universities you have attended. If you're admitted to the program, we'll require you to have an official copy of your transcript(s) sent to us from the university's registrar. Your transcript will be verified upon receipt and any discrepancy between the transcript you uploaded and the official transcript will result in a withdrawal of our offer of admission.

Letters of recommendation

Letters must be submitted/uploaded by the letter writers by December 15. Please send the email request to your letter writers via the 'Letter Status' section in your application.

TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English Qualification scores

International students whose first language is not English are required to submit   English language proficiency test scores unless they are a US citizen or permanent resident. The department will also waive the requirement for international non-native speakers of English who have spent three or more years studying in an accredited school or university where English is the language of instruction.  (Please note: verification of the institution’s language of instruction may be requested.)

We accept the following test scores:

• Cambridge English C1 Advanced
• Cambridge English C2 Proficiency

If you meet the criteria for a waiver, you can make a request to waive the English proficiency exam requirement on the online application, under the "test scores" section.

TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge English Qualification scores are valid or accepted for two years. Scores that expire while an application is under review will be considered valid.

Submitting your scores

Your online application will prompt you to attach a scanned copy of your test scores. Your scores must also be sent directly to MIT from ETS, IELTS, or Cambridge. MIT's school code for the TOEFL is 3514. The TOEFL code for the Department of Economics is 84. IELTS and Cambridge do not require a code. Please enter "Massachusetts Institute of Technology- Graduate Admissions."

Official scores must be received from ETS, IELTS, or Cambridge by December 15. Please take your proficiency exam of choice by November 30 to allow for proper reporting time. If your score report arrives shortly after the deadline, it will be accepted, but your application may not be reviewed until your scores are received.

Minimum score requirements

The minimum requirement for the TOEFL is PBT: 600, iBT: 100. The minimum requirement for the IELTS is 7.  The minimum requirement for the Cambridge English Qualifications is a CEFR score of 185.

Your online application will give you the option to attach a scanned copy of your test scores or a screenshot of the scores from the ETS website. You can also send a score report directly to MIT from ETS. MIT's school code for the GRE is 3514. The code for the Department of Economics is 1801.

To allow for your scores to arrive by the application deadline, you should take the GRE by November 30 to allow for reporting time.

Personal statement (optional)

We encourage applicants to include a statement of objectives/personal statement with their application, though it is not required. The statement is an opportunity to explain what makes you a good candidate for the program. You should describe why you wish to attend graduate school, what you would like to study, and any research experience. Describe one or more accomplishments you are particularly proud of that suggest that you will succeed in your chosen area of research. You can also share any unique perspective or life experience that would contribute to the program.   Statements are typically two single-spaced pages.

Application Assistance and Mentoring Program

Many students interested in an economics PhD experience disparate degrees of support in the application process. The Application Assistance and Mentoring Program (AAMP) aims to mitigate these gaps by helping students from underrepresented groups connect with a graduate student mentor in MIT or Harvard’s PhD economics programs.

Mentors can provide:

• Advice on graduate school and fellowship applications, including questions about the application process and feedback on application materials.
• Information about economics research, life as a PhD student or in an academic career, for students who are deciding whether a PhD in economics is the right choice for them.

The AAMP aims to increase the pipeline of diverse talent in economics PhD programs and welcomes participation from all groups underrepresented in economics, including but not limited to: Black, Hispanic-Latinx, Native American, low-income, and LGBTQ+ students, women, students with disabilities, and students who are the first in their families to go to college. The AAMP welcomes participation among students at various stages of their economics studies, including undergraduates and college graduates. The AAMP is open to students who are curious about the academic economics experience and interested in figuring out if it’s right for them. 

Interested participants should fill out the application linked below. We will accept applications until July 17, 2023. Mentorship will begin over the summer and continue through Fall 2023. Mentees who prefer to meet for a single “coffee chat” may indicate their preference on the form. We will do our best to match all interested applicants with a mentor; however, demand may exceed the availability of mentors.

Please note that the MIT / Harvard Economics AAMP is a volunteer-based, student-run program. This program is not considered part of the admissions process for the Economics PhD at MIT or Harvard, nor will any student's participation in the AAMP be considered by the Graduate Admissions Committee at either school.

Please direct any questions to [email protected] . To join the program, please click the link below to fill out the form.

Click here for the application form If you are a faculty, program advisor/coordinator, or student interested in being notified when 2024-2025 AAMP applications open, please fill out this form .

Department of Economics

Ph.D. Admissions

The ph.d. in economics.

The Ph.D. program in economics admits between 8 and 12 students per year and prepares them for a successful career in academia, government, international organizations, or the private sector. In the first year, students take classes in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, as well as mathematical economics and economic history. In the second and third year, students take 21 credit hours of specialized classes in at least two of the following concentrations:

• Microeconomic Theory
• Macroeconomic Theory
• Econometrics
• Economic Development
• Economic History
• Health Economics
• Industrial Organization
• International Economics
• Labor Economics
• Money and Financial Institutions
• Public Economics

Students can petition to combine at least two related classes to a nonstandard concentration.  

Applying to the Program

The application deadline for the Ph.D. program is January 15th for the coming fall semester. Successful applicants have strong quantitative backgrounds and a passion for research in  economics. The  application fee is $95.00 upon submission.

Please direct all Ph.D. admission inquiries to [email protected] .

Qualifications

Our incoming students usually have an undergraduate degree in economics and/or mathematics, with significant quantitative and math-intensive course experience. Many international applicants have a master’s degree. Research experience (such as an undergraduate or master’s thesis, or work as a research assistant) is a plus.  

• Required: One year of calculus, one semester of statistics, and intermediate-level courses in microeconomic theory and macroeconomic theory.
• Strongly recommended: Courses in linear algebra, differential equations, real analysis, and econometrics. 

Information to Submit

• Self-reported/unofficial or official GRE scores
• International students: self-reported/unofficial or official TOEFL or IELTS scores. This requirement will be waived for an international student with a degree from an institution in which English is the official language of instruction. Furthermore, while a TOEFL score is optional for applicants attending an English-language university in a non-English-speaking country, it can often be helpful to demonstrate command of English.
• Unofficial transcripts
• 3-5 letters of recommendation

Statement of Purpose

In your statement of purpose, tell us how your studies so far have prepared you for a Ph.D. program, and share what fascinates you about research in economics.  

Visiting Campus

Campus visits are offered to everyone admitted to the program. Visits consist of a half-day of individual meetings with faculty members and students, plus lunch. 

Q: What test scores do admitted candidates usually have  on the GRE?

A: Applicants often overestimate the importance of GRE scores for Ph.D. applications. The GRE tests whether you can do high school math quickly and correctly, as well as your vocabulary. Scores below a certain level (say, below 155 verbal and below 161 quantitative) tend to indicate problems, while very high scores do not necessarily guarantee that you are fully prepared for a Ph.D. program in economics.

For candidates who satisfy these thresholds, we look primarily at their preparation for a Ph.D. program in terms of how they did in the challenging courses they took in both advanced economics and math, rather than going only by their specific GRE scores.

Q: Do you have a minimum TOEFL or IELTS score?

A: Admitted international candidates tend to have a minimum TOEFL speaking score of 24 or an IELTS speaking score of 7. 

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Ph.D. in Economics

The Ph.D. program in the Department of Economics at Columbia University trains students to do cutting edge research in economics.  Students in our program do research in all major areas of economics including microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, international economics, labor economics, public finance, industrial organization, development economics, and urban economics.  Our department provides strong training both in theoretical economics and in applied and empirical economics.  The Ph.D. program is primarily designed for students that are interested in pursuing a career in teaching and research within academia but is also useful for student interested in certain positions within governments, research organizations, or private businesses.

The first two years of our Ph.D. program is largely devoted to rigorous coursework. After the second year, however, students devote most of their time to their own research under the supervision of faculty advisors. Students in our program generally complete their Ph.D. in 5 or 6 years.

Admission to the Ph.D. program is highly selective.  We receive approximately 1,000 applications each year for an incoming class of roughly 25 students.  We place a high value on attracting the very best minds, and recruiting members of groups who will both enhance the diversity of research in the field and contribute to the diversity of the university’s academic and professional community.

The Ph.D. program has a long and illustrious history.  Alumni of the program include some of the most distinguished economists of the last century – including Nobel Prize winners Kenneth J. Arrow, Milton Friedman, Simon Smith Kuznets, and William S. Vickrey.

• Program Description
• Admissions Information
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• 1st Year Students (2023)
• 2nd Year Students (2022)
• 3rd Year Students (2021)
• 4th Year Students (2020)
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• 7th Year Students (2017)
• Bridge to the Ph.D. Program

1022 International Affairs Building (IAB)

Mail Code 3308

420 West 118th Street

New York, NY 10027

50 Best PhD Programs That Don’t Require GRE Scores [2024 Schools Guide]

Check out PhD Programs that don’t require GRE scores for admission. Compare PhD programs without the GRE (Campus & Online).

We’ve identified a number of accredited universities that don’t require the GRE as part of their PhD application process.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

List of Online PsyD Programs No GRE

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format. In addition, the universities included in this list offer online psychology doctoral programs and either do not require the GRE or offer GRE waivers for qualified students.

Adler University

Founded in 1952, Adler strives to develop professionals and practitioners who will better their local communities and the world. Driven by the work of physician and psychotherapist Alfred Adler, the school values fairness, equality and civil rights and helps students learn to put these concepts into practice.

• Online Doctor of Psychology in Industrial & Organizational Psychology

Adler University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Alliant International University

Recognized as a top school for minorities by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and for military veterans by College Factual, Alliant values diversity in the classroom and the workforce. Students are encouraged to have a global perspective, a desire for community service and a commitment to equality.

Believing that hands-on experiences are essential for a well-rounded education, the school connects students to the community throughout its degree programs.

• Online Doctor of Psychology

Alliant is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Antioch University

Equal rights, equal pay and equal educational opportunities for minorities and women have long been important at Antioch. In the 1800s, Antioch was one of the first institutions of higher education that admitted both whites and African-Americans, and the school’s list of famous alumni includes Coretta Scott King.

• Online Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Antioch University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

California Southern University

Since its beginnings in 1978, the mission of California Southern University has been centered around the idea of providing flexible educational experiences for adult learners.

Throughout the school’s 30 programs, there is a continual focus on establishing strong, supportive relationships between staff and students.

California Southern University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Capella University

Enrolling over 37,000 students each year, Capella University offers educational opportunities for working professionals. Through distance-learning programs, the university reaches students from every state and over 50 different countries. Of the school’s more than 1,500 faculty members and administrators, 88 percent hold doctoral degrees.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Felician University

Since 1942, Felician University has been providing educational experiences based on the Catholic Franciscan values of service, compassion and respect. Over 2,000 students take classes from this school each year. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, and 73 percent of classes have fewer than 20 students.

• Online Doctor of Counseling Psychology

Felician University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Grand Canyon University

Founded in 1949, Grand Canyon University seeks to educate students from a Christian perspective so that they will become service-minded professionals whose faith permeates their lives and directs their work. The university enrolls over 19,000 on-campus students and more than 60,000 online students each year.

• Online Doctor of Performance Psychology

Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Meridian University

At Meridian University, the goal is for students to gain a transformative education. Through their schooling, students should grow personally and learn to affect change in their fields and in their communities. Approximately 91 percent of Meridian students complete their degree programs within the allotted time.

Meridian University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Northwest University

Affiliated with the Assemblies of God denomination, Northwest University is a Christian school with a desire to engage students who are committed to both scholarship and service. Graduates go on to work in a variety of fields, including ministry, business, medical and educational settings.

Northwestern University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Pepperdine University

U.S. News has ranked Pepperdine University at No. 46 on its list of Best Value Schools, and Forbes has placed the school at No. 8 on its list of the Most Entrepreneurial Universities. The university opened in 1937, and the school’s alumni group today boasts over 100,000 members. 84 percent of Pepperdine students serve in internships or other hands-on experiences.

Pepperdine is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

Saybrook University

Saybrook University was established in 1971 and offers a PhD in Clinical Psychology. The degree is designed for those students who are looking for a program that will equip them with the practical skills necessary to start their professional practice.

The program covers multi-cultural psychology, psychotherapy, child and adolescent psychology, and more.

• PhD in Clinical Psychology

Saybrook University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide is the online branch of the Touro College and University System. Altogether, Touro schools include around 19,000 students and more than 95,000 alumni. Founded on Jewish principles and traditions, the group’s roots date back to 1970.

• Online Doctor of Psychology in Human & Organizational Psychology

Touro University Worldwide is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

University of Hartford

With over 6,500 enrolled students, the University of Hartford issues more than 1,500 diplomas each year. The student body is made up of people from nearly every state and over 40 different countries. Creativity, diversity, responsibility and integrity are some of the highest values of this school, which was founded in 1957.

University of Hartford is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

University of the Cumberlands

The Baptist roots of the University of the Cumberlands date back to 1888. The university reaches over 10,000 learners each year and has a 17:1 ratio of students to faculty. Hands-on learning is highly valued at this school, and all students engage in service opportunities while attaining their degrees.

University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Walden University

Over 57,000 students are studying with Walden University at any given time. The faculty members are leaders in their areas of expertise, and almost 90 percent of them hold doctoral degrees. The university’s status as a certified B Corporation shows its commitment to operating ethically and motivating students to be positive change-makers in their communities.

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Western Kentucky University

U.S. News has ranked Western Kentucky University No. 24 in Best Colleges for Veterans and No. 34 in Best Regional Universities South. Both Sierra Club and Princeton Review have applauded this university for its environmental efforts. The school has over 20,000 students, and the average class has around 24 students in it.

Western Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

List of Online Doctor of Education (EdD) Programs No GRE

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format. In addition, the universities included in this list either do not require the GRE or offer waivers for qualified students.

Baylor University

Baylor University holds fast to its Baptist roots while welcoming a diverse student body from many religious and geographic backgrounds. Founded in 1845, the school is committed to serious scholarship, community service, and the integration of faith and life. Baylor has over 17,000 students and a 14:1 student-faculty ratio.

• Online Doctorate of Education

Baylor University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

City University of Seattle

• Online Doctor of Education in Leadership

CityU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Colorado State University

Founded in 1870, Colorado State University has awarded over 230,000 degrees. The school was involved in the establishment of the Peace Corps, and still today, many students choose to spend time serving through this organization. In addition to global service and responsibility, CSU values innovation, respect, diversity and academic excellence.

Colorado State is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Concordia University

Since 1805, Concordia University has been educating students in the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, tradition.

Although based on Christian faith and principles, and university welcomes a diverse student body made up of people from many religious backgrounds. The school enrolls over 5,000 students each year and boasts a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

This is an online doctorate in education no GRE required.

• Online Doctor of Education

Concordia University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Creighton University

Considered U.S. News ’ No. 1 school in the Regional Universities Midwest category and the Best Colleges for Veterans category, Creighton University educates nearly 9,000 students yearly.

The school was founded in 1878 by Jesuit Catholics and many members of the Jesuit tradition still work at Creighton. Within six months of degree completion, 99 percent of graduates are successful at landing a job or a satisfactory next step.

Creighton University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

East Tennessee State University

Founded in 1911, East Tennessee State University today educates more than 14,500 students each year. The university values respect, diversity and academic excellence, and well-rounded student experiences are essential to an ETSU education. There are over 100 degree programs at this school, and the student-faculty ratio is approximately 16:1.

East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Florida State University

Florida State University offers over 300 degree programs, and the Carnegie Commission has bestowed on this school the distinction of Doctoral Universities: Highest Research Activity. With over 41,000 members, the student body includes people from more than 130 countries around the world. Six Nobel Laureates have taught at this university.

Florida State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Johns Hopkins University

Since its beginnings 1876, Johns Hopkins has highly prized both teaching and research, and the school considers itself the first research university in the United States. Although particularly well-known for its School of Medicine, this university also awards degrees in public health, education, physics, business and other disciplines.

The programs listed above are online EdD programs no GRE required.

The Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Lamar University

A member of the Texas State University System, Lamar University has about 15,000 enrolled students and over 75,000 alumni. Approximately 30 percent of the university’s classes are taught online. The school was founded in 1923 and today employs over 1,200 people and offers more than 100 degree programs.

• Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Lamar University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Liberty University

Since 1971, over 250,000 people have received an education from Liberty University. Currently, about 30 percent of the school’s students are active-duty members of the military or veterans. Liberty University has Baptist affiliations and seeks to develop students’ Christian worldview. Volunteerism is valued, and the student body puts about 500,000 hours into service each year.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Maryville University

Over 9,000 students take classes from Maryville University each year. The school has a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, and about 90 percent of the faculty members have received doctoral degrees. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, Maryville was one of the top three fastest-growing universities in the United States.

Maryville University of Saint Louis is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

National University

Founded in 1971, National University is a network of nonprofit educational institutions dedicated to providing flexible, quality education to help students meet their educational and career goals. NU’s programs are taught by 100% doctoral professors.

National University has over 30,000 students enrolled and more that 220,000 alumni from around the world.

National University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Northwest Nazarene University

Although Northwest Nazarene University began as an elementary school in 1913, the school quickly expanded its educational offerings and awarded its first college degrees in 1917. Today, more than 8,000 students take NNU classes each year. Although the Church of the Nazarene sponsors the school, students come from a diverse mix of religious backgrounds.

Northwest Nazarene University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Oakland City University

U.S. News ranked Oakland City University at No. 7 on its list of Best Colleges for Veterans. The publication also grants it the No. 39 spot on its Regional Colleges Midwest list. Affiliated with the General Association of General Baptists, the college pursues both academic and spiritual development for students.

Oakland City University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Saint Leo University

Famous alumni of Saint Leo University include Desi Arnaz and Stephen Stills. U.S. News gives this university the No. 14 spot on its list of Best Value Schools. Founded in 1889, Saint Leo University is rooted in the Benedictine Catholic tradition and values excellence in academics, relationships, personal growth and integrity.

Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Samford University

According to U.S. News , Samford wins the No. 4 spot on the list of Regional Universities South. This school has graduated 8 state governors, 60 members of Congress and a number of other high-profile citizens. The university has been educating students since 1841 and currently enrolls over 5,500 learners each year and has a student-faculty ratio of 13:1.

Samford is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Texas A&M University

In 1876, Texas A&M University became the first public college in Texas. Over 70,000 students currently study with Texas A&M, which offers over 400 degree programs. The school values leadership in both its staff and its students and seeks to develop strong leaders who will make a difference in their communities.

Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission.

Texas Tech University

According to the Center for Measuring University Performance, Texas Tech University ranked in the top 50 public research schools in the United States. There are more than 38,000 students currently taking Texas Tech classes and over 1,700 faculty members. More than 8,000 students graduated from this university in 2018.

Texas Tech University is accredited with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Trident University

Ranked No. 19 on the list of Best Colleges by The Military Times, Trident University has been the school of choice for over 27,000 students. The university’s goals for students include strong critical thinking skills, an understanding of how to gather and use information, the ability to communicate clearly, and a commitment to integrity.

Trident University accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Union University

At Union University, there’s a 10:1 student-faculty ratio for the more than 3,000 learners who study there. 85 percent of the faculty members hold terminal degrees. In the past year, Christian Universities Online gave this university the top spot on its Best Christian Colleges and Universities in the South list.

• Online Doctor of Education – Leadership in School Reform

Union University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Arkansas

The Carnegie Foundation recognizes the University of Arkansas as one of the country’s top research universities, and the Chronicle of Higher Education has commended the school for having one of the country’s fastest-growing doctoral programs. With over 27,000 students and over 1,401 faculty members, there’s a student-faculty ratio of 19:1.

The U of A has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission without interruption since 1924.

University of Findlay

Since 1882, the University of Findlay has been equipping students with academic knowledge and spiritual development. Hands-on experiences help students put their classroom learning into practice throughout their schooling. The university has ties to the Church of God, and College Factual has named it the denomination’s best school.

University of Kentucky

Founded in 1865, the University of Kentucky maintains a commitment to producing graduates who influence communities throughout the world. The school has more than 2,000 faculty members and over 29,000 students. Forbes has placed this university at No. 63 on its list of the best colleges in the southern United States.

The University of Kentucky is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Massachusetts

As New England’s top public university, the University of Massachusetts values academics, research, and professional excellence. Reuters includes UMass on its list of the World’s Most Innovative Universities. Currently, the school has over 70,000 enrolled students, and more than 500,000 people have graduated from this university since its beginnings in 1863.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

University of New England

The University of New England, founded in 1939, has campuses in Biddeford and Portland, Maine and Tangier, Morocco. It’s a relatively small university, with a total of approximately 7,000 students, less than a third of which are doctoral students.

The EdD at UNE is a 51-credit course of study that can be completed entirely online and requires no GRE scores for acceptance. You can start in the Fall, Spring, or Summer and finish within 3 years.

The University of New England is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

University of Southern California

U.S. News gives the University of Southern California the No. 22 ranking on its list of National Universities. Over 47,000 students are enrolled at this college, and there are more than 4,000 faculty members. The school grants about 10,000 advanced degrees each year.

The University of Southern California isy accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

William Carey University

True to its Baptist heritage, William Carey University’s goal is to prepare students for professional work that is guided by faith-based principles. In the early 1900s, it was a college for women only, but coed instruction began in 1954. U.S. News has given William Carey the No. 3 spot on its list of Best Value Schools.

William Carey University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

List of Online DBA Programs No GRE

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format. In addition, the universities included in this list either do not require the GRE or offer a GRE waiver for qualified students.

Baker College

Desiring to turn out leaders who excel in their fields, Baker College encourages critical thinking, effective communication, personal growth and hands-on experiences throughout all of its academic programs. The school traces its history back to 1888, and its Center for Graduate Studies awarded its first doctoral degree in 2011.

Baker College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

• Online DBA in Accounting
• Online DBA in Global System and Supply Chain Management
• Online DBA in Human Resource Management
• Online DBA in Information Technology Management
• Online DBA in Intelligence
• Online DBA in Leadership
• Online DBA in Project Management
• Online DBA in Strategy and Innovation

Concordia University – Chicago

Since 1805, Concordia University has been educating students in the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, tradition. Although based on Christian faith and principles, and university welcomes a diverse student body made up of people from many religious backgrounds. The school enrolls over 5,000 students each year and boasts a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Drexel University

• Online Executive DBA

Drexel is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Florida International University

FIU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

• Online DBA – Management

Johnson & Wales University

JWU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Since 1971, over 250,000 people have received an education from Liberty University. Currently, about 30 percent of the school’s students are active-duty members of the military or veterans.

Liberty University has Baptist affiliations and seeks to develop students’ Christian worldview. Volunteerism is valued, and the student body puts about 500,000 hours into service each year.

University of Dallas

UD is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Maryland

UM is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of Missouri – St. Louis

UMSL is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Phoenix

UOPX is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Wilmington University

Wilmington is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

List of Online Doctor of Social Work Programs No GRE

• Online Doctor of Social Work

Kutztown University

Kutztown is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Millersville University

Millersville is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Southern Connecticut State University

SouthernCT is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Tulane University

Tulane is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Alabama

UA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Pennsylvania

• Online Doctorate in Clinical Social Work

Penn is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The University of Southern California is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

University of St. Thomas

St. Thomas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

List of Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs No GRE

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format. In addition, the universities included in this list either do not require the GRE or offer GRE waivers for qualified students.

Arkansas State University

• Online of Nursing Practice

Arkansas State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Barry University

• Online Doctor of Nursing Practice – Anesthesiology

Barry is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

DePaul University

• Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

DePaul is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Duke University

Duke is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Duquesne University

Duquesne is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Georgia College

GCSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Indiana State University

Indiana State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

New Mexico State University

NMSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Oklahoma City University

OKCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Pace University

Pace is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Palm Beach Atlantic University

PBA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Penn State University

Penn State is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Saint Francis Medical Center

Saint Francis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Texas Wesleyan University

• Online Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice

Texas Wesleyan is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Arizona

UA is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of California – Irvine

• Online Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner

UCI is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

University of Central Arkansas

UCA is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Iowa

UI is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

UK is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Massachusetts – Boston

As New England’s top public university, the University of Massachusetts values academics, research and professional excellence. Reuters includes UMass on its list of the World’s Most Innovative Universities. Currently, the school has over 70,000 enrolled students, and more than 500,000 people have graduated from this university since its beginnings in 1863.

The University of Massachusetts Boston is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

University of Minnesota

UMN is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Nevada – Las Vegas

UNLV is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

University of North Dakota

UND is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of South Alabama

South is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Texas

UT is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

List of Online PhD Without GRE Requirements

Enrolling over 37,000 students each year, Capella University offers educational opportunities for working professionals.

Through distance-learning programs, the university reaches students from every state and over 50 different countries. Of the school’s more than 1,500 faculty members and administrators, 88 percent hold doctoral degrees.

Capella offers an Online PhD no GRE.

• Online PhD in Business Management
• Online PhD in Systems Engineering

Johnson University

• Online PhD in Leadership Studies

JU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Nova Southeastern University

PhD programs no GRE required.

• Online PhD in Computer Science
• Online PhD in Conflict Analysis & Resolution
• Online PhD in Criminal Justice
• Online PhD in Health Science
• Online PhD in Nursing – Nursing Education
• Online PhD in Occupational Therapy

NSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Texas Woman’s University

Online PhD programs no gre requirement.

• Online PhD in Nursing Science

TWU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

• Online PhD in Business
• Online PhD in Information Technology

University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

This is a PhD no GRE required program.

• Online PhD in Nursing

UWM is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Over 57,000 students are studying with Walden University at any given time. The faculty members are leaders in their areas of expertise, and almost 90 percent of them hold doctoral degrees.

The university’s status as a certified B Corporation shows its commitment to operating ethically and motivating students to be positive change-makers in their communities.

• Online PhD in Management
• Online PhD in Public Health
• Online PhD in Social Work

PhD Programs that Don’t Require the GRE

The following doctoral programs do not require the GRE for admission:

• Business & Management
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Healthcare Administration
• Human Services
• Information Technology
• Occupational Therapy
• Public Administration
• Public Health
• Public Policy
• Theology & Ministry

A growing number of universities offering PhD programs or professional doctorates no longer require the GRE.

Doctor of Business Administration – DBA or PhD

A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is an applied doctorate or a professional doctorate.

Many students enroll in a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program because they are entrepreneurs, potential business owners, or current managers who want to move into executive leadership .

You will learn about business practices, economics, finance, accounting, entrepreneurship, management, and many other important topics within specialized business tracks. For example, you may choose a track in finance or marketing to complete your DBA studies .

With a PhD in Business Administration , students learn about a specific focus within business, choosing a specialized track within business to focus on while they study. They may develop new theories in public administration, economics, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, or other aspect. Most students go on to become professors, researchers, or business analysts.

With the PhD in Business , a dissertation may be required, but there are a growing number of doctorate degrees with no dissertation requirements.

Doctor of Computer Science – DCS

A Doctor of Computer Science program teaches students about data analytics, computer networking, programming, enterprise information systems, and information technology topics. Most programs can be customized so that you pick the track that most relates to your field of interest.

If you have strong science skills, you may want to pursue this applied doctorate in computer science that provides a scientific foundation for understanding technology.

Since many different industries rely on technology and computer science, graduates may find work in a wide variety of fields.

Criminal Justice Doctorate – PhD

Earning a PhD in Criminal Justice teaches students about law enforcement, laws, ethics, community leadership, and cyber security at the local, state, and federal level.

You will learn about improving safety through justice, as well as criminal investigation tactics through PhD criminal justice degree programs.

Doctor of Education – EdD or PhD

Want to become a thought leader in the field of education?

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is an applied doctorate for those who work in the education field. Many graduates work in schools, but others serve in government agencies, nonprofit organizations and more.

A Doctor of Education is an interdisciplinary program that helps graduates learn about applied theories when it comes to teaching different subjects and helping students learn. You may want to specialize in different education topics to take your career to the next level, such as educational leadership , early childhood development, or special education.

If you are currently teaching in a K-12 school, an EdD may broaden your career options. Potential uses of this degree would be teaching at the university level or entering school administration.

Doctor of Healthcare Administration – PhD or DBA

For those who want to work in a leadership position in a healthcare organization , a doctoral program in healthcare administration or management can be a good choice.

This degree program is suited toward those who want to make business decisions for a hospital rather than practicing medicine. Graduates of these programs often work as hospital CEOs or Chief Financial Officers.

PhD in Human Services

Working in social services can be a rewarding career, especially if you want to be a community leader.

Earning a PhD in Human Services offers students the opportunity to work in criminal justice, education, social work , community leadership, and housing, among others with the goal of helping families and individuals in local and global communities.

Doctor of Information Technology – DIT, DBA, or PhD

The workforce is becoming increasingly dependent on technology, and obtaining a doctorate in information technology will help you stay up on the latest developments in this area. You will explore ways that information technology can benefit society.

This degree can also be quite useful in business settings. Graduates may lead IT departments or serve as tech consultants.

Doctor of Nursing Practice – DNP or PhD

Many people holding this degree serve as nurses in medical settings. It’s worth noting that the education provided in this type of program is quite different from the doctorate-level training that physicians receive.

Obtaining a Doctor of Nursing Practice or a PhD in Nursing will not qualify you to work as a physician. Graduating with a doctorate in Nursing is one way to achieve the highest level of nursing education and certification.

Doctor of Occupational Therapy – DOT or PhD

To take the test for licensure as an occupational therapist, you must earn either a master’s degree or a doctoral degree in this field.

A doctoral-level education may provide a greater variety of career or leadership options than a master’s-level education in occupational therapy.

An entry-level DOT program is designed to help you enter the occupational therapy field for the first time.

PhD in Psychology

Graduates with a PhD in psychology typically go on to own their own clinical counseling practices, helping others to work through mental illness, difficult traumatic experiences, and early childhood development problems.

Graduates may wish to attain a license to practice psychology, or they may pursue careers in sociology, education, and social work.

This degree program is often recommended for people who want to work directly with clients. It can be useful in a clinic, hospital or school setting, and it may be an essential step toward getting licensed in your state .

If you haven’t already completed a psychology graduate program , you can also earn your master’s in psychology online (no GRE required) .

Doctor of Public Administration – DPA

This professional doctorate equips you to serve in careers related to public affairs .

When you graduate with a doctorate in public administration, you may work in government settings or organizational leadership positions with non-profit entities.

The degree may be helpful for working in public administration , policy analysis, federal jobs, or as a local government leader.

Doctor of Public Health – DPH or PhD

Like a PhD in Healthcare Administration, a Doctor of Public Health degree is an applied doctorate for students with a desire to work in the healthcare sector. You may want to choose this particular option if your career plans involve crafting healthcare policies or working as an administrator.

The goal of this doctorate is often to help improve health at a large-scale level: for whole populations rather than individual people.

You may also be interested in a no-GRE online MPH .

PhD in Public Policy

Earning a PhD in Public Policy helps students move into careers at a high level within government agencies, business, political roles, and community leadership.

Whether you want to become a social work leader or you have international leadership in mind, you can customize a public policy program to suit your career interests.

Doctoral Programs in Ministry or Theology

A Doctor of Ministry or Theology program helps students learn advanced principles of ministry, theology, and leadership within the Church.

Most students are able to study on an independent project that is approved by their school.

Graduates go on to become professors, ministry leaders, and higher officials within the Church.

What are GRE Waivers?

Minimum undergraduate gpa.

Some universities allow GRE exemptions for students who demonstrated academic competency during their undergrad years. These schools may set a minimum GPA that students must have achieved during their earlier education to be considered for this type of academic waiver.

GPA requirements may vary among a school’s many programs. Waivers may be subject to approval on an individual basis.

Previously Earned Graduate Degree

The GRE is intended to demonstrate preparation for higher education. However, if you’ve already earned an advanced degree, the school’s admission department may consider that sufficient proof that you can handle the rigors of their PhD program.

For this waiver, some schools may require not only that you have an advanced degree but also that you achieved a particular GPA.

Professional Experience

Because extended employment in a field may demonstrate competency, some schools consider work experience in their area of focus just as valuable as high scores on the GRE.

If you have several years of relevant work experience, that may earn you a GRE waiver. Some schools specifically include relevant military service in their rules about qualifying for waivers.

Some Programs Have No GRE Requirement

If the program for which you are applying has no GRE requirement, then you won’t need a waiver. The school isn’t looking for test scores, so you won’t need to furnish them.

Just be sure to read all admission requirements closely. Some schools require GRE scores for only a few of their doctoral programs.

GMAT or GRE?

The GMAT, also known as the Graduate Management Admissions Test, is similar to the GRE but it has a more specific focus. The GMAT is an exam designed expressly for those entering business school.

Some business schools do accept GRE scores. However, if you are applying only to business programs, you should opt for the GMAT.

If GRE Scores are Optional, Should I Send Them?

To some faculty, GRE scores carry a lot of weight. Therefore, high marks on this test may elevate you in their eyes. In other words, even if the GRE is optional, furnishing a good score may be beneficial.

On the other hand, low scores may have the opposite effect. When the GRE is optional, rather than required, it may be best to keep your low marks under wraps so that your other merits take center stage.

If you’ve never taken the GRE, is it worth it to try, just so you can submit your results to a GRE-optional program? There’s no cut-and-dry answer to that question, but current program participants may be able to lend insight.

Should I Apply to PhD Without GRE Programs?

Your decision to apply to a PhD program should have nothing to do with whether or not they require the GRE. The main consideration should be the university’s accreditation.

Here are a few points to consider…

GRE is a Poor Predictor of Performance in Graduate School

If a doctoral program doesn’t require GRE scores, it’s an indication that the school understands the limitations of this exam.

The GRE won’t provide clear evidence about whether you will succeed in the classroom, get good grades, make it to graduation or be a leader in your professional field someday.

Accredited Universities Offer No GRE PhD Programs

Not having GRE requirements is not a sign that a program will be weak or substandard. Many respected, accredited programs don’t require that you take this test before you can be admitted.

Instead of using GRE requirements to evaluate a school’s strength, consider whether the program has received accreditation. Also, gather reviews from current or recent students, and get advice from the school’s graduate coordinator.

You Still Have to Meet Other Admissions Standards

All PhD programs are selective about their candidates. So, whether or not they require that you submit GRE scores, they all have admissions requirements that you must meet in order to get into the school.

Other factors considered for acceptance may include:

• Your resume
• Letters of recommendation from people familiar with your work
• Your transcripts from other higher education endeavors.
• A statement from you about your goals
• Your proficiency in the English language

Your Master’s Degree Might Be Enough

If you’ve already completed a master’s program , that shows that you’re able to perform at the graduate level.

Therefore, your school of choice may not require GRE scores as additional proof, especially if your degree is paired with a master’s thesis, a high GPA or years of professional experience.

GRE Scores: What They Tell Us, What They Don’t

GRE scores are not as helpful as you may have been led to believe. Let’s take a look at some recent studies on the reliability of GRE results.

GRE Scores Do Not Predict Classroom Performance

Creativity, interpersonal skills and internal motivation are just a few of the components that contribute to how well you do in the classroom.

However, the GRE measures none of those. It focuses only on your test-taking skills.

So, doing well on the test doesn’t guarantee classroom success.

GRE Scores Lose Impact over Time

Researchers have discovered that your scores on this test may give a school an idea of what kinds of grades you’ll achieve during the first year in their program.

However, your scores do nothing to predict your academic success after that first year.

The GRE Lacks Reliability in Predicting Final Outcomes

The GRE can’t determine whether a first-year doctoral student will end up completing the program.

Some high-scoring students may not possess enough tenacity to stick with school until graduation. On the other hand, some low-scoring students may have been the ones most likely to persevere.

Applying to Graduate School with No GRE Test Scores

There are some things that you should consider before specifically seeking out a no GRE required doctoral program:

• While some high-profile schools may admit you without this test, not taking the GRE will automatically close many prestigious schools to you.
• Some fields are more likely to require the test than others.
• Sometimes, it’s easier to find a no-GRE-required online program than an in-person one.

Consider your motivation for not submitting scores:

• Because you’ve already settled on a program that doesn’t require this test? Great!
• Because you’re too busy to study? Think hard about whether you have time for a doctoral program.
• Because you received a low score? According to an ETS survey, nearly 25 percent of test-takers improve their results second time around.

If one of your primary concerns is the amount of time required , you may be interested in our article discussing accelerated PhD programs online .

What is the GRE, and Who Needs to Take It?

The GRE is a test designed to show that you learned enough during your undergrad years to be ready for the rigors of grad school. The exam includes sections on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. You may need to take it if you’re applying to graduate programs.

Is the GRE Test Required for Graduate School?

No, not always. There are some graduate schools that don’t require GRE or GMAT scores. Some offer alternative options, and others simply have no GRE (or other entrance exam) requirements. Some schools require that you submit exam scores for only some of their graduate programs.

Is the GRE Required for PhD Programs?

Many doctoral programs require applicants to take the GRE, but not all do. Others allow waivers or base their admissions decisions solely on other criteria. In particular, some of the best-ranked online PhD programs may allow you to enroll even if you’ve never taken the GRE.

What’s the Difference Between GRE vs. GMAT?

While the GRE is used for a variety of different graduate programs, the GMAT is designed specifically for admission to business schools. However, some business schools accept GRE scores as well. Even still, those who have their hearts set on business school would do best to take the GMAT.

Is There Any Reason to Take the GRE for a PhD Program?

If your top school choice requires GRE scores, then you should take the test. Also, if you are planning to apply to quite a few programs, then there’s a good chance that you’ll need to submit test scores with some of those applications.

What is a GRE Waiver?

Some schools require GRE scores for admission to their doctoral programs, but they will make an exception if you meet other qualifications.

These qualifications may include:

• High GPA scores during undergraduate studies
• Relevant work or military experience
• Related master’s degree

Which PhD Programs May Waive the GRE?

Online doctoral programs across a variety of fields may admit students without requiring GRE scores. Commonly, this may include programs related to education, healthcare, human services and technology, and you may have options for PhD or applied doctoral degrees.

Despite the name, a Doctor of Philosophy degree is not limited to the study of philosophy. You can earn a doctor of philosophy degree in many areas, including science, the humanities or education. Your coursework will involve completing a dissertation.

A PhD program is often recommended for students interested in pursuing research or teaching.

Can You Get Into a PhD Program Without GRE Scores?

There are quite a few universities that no longer require the GRE as part of the admissions process. Some don’t require it at all, while others offer GRE waivers if you have a decent GPA, previous graduate-level courses, and similar criteria.

Some PhD Programs Have No GRE Requirement

The Graduate Record Examinations have come to be recognized as synonymous with grad school acceptance. Despite that, there are many schools that will admit you to their doctoral programs even if you’ve never taken this test. In fact, the number of PhD programs that don’t require GRE scores is growing.

In particular, online PhD programs often base their admissions decisions on factors other than exam scores.

Therefore, you may want to start your school-selection process by identifying programs that do not include GRE scores as one of their admissions factors.

Some PhD Programs Offer GRE Waivers

High marks from your last educational endeavor — your master’s degree, for example — may be enough to get you into a PhD program without needing to provide GRE scores.

If you already have work history in your intended field of study, this may also serve as sufficient proof of your competency for the school’s PhD program.

Waiver requirements can vary between schools and may be determined on a case-by-case basis.

List of Doctoral Programs without the GRE

The following doctorate programs do not require the GRE at some universities.

• Doctor of Psychology
• Doctor of Education
• Doctor of Business Administration
• Doctor of Social Work
• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Doctor of Philosophy

To provide a more comprehensive list, we’ve also included universities that offer GRE waivers.

Key Takeaways

You may be able to get a PhD or a professional doctorate without ever taking the GRE.

Options include:

• Choosing a program with no GRE requirements
• Qualifying for a waiver

Skipping GRE test prep may allow you to speed up the process of beginning a fulfilling and challenging doctoral education .

Doctoral Program

The Ph.D. program is a full time program leading to a Doctoral Degree in Economics.  Students specialize in various fields within Economics by enrolling in field courses and attending field specific lunches and seminars.  Students gain economic breadth by taking additional distribution courses outside of their selected fields of interest.

General requirements

Students  are required to complete 1 quarter of teaching experience. Teaching experience includes teaching assistantships within the Economics department or another department .

University's residency requirement

135 units of full-tuition residency are required for PhD students. After that, a student should have completed all course work and must request Terminal Graduate Registration (TGR) status.

Department degree requirements and student checklist

1. core course requirement.

Required: Core Microeconomics (202-203-204) Core Macroeconomics (210-211-212) Econometrics (270-271-272).  The Business School graduate microeconomics class series may be substituted for the Econ Micro Core.  Students wishing to waive out of any of the first year core, based on previous coverage of at least 90% of the material,  must submit a waiver request to the DGS at least two weeks prior to the start of the quarter.  A separate waiver request must be submitted for each course you are requesting to waive.  The waiver request must include a transcript and a syllabus from the prior course(s) taken.  

2.  Field Requirements

Required:  Two of the Following Fields Chosen as Major Fields (click on link for specific field requirements).  Field sequences must be passed with an overall grade average of B or better.  Individual courses require a letter grade of B- or better to pass unless otherwise noted.

Research fields and field requirements :

• Behavioral & Experimental
• Development Economics
• Econometric Methods with Causal Inference
• Econometrics
• Economic History
• Environmental, Resource and Energy Economics
• Industrial Organization
• International Trade & Finance
• Labor Economics
• Market Design
• Microeconomic Theory
• Macroeconomics
• Political Economy
• Public Economics

3.  Distribution

Required:  Four other graduate-level courses must be completed. One of these must be from the area of economic history (unless that field has already been selected above). These courses must be distributed in such a way that at least two fields not selected above are represented.  Distribution courses must be passed with a grade of B or better.

4.  Field Seminars/Workshops

Required:  Three quarters of two different field seminars or six quarters of the same field seminar from the list below.   

PhD in USA without GRE: Requirements, universities, and tips

A PhD is the highest academic degree a student can achieve in the higher education sector. Students often pursue these courses abroad to enhance their knowledge and skills and excel in their fields of interest. Studying doctoral courses in countries like the USA and the UK gives students an excellent academic and practical experience.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is an admission entry requirement for native and international students in the USA who want to pursue a PhD in the country.

Educational institutions in the USA require GRE exam scores to assess your profile and determine your eligibility for doctorate courses. However, some universities have started to waive the GRE requirement for PhD applicants, easing the application process for international students. Here, we cover everything you should know about pursuing PhD in the USA without GRE.

Table of Contents

Is gre required for phd in the usa, phd requirements in the usa for international students, student requirements for phd in the usa without gre, eligibility criteria for phd admission in the usa without gre, cost to study phd in the usa, universities offering phd without gre, tips to apply for a phd in the usa without gre, jobs & salary for phd in the usa without gre, are phd programs without gre requirements less competitive, do all universities in the usa offer phd programs without gre requirements, will not submitting gre scores hurt my chances of being admitted, how can i make my application stand out without gre scores, can i do a masters in the usa without gre, what is the gre waived university in the usa for phd, who is eligible for phd in the us, can i apply to harvard without gre, what are the criteria for a phd in the usa for indian students, is it easy to get phd in the usa from india, graduate record examination: an overview.

Before we learn about the university requirements for a PhD without GRE, here’s a rundown of the exam and its significance.

• GRE is a standard entrance exam that tests a candidate’s academic and practical skills to determine their eligibility to pursue postgraduate and doctorate education in institutions abroad.
• The GRE pattern analyses the students’ critical and abstract thinking abilities and tests their problem-solving skills.
• There are two types of GRE: GRE General and Subject test .
• Educational institutions across the globe accept the GRE for admission to various courses. The USA, UK, Canada, and Australia are some of the top study destinations that require these scores.

Some universities have made the GRE scores optional, so ensure you check your desired university’s requirements before applying for the exam.

The USA is one of the leading study destinations for students pursuing doctorate courses abroad. The GRE plays a vital role in admission for these courses, as the scores help universities better assess a student's profile. However, some institutions have dropped this requirement, making GRE scores optional for students .

Planning to pursue higher education in the USA? Bring your dream of studying abroad to life in just a click!

Here are the standard requirements for international students to pursue PhD in the USA.

• Academic transcripts
• Letter of recommendation
• Application form
• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
• GRE or GMAT scores
• Statement of purpose

Also read: Cost of living in the US for international students

PhD programs in the USA that do not require the GRE have similar requirements to those that need the exam. However, the main difference is that these programs may ask for other aspects of an applicant's profile, such as undergraduate and graduate coursework, research experience, and letters of recommendation.

Some standard requirements for PhD in the USA without GRE include the following:

• Academic transcripts - Applicants must submit their official transcripts from all institutions attended. These documents should indicate the courses taken, grades earned, and overall GPA.
• Letters of Recommendation - Most PhD programs require applicants to submit two to three letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors familiar with their academic and research abilities.
• Statement of Purpose - Applicants should provide a purpose statement outlining their interests in research, career goals, and motivation for pursuing a PhD.
• Resume/CV - Students must submit their resume or CV highlighting their academic and research achievements and professional experience.
• Writing Samples - Some PhD programs may require applicants to submit writing samples, such as research papers or essays, demonstrating their writing and analytical skills.
• English Language Proficiency - International students must take English proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS to exhibit their fluency in English skills.

Note: Some requirements for students pursuing PhDs in the USA without GRE scores may vary depending on the university and program. Therefore, it is essential to carefully review the application instructions for each program to ensure that you meet the criteria.

Data updated as of November 2023

Also read: Why study in the USA for a Master’s?

Fees for PhD and doctorate courses depend on various factors.

• The institution
• Location of the university
• Length of the course (4-8 years)

The average overall cost for an international student to study PhD in the USA is around $150,000 .

Source: educationdata.org

Universities offering PhDs in the USA without GRE

Here are some GRE-waived universities in the USA for PhDs for international students.

Also read: Study in USA for International Students

Applying for a PhD program without the GRE requires research, preparation, and attention to detail. Here are some tips for applying for a PhD in the USA without GRE.

• Research PhD programs - Allot time to research programs that suit your needs and interests and find out as many details as possible about their requirements, faculty, and research opportunities. This will help you determine which PhD program best fits your interests and goals.
• Focus on your strengths - While the universities do not require the GRE, other aspects of the application, such as your academic record and research experience , will still be necessary. Highlight your strengths in these areas to make your application stand out.
• Connect with faculty - Contact faculty members in your field of interest to learn more about their research and express your interest in their program. This can help you build relationships with potential mentors for the course.
• Craft your application - Customise your application materials for each program to which you apply. This enables you to demonstrate your fit with the program and show that you have done your research.
• Be prepared for interviews - Some programs have interviews as part of the application process. Make sure you prepare for these interviews by researching the program, practising your responses to common interview questions, and being ready to ask your own questions about the program.
• Apply early - Many PhD programs have rolling admissions, meaning they may fill up quickly. Applying early gives you a better chance of being admitted and may help you secure funding or scholarships.

Also read: Best Courses In USA For International Students

Explore exciting academic opportunities in the USA and apply for the upcoming intake today!

Frequently asked questions

While the GRE may be a factor in the admissions process, programs that do not require the GRE can still have a rigorous application process that considers other aspects of the applicant's academic and professional record.

No, not all universities in the USA provide PhD programs without GRE requirements. It's important to research the eligibility criteria for individual programs to determine their specific qualifications.

It depends on the program and their weight on the GRE in their admissions process. However, if the program does not require the GRE, not submitting scores should not be a disadvantage.

You can make your application stand out by focusing on other aspects of your academic and professional record, such as your research experience, publications, academic achievements, and letters of recommendation.

In some cases, you can pursue your master's in the USA without GRE. Some universities have made the GRE scores optional, so you can check your desired institution's requirements before applying for the course.

Here are the basic qualifications for international students to apply for a PhD in the USA.

Ensure you have the documents below while applying for your PhD in the USA.

Yes, you can apply to Harvard without GRE. The Russell Group University has made it optional for international students to take the GRE assessment to apply for PhD courses of their interest.

Here are the basic requirements for Indian students to apply for a PhD course in the USA.

PhD courses in the USA are competitive for Indian students. But with a well-crafted application and strong profile, one can pursue a doctorate course in their field of interest.

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The Ph.D. Program in the Department of Economics at Harvard is addressed to students of high promise who wish to prepare themselves in teaching and research in academia or for responsible positions in government, research organizations, or business enterprises. Students are expected to devote themselves full-time to their programs of study.

The program prepares students for productive and stimulating careers as economists. Courses and seminars offered by the department foster an intellectually active and stimulating environment. Each week, the department sponsors more than 15 different seminars on such topics as environmental economics, economic growth and development, monetary and fiscal policy, international economics, industrial organization, law and economics, behavioral economics, labor economics, and economic history. Top scholars from both domestic and international communities are often invited speakers at the seminars.  The Harvard community outside of the department functions as a strong and diverse resource. Students in the department are free to pursue research interests with scholars throughout the University. Faculty of the Harvard Law School, Kennedy School of Government, and Harvard Business School, for example, are available to students for consultation, instruction, and research guidance. As a member of the Harvard community, students in the department can register for courses in the various schools and have access to the enormous library resources available through the University. There are over 90 separate library units at Harvard, with the total collections of books and pamphlets numbering over 13 million.  Both the department and the wider University draw some of the brightest students from around the world, which makes for a student body that is culturally diverse and likely unequaled in the range of intellectual interests of its members. These factors combine to add an important dimension to the educational process. Students are able to learn from one another, collaborate on research projects and publications, and form bonds that are not broken by distance once the degree is completed and professional responsibilities lead them in different directions.

• Program Requirements
• Job Placement
• Financial Support

Apply for a PhD

Our graduate admissions process is highly selective. However, in keeping with our international character, we recognize that students from different backgrounds demonstrate high potential in a variety of ways.

Any well-qualified individual with a baccalaureate degree from a recognized college or university (or with equivalent education) may apply for admission to graduate Economics programs.

Follow this link to see data on acceptance rates, demographics of our PhD students, and career outcomes.

Students applying for entry into our STEM designated PhD program are normally expected to have passed some advanced undergraduate or graduate courses or seminars in economic theory, and to have had extensive training in mathematics, statistics, and econometrics, as well as a working knowledge of computer programming.

A score above the 90th percentile on the GRE-Quantitative section provides strong evidence of PhD-level ability; this indicator is neither necessary nor sufficient for admission, however, as the candidate’s full dossier is taken into account.

GRE Requirement

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required .  

Applicants must take the GRE General Test at least one month before the application deadline. The GRE Subject Tests are not required. The GRE is a major component in the admission decision. We do not accept the GMAT. Although GRE scores are valid for five years, we prefer to receive scores no older than two years old, if possible. Please note, however, that we do not reject or in any way penalize an applicant for submitting GRE scores up to five years old. The ETS Institution Code for the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences is 3087. You do not need to specify a Department Code when requesting test scores be sent to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

English Proficiency Language Requirement

All international applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English, typically through English proficiency scores.

Accepted standardized tests include Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), TOEFL iBT Home Edition, International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Cambridge English Qualifications, and Duolingo. Please note, t he TOEFL ITP exam will not be accepted as proof of English proficiency.

Minimum English proficiency tes ting requirements:

• TOEFL :   100  Overall Score (25 recommended in each section). Internet-based Test (iBT) only. We do not accept “MyBest Scores.”
• IELTS :    7.0   Overall Band Score
• CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH QUALIFICATIONS :   185   Overall Score on B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency exams
• DUOLINGO :    130   Overall Score

For more information, please click here.

The Graduate School   does not waive   the English proficiency requirement in advance.  The requirement   will be waived   at the time of the   application review   if you meet at least   one   of the following criteria:

• You are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
• You are a citizen of one of the following countries: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Micronesia, Montserrat, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, Zimbabwe.
• You are a citizen of Cameroon or Canada and your post-secondary degree is from a university in which English is the language of instruction.
• You have studied in the United States (or one of the before-mentioned countries) at an accredited college or university for at least  two years .
• You have received, or expect to receive, an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution where the   official language of instruction   is English. If your transcript does not clearly state that the language of instruction is English, then please upload supporting documentation on institutional letterhead along with your transcript.

This waiver  does not apply to students who have earned or are earning undergraduate or graduate degrees  from an institution in a country listed above while enrolled in a “dual degree” program with an institution in another country. Studying as an exchange student in an English-speaking country is not sufficient to waive the English proficiency requirement.

Applicants are urged to take the English Proficiency test at the earliest possible date.

For more information regarding the English Proficiency tests, please click here.

English Language Test Scores Validity Period

The  Cambridge English Qualifications  test does not expire.  All  other  English proficiency tes t scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo) are valid for  two years.  For more information, please visit the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences English Language Testing Proficiency page.

All applications must be submitted and received by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences by December 15.  Letters of recommendation and official GRE scores may follow after this deadline, and will be considered until January 15th.

Please note that we will not review or evaluate incomplete applications, and we will not review or evaluate applications for candidates who did not pay the application fee. Applications must include all components . No component will be waived for any applicant. Such applications will be withdrawn and no admission decision will be made. We do not do pre-evaluations by email. Additionally, we do not accept late applications. There are no exceptions to these policies.

Materials to Submit

Please do not send any application materials directly to the Economics Department.

Application form and application fee

Apply online at the (GRS) Graduate School of Arts & Sciences website . Please use the online application. The online application system requires a payment in the amount of $95 dollars payable by credit card. The Department of Economics does not waive application fees.  However, GRS offers application fee waivers based on different criteria for both US and Non-US applicants. Note that our PhD program counts as “a STEM program in which women are significantly underrepresented” as described on the waiver criteria page. Please visit this link for further information.

2–3 months before application deadline:

• Contact recommenders; inform them that recommendations should be submitted weeks before deadline
• Contact ETS and request an official copy of your GRE results (English language testing reports for international students)
• Contact all previous colleges/universities and request official transcripts

2–3 weeks before application deadline:

• Complete application and prepare to submit before deadline
• Contact any recommender who has not submitted a recommendation and request he/she do so before the deadline.  We will be accepting letters of recommendation until January 15h for this admission cycle.

Official transcripts

Official transcripts are not required as part of the application. All applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts directly to the online application. Transcripts that are sent directly to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences can not be added to your application.

If you are admitted, you will be required to send in official transcripts to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences from all colleges attended prior to matriculation in the Fall.

Three letters of recommendation

We require a minimum of 3 original letters of recommendation. We generally prefer academic letters; however, professional letters of recommendation are acceptable in the case of an applicant who has been away from student status for more than 2 years. Academic recommendation letters should be written by university instructors who have taught the applicant in 1 or more classes, or have another basis for knowing well the applicant’s academic aptitude.

Recommenders must submit an online recommendation. An email request will automatically be sent to your recommenders once you have saved an online recommendation. Please advise your recommender to look for this email in their inbox, as well as their spam or junk-mail folder, as emails do occasionally get filtered out.

Test scores

Standardized test scores (GRE and English Testing Scores Reports) should be sent to BU directly from ETS.

The ETS Institutional Code for the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences is 3087. You do not need to add a department code.

Personal statement/statement of purpose

Applicants to every degree program offered by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences are required to submit a Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose of not fewer than 200 words. This statement must describe your qualifications and the objectives of your intended educational program at the Department of Economics. Additionally, applicants may submit a resume or CV with the personal statement. Writing samples are not required.

Additional forms required for international applicants only

Only if you are recommended for admission:

If you are an international student recommended for admission, you will be notified by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Admissions office to submit the following documents for student visa processing. You cannot be officially admitted until GRS receives and processes these documents.

• A completed, signed International Student Data Form or International Applicant Coversheet ( available with the online application ). Please note that this form cannot be emailed or faxed.
• A copy of the personal information page of your current passport.
• Copies of all current visas, if applicable.
• Financial support documentation ( Sponsorship Certification Form and Bank Statement ).

You must provide a bank statement or other appropriate evidence of financial support adequate to cover travel to and from Boston, and for tuition and living costs for at least 1 full year at Boston University. The estimate of expenses can be found on the International Students & Scholars website . Please note the minimum amount listed may be increased by up to 5% each academic year. Immigration regulations prohibit most international students from accepting any employment except University appointments during the first year of study in the United States.

Submit this documentation promptly to ensure sufficient time to process the student visa. It is strongly recommended that you send this documentation via express mail (DHL, FedEx, etc.) to the GRS Admissions office, as visa processing sometimes requires 2 months or more. It is not the policy of Boston University to send visa documents via express mail. Be sure to submit all required documentation for your visa as soon as reasonably possible so there is sufficient time for your visa documents to reach you through the regular mail. Once GRS processes these documents and notifies you that you have been officially admitted, they will let you know how you can request your visa documents be sent by express mail, but you must pay the cost of postage.

Please do not send any materials directly to the Economics Department. 

Forms should be sent via email at [email protected] or postal mail to:

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Admissions Office Boston University 705 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 112 Boston, MA 02215 USA

All application inquiries should be directed to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences at  [email protected]  or 617-353-2696. A complete GRS Application Checklist can be found here .

To be considered for the Economics doctoral program, all applications must be submitted and received by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences by December 15.  Letters of recommendation and official GRE scores may follow after this deadline, and will be considered until January 15.

Questions? Visit our  PhD Admissions FAQs and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences FAQs

Please be in touch if you have any questions or concerns.

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Ph.D. in Economics Graduate Admissions Profile

Admission is based primarily on four factors:

• Mathematical ability and training as evidenced by courses taken in mathematics and related subjects, grades in those courses, and the quantitative GRE score.
• General academic ability as evidenced by the applicant's academic record, including both grades and the difficulty of courses taken.
• Training in economics as evidenced by the applicant's academic record in economics and related fields, letters of recommendation, and work experience related to economics.
• Evidence of motivation and aptitude for research judged primarily on the basis of the letters of recommendation, the statement of purpose, work experience in economics, and previous research projects.

In past years most applicants recommended for graduate admission were in the following profile areas:

• Major GPA of 3.8 or higher with consideration for the degree of difficulty of the course work.
• Upper level mathematical course work including real analysis or honors advanced calculus with grades of A- minus or better.
• Quantitative GRE score of 165 or higher.*
• Grades of A-minus or better in intermediate level theory courses (microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics) with a strong preference for honors or mathematical track versions of all three courses.
• Advanced undergraduate or graduate-level course work in economics.
• Proven independent research ability (e.g., honors thesis).
• Very strong letters of recommendations from at least two faculty members who know the candidate in both classroom and out-of-class settings (e.g. independent research).
• Statement of purpose that expresses coherent ideas about why the candidate is interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in economics and describes likely areas of research interest.
• TOEFL (if applicable) at least 90 for the Internet-based test (iBT).
• IELTS (is accepted) most recent overall Band score must be at least 7 on a 9-point scale.

*GRE scores will not be required for the 2023-24 admissions season (for matriculation in Fall 2024).

UPDATE 12/18/2020 (a note on P/NP grades since the Covid-19/Coronavirus Pandemic):

UC Berkeley evaluates applicants for admission to its graduate and professional schools holistically, meaning that we consider an applicant’s combination of personal accomplishments, letters of recommendation, personal statements, academic record, and test scores in making our admissions decisions. Such a review will take into account the significant disruptions of COVID-19 when reviewing students’ transcripts and other admissions materials during the pandemic. Thus, we will not penalize students for the adoption of P/NP grades and reduced research experiences during this unprecedented period, whether the choices were made by institutions or by individual students. What is most important is that applicants demonstrate that they pursued a challenging curriculum that was relevant to their plan for graduate or professional school.

As we have continued to observe in admissions cycles, Berkeley graduates have a remarkable track record of success in graduate school admissions to the most competitive programs in the country. Our graduates are admired for their academic abilities and resilience, and are assessed, as always, on their overall performance. We are confident that graduate admissions committees will make generous allowances for the academic challenges produced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

PhD Handbook

Phd In USA With...

Phd In USA Without GRE: Study In Top Universities In USA Without GRE For Phd

You can now pursue Phd in USA without GRE. The GRE exam has been a popular entrance exam undertaken by millions of students globally. The aim of this exam was to enhance the admission process of students globally. While GRE scores are still a mandate in US universities, there are a few of them that are marking this optional.

Thus instead of GRE scores, such universities are focusing on other admission requirements. This is a convenient option as it saves students time to prepare themselves for another entrance exam and instead lets them focus on their previous academics better. So how can you pursue Phd in USA without GRE? This blog covers everything you need to know to understand the same.

How To Pursue A Phd Program In USA Without GRE?

GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a common exam undertaken by international students when applying for graduate admissions abroad. A good score can help enhance the admission process and give them leverage over the million other applications.

While GRE scores were mandatory, it has now been made an optional or waived off requirement in the admission requirements of a few US universities. So this action clearly indicates that from now on, international students can study at the top US universities without GRE for Phd.

So instead of GRE scores, there will be a set of other admission requirements which students need to fulfil, such as scoring good academic marks, etc.

Top Universities In USA For Phd Without GRE

There are multiple US universities without GRE for Phd available at the moment. These universities are highly ranked, provide the right academic experience and have been a popular choice, especially for those students who wish to eliminate the need for GRE.

Here is an overview of the top universities in USA for Phd without GRE:

Stanford University

University of chicago, purdue university, walden university, university of idaho.

More details about the universities are mentioned below:

Stanford University is ranked as the number one university to pursue good academic studies in USA. The doctoral programs offered here vary in number, giving a better choice for students to study in this highly ranked university.

University of Chicago is another well-reputed university when it comes to pursuing doctoral studies in USA. Here students can easily enroll on a Master’s program and then continue to pursue Phd studies for the same.

Suggested: PhD in Biotechnology in USA

Purdue University is a great option when it comes to choosing the right university for Phd studies in USA. Purdue University offers an on-campus and off-campus educational approach to cater to the interest of multiple international students.

Walden University is a popular choice amongst Phd students and have been popular due to the 80+ programs they offer and the tons of specializations that come with it. You can study any program of your choice at Walden University and experience better academic learning.

Lastly, University of Idaho is another great choice to study Phd in USA without GRE. The university is the number one ranked university to pursue any program here. They offer good doctorate program choices for multiple core subjects.

Comprehensive guide of top universities waiving off gre/gmat in 2023

How To Apply For USA Phd Without GRE?

To successfully apply to US universities without GRE for Phd 2022, there is a simple admission process that needs to be followed.

• Identify which USA university offers doctoral programs
• Visit the chosen USA universities official website to check the entry requirements.
• If the admission requirements list no GRE details or mention that GRE scores are optional or its waived, this is the university you should apply for.
• You can even check the Phd programs available and view each of their admission requirements.
• Once you’ve chosen the Phd program, clear other entrance exams and submit all relevant documents before the application deadline.
• Once selected, apply for a US student visa and arrange for funds

Eligibility Criteria For Phd Admission In USA Without GRE

You’re now aware that you can easily apply to US universities without GRE for Phd. So if you’re eliminating this exam, how can you be eligible for doctoral admission in USA?

With GRE out of the application requirements, there is a set of eligibility criterias that international students should cater to during their application process. Thus here is an overview of this standard academic requirement:

• A Bachelor’s & Masters’s Degree
• English Language Proficiency Test
• Submission of Relevant Documents
• Payment of Application Fee

1. A Bachelor’s & Master’s Degree,

International students should have completed all of their previous educational qualifications, for instance, when applying to a Phd program at top US universities, having an undergraduate and Master’s degree is mandatory. Ensure your GPA score is 3.0 and above to speed up your admission process.

2. English Language Proficiency Test

International students should write and clear the English language proficiency test so that universities can learn their understanding of this language. There are many English language tests available, but the popular ones which are written are TOEFL ibt and IELTS .

Based on your exam choice, ensure the below scores are achieved:

• IELTS- 6.5/7
• TOEFL ibt- 79/90/100

Which ELP exam should you take?

3. Submission Of Relevant Documents

To successfully complete your admission process, there is a set of USA supporting documents required, such as

• Statement of Purpose
• 2-3 Letters of Recommendation
• All Official Transcripts
• Work Experience
• Writing Sample

4. Payment of Application Fee

Before you fill in the online application form, international students should pay the application fee amount and submit the proof along with their relevant supporting documents. The non-refundable application fee costs 80 to 125 USD ( differs from one university to another).

Wrapping Up….

Pursuing a doctoral program in USA will lead students towards accessing high-quality academic standards, a better learning experience and enhanced career development. Now with the possibility of Phd in USA without GRE, the application process becomes simpler and allows students to deliver their best in their previous academic performance. If you still wish to clear more queries related to how to study Phd in USA without GRE, speak to our Yocket counsellors today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Phd In USA Without GRE

Can you get a USA Phd without GRE?

Yes, international students can now study Phd in USA without GRE. Most US universities have eliminated the need to submit GRE scores during the application process.

Is GRE required for Phd in USA 2023?

No, this exam is not required. Students can still study in the top universities in USA for Phd without GRE in 2023.

Which are the US universities without GRE for Phd 2022?

There are multiple universities in USA without GRE for Phd such as Walden University, Purdue University Global, etc.

Do you need GRE for Phd if you have a masters?

Since most Phd admission in USA without GRE is taking place currently, having good academic scores previously, which in this case is masters is enough to push your application forward and get you admission to the top universities in USA.

Which Phd programs don’t require GRE?

There is multiple Phd program in USA without GRE that international students can conveniently pursue, such as Business administration, Psychology, Social Work, etc.

Rohan Deshmukh

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PhD in USA Without GRE

• Updated on  
• Oct 29, 2022

The USA leads the world in terms of bringing scientific revolutions throughout its history. Be it Medicine, Bioengineering, or Military Technology, it has imperatively brought newer technologies to our world through its cutting-edge research universities and institutions working across varied areas of study. With hundreds of groundbreaking research in almost every sphere, international students planning to pursue their PhD abroad are choosing to study in the USA to avail the best research opportunities. Often, PhD aspirants face certain hindrances in appearing for qualifying exams such as GMAT , IELTS or GRE . In this insightful blog, we aim to explore the best alternatives for pursuing your PhD in USA without GRE including the substitutes you can choose from or the universities offering doctoral programs without the requirement of GRE scores.

This Blog Includes:

List of universities for phd in usa without gre, eligibility criteria for phd in usa without gre, how to apply for phd in usa without gre, doctor of business administration by walden university, phd in psychology by cal southern’s school of behavioral sciences, phd in family therapy by nova southeastern university, psyd in clinical psychology by argosy university, phd in social work by smith college, list of gre waiver universities in the usa, masters in usa without gre, why study in the usa.

Following is the list of top universities for PhD in the USA without the GRE:

• Walden University
• Purdue University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Nova Southeastern University
• Cal Southern’s School of Behavioral Sciences
• Argosy University
• Northwestern University
• University of Wisconsin
• University of Oregon
• Oregon State University
• University of Idaho
• Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Washington State University
• Smith College
• Georgetown University
• Andrew University
• Sacred Heart University

Since you’re looking for alternatives that waive GRE requirements, you must first familiarize yourself with the admission requirements for PhD in the USA. Though the actual course requirements can differ across courses and universities, here are some general eligibility requirements for pursuing PhD in the USA:

• A master’s degree is the minimum requirement you must hold to pursue a PhD at a university in the USA.
• You must get your academic transcripts ready for both undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications. If the certificate or transcript is written in a non-English language, it has to be translated into English.
• You can be asked to submit an essay of about 2000 or more words as a personal statement. You have to briefly mention your research interest.
• You should have at least qualified for one of the language tests, either IELTS or TOEFL.
• You can be asked to provide a minimum of three Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from a professional academician along with a Statement of Purpose (SOP).
• For some universities a GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0  in a post-baccalaureate degree is mandatory.
• Many universities also require GRE scores for doctoral degree programs in the USA but if you haven’t qualified for this exam, make sure to check out the alternatives and universities mentioned in the next section!

While applying for PhD in the USA, you will come across many universities which don’t necessarily require GRE scores but prefer applications that include these scores. To help you understand the major ways for applying for PhD in the USA without GRE, here are the top alternatives:

• You can apply to those universities offering PhD programs in the USA [ mentioned in the next section ] which have specified that GRE is not necessarily required.
• You can opt for online or part-time PhD degree programs in the USA or the less-selective ones which also won’t need GRE.
• You can look for the best-suited PhD programs which mention GRE as a non-essential criterion and apply for these courses. For such PhD courses, it is important that you must have a strong academic record as well as recommendation letters and an excellent research proposal. You can strengthen the other parts of your application to ensure that it can get highlighted from the pile of others.

Universities for PhD in USA without GRE

Now that you are familiar with the major alternatives, we have curated a complete list of universities which provide doctoral degrees in the USA without the GRE as their compulsory criteria. Check out the following list of universities offering PhD in the USA without the GRE:

The doctorate degree provided by Walden University is specifically intended for those students who are looking to acquire more advanced knowledge of the different theories in management as well as its modern applications. Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at Walden University is a top choice among management students to study PhD in the USA without GRE because it offers different areas of focus like Finance, International Business and Global Supply Chain Management , Human Resource Management, Accounting and Marketing.

This Behavioral Sciences program at Cal Southern’s school provides a doctorate in Psychology without you having to bother about GRE. Students are required to complete a range of different programs before taking a PhD, where they learn Advanced Theories of Psychology, a multitude of Personality Theories as well as Psych-Pharmacology. Upon completing this course, students become eligible to receive authorization to practice clinical psychology within California. This doctorate helps you gain an understanding of the practical applications of Psychology.

Nova Southeastern University’s doctorate in Family Therapy provides career opportunities for students, in academia, and research fields among others. This doctorate program is aimed at building a thorough understanding of the related theoretical ideas with the various popularly growing areas of family therapy. Throughout this program, a student understands how, both, qualitative and quantitative research methodology is important in this study area.

Argosy University’s PhD program is mainly designed to teach research scholars with applicable skills required in clinical practice. Furthermore, it devotedly makes certain that students are trained efficiently to reduce psychological dysfunction. This research degree has incorporated theoretical, practical and research aspects so that students possess adequate knowledge to contribute their services to different psychological domains, like society and offers medical interventions for the betterment of mental health. This university allows you to study PhD in the USA without GRE.

Want to ascertain your cost of education in the USA? Check Out our Cost of Living Calculator

This PhD program ensures that students adequately know how to pitch in to spread awareness regarding social work and its practice. Here, students understand the need to develop and pursue research on clinical social work. This program broadens students’ ability to think critically vis-a-vis understanding the importance and skills necessary in the field of clinical social work.

COVID-19 has caused many universities to modify their entry requirements to ease admission procedures for international students. Among the many changes, various universities have waived off the GRE and GMAT tests for students. Here is a list of Universities In the USA that have a GRE waiver.

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• North Carolina State University
• Stanford University
• University of California San Diego
• Princeton University
• New York University
• University of Michigan Ann-Arbor
• University of Maryland
• University of Washington
• Yale University
• The University of Texas at Dallas
• University of South Florida
• Iowa State University
• University of Huddersfield
• Florida State University 
• University at Buffalo
• Rice University
• The University of Illinois at Chicago
• California State University Long Beach 
• The University of Texas at Austin
• University of Minnesota 
• The University of California Irvine
• Rutgers University
• Texas A&M University
• Syracuse University
• Northeastern University

Various universities in the USA require prospective students to take the GRE exam besides IELTS or TOEFL. However, students from non-technical backgrounds find it tough to clear the GRE exam. Apart from that, COVID-19 has caused several restrictions and has led to the cancellations of many exams including the GRE, GMAT, etc. To facilitate students with their study abroad plans, many universities offer a GRE waiver for their master’s as well. Here is a list of Masters’s universities in the USA without the GRE.

• Boston University 
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Washington State University 
• University of Florida 
• Northeastern University, Boston
• San Jose State University
• National Louis University
• Alliant International University
• Oklahoma State University
• Point Park University
• ECPI University
• Missouri Western State University
• City University of Seattle
• Rivier University
• Monroe College
• Trine University
• Fisher College
• Marymount California University
• Westcliff University
• Virginia International University
• International Technological University
• Montclair University
• IGlobal University

There are multifarious reasons why international students frequently choose the USA as their preferred study destination. Whether you want to pursue your PhD in USA or any other course, here are the top benefits you can avail yourself:

• USA is home to world-class universities which have consistently featured at the top of THE and QS World University rankings some of the most prominent ones include, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, Harvard University, and California Institute of Technology , to name a few.
• STEM courses in the USA are among the popular academic programs offered by universities and you can also explore a plethora of specializations across varied fields of study from Business and Management to Arts and Social Sciences.
• The universities in the USA are home to world-renowned faculties and experts across different disciplines.
• The academic institutions are also extensively associated with globally famed brands and organise timely career placement events and drives to ensure a higher employability rate for their graduates.

Hence, we hope that this blog provided you with all the essentials you need to know about pursuing PhD in USA without GRE. Planning to study for a doctoral degree abroad? Our Leverage Edu experts are here to guide you in picking the best course and university as per your interests and we will also assist you throughout the admission process to ensure that you send a winning application! Sign up for a free consultation session with us today!

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very nice information. please if i may ask i am looking at taking a PHD in Finance in USA or Canada but i want a school that does not require the GRE or GMAT for the PHD in Finance Program

Hello, We are delighted to know that you are considering to pursue PhD from either America or Canada. Since you are sure about your specialisation of study and that you wish to pursue your PhD without GRE, we would suggest you to get in touch with our Leverage Edu experts on 1800572000 as they would be the best people tp give you the right mentorship and guidance to make you land at the right university abroad.

Hello, We are delighted to know that you are considering to pursue PhD from either America or Canada. Since you are sure about your specialisation of study and that you wish to pursue your PhD without GRE, we would suggest you get in touch with our Leverage Edu experts on 1800572000 as they would be the best people to give you the right mentorship and guidance to make you land at the right university abroad. Wishing you good luck for your future goals!

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How to Pursue PhD in USA without GRE?

Rohini Pandey ,

Mar 4, 2024

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Students looking to pursue PhD in USA without GRE need to fulfill additional requirements. Check out top universities, eligibility, application process, and more.

The GRE is a prerequisite for admission to top universities in the United States offering graduate programs. However, it is possible to pursue a PhD in USA without GRE. For those PhD programs that do not require GRE scores, there are other requirements you must meet to be considered.

The purpose of this article is to help you explore the top universities in USA without GRE for PhD, popular programs, eligibility requirements, GRE waiver universities, and much more.

Table of Contents

Top Universities in USA for PhD without GRE

Eligibility requirements for phd in usa without gre, how to apply for phd in the usa without gre, list of gre waiver universities in usa 2022-2023, masters without gre in usa.

In the following table, you can find the best universities in USA to pursue PhD without GRE, along with the PhD programs offered by these universities:

Walden University

Walden University's doctorate program is designed for students who are interested in gaining advanced knowledge of management theory as well as its modern applications. Walden University's Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is one of the top choices among management students seeking PhD programs in the United States without GRE due to its focus areas like international business, human resource management, marketing, finance, international business, accounting, global supply chain management, etc. 

California Southern University

California Southern University offers a behavioral sciences program that provides a Doctorate in Psychology without any GRE requirements. There are several programs that students must complete before they can take a PhD at California Southern University. This program helps you learn about the practical applications of psychology as well as psychology and personality theories. Students who complete this course are qualified to practice clinical psychology within California. 

Nova Southeastern University

The doctoral program in Family Therapy at Nova Southeastern University provides career opportunities in research fields. The purpose of this PhD program is to build a thorough understanding of the theoretical ideas related to the different areas of family therapy. As a student in this program, you'll learn how both qualitative and quantitative methodologies are valuable in this study area.

Read More:  Nova Southeastern University

Argosy University

Argosy University’s PhD program is mainly designed to teach research scholars with applicable skills required in clinical practice. Furthermore, it devotedly makes it certain that students are trained efficiently to reduce psychological dysfunction. 

This research degree combines theoretical, practical, and research elements to ensure that students have the necessary knowledge to contribute to various psychological domains. This university allows you to pursue a PhD in the United States without taking the GRE.

Smith College

This PhD program makes sure that students are well-equipped to spread awareness about social work and its practice. Here, students understand the need to develop and pursue research on clinical social work. This program enhances students’ ability to think critically vis-a-vis understanding the importance and skills necessary in the field of clinical social work.

Read More: Smith College

When seeking alternatives to the GRE, you should first learn about the PhD admission criteria in the United States. Though course requirements vary by course and university, the following are some basic qualifying requirements for pursuing a PhD in the USA:

• Students must pursue a master's degree
• Applicants must provide academic transcripts from previous institutions. If the certificate or transcript is not written in English, it must be translated.
• An SOP/essay of 2000 words will be required. You must briefly describe your research interest in the purpose statement.
• You must qualify for one of the language tests, such as the IELTS or TOEFL.
• At least three reference letters from a professional academician.
• A GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 in a post-baccalaureate degree is required by some universities.

When applying for a PhD in the USA, you will find several universities that do not require GRE scores but prefer applications that include these scores. Below are the major alternatives for applying for a PhD in the USA without taking the GRE:

• You can apply to PhD programmes at US universities that do not require the GRE.
• You can choose from online or part-time PhD programs in the USA or the less-selective programs that do not require the GRE.
• You should apply for PhD programs that do not have GRE as an essential requirement. However, you must have a solid academic record, as well as recommendation letters and an exceptional research proposal, to be considered for such PhD courses. This way you can improve the other aspects of your application to make it stand out from the crowd.

Many universities have changed their entry requirements in response to COVID-19, making it easier for overseas students to get admission. Various colleges have waived the GRE and GMAT assessments for students, among other changes. The following is a list of universities in the United States that have a GRE waiver for the academic year 2022-2023:

• North Carolina State University
• Stanford University
• Princeton University
• New York University
• University of Michigan Ann-Arbor
• University of Maryland
• University of Washington
• Yale University
• University of South Florida
• Iowa State University
• University of Huddersfield
• Florida State University 
• Rice University
• University of Texas, Austin
• Texas A&M University
• Syracuse University

In addition to IELTS or TOEFL, several universities in the United States require prospective students to take the GRE exam. Students with non-technical backgrounds, on the other hand, find it difficult to pass the GRE exam. However, due to Covid 19, a number of universities offer a GRE waiver for international students to study in the USA. Here is a list of master's degree programs in the USA that do not require GRE:

• Boston University 
• Washington State University 
• University of Florida 
• San Jose State University
• National Louis University
• Alliant International University
• Oklahoma State University
• Point Park University
• Missouri Western State University
• City University of Seattle
• Rivier University
• Monroe College
• Trine University
• Fisher College
• Marymount California University
• Virginia International University
• International Technological University
• Montclair State University

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Updated on 13 April, 2023

Mrinal Mandal

Study abroad expert.

Pursuing a  Ph.D. in USA without GRE   is possible, although only a limited number of institutions provide this allowance for applicants. The United States of America (USA) has retained its position as one of the most-preferred global Ph.D. destinations for international students. With its cutting-edge research and academic infrastructure and a globally-recognized curriculum, the USA offers the best Ph.D. programs and opportunities for students.

Table of Contents

Ph.d. admission in usa without gre- eligibility criteria, major universities in usa without gre for ph.d., cost of studying ph.d. in usa, download these useful guides to ace your gre preparation.

• Job Prospects after Ph.D. in the USA

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You can apply for a Ph.D. without GRE in the USA at some institutions, provided you meet other eligibility criteria. While these vary across institutions, here are some general criteria that applicants have to meet: 

• Minimum GPA requirements (varies across universities) and bachelor’s/master’s degrees in related fields. 
• Some institutions require minimum professional experience 
• You may have to submit a Statement of Purpose (SOP) or sit for a written and oral examination in order to qualify for the Ph.D. program. 
• References from academic supervisors or letters of recommendation may be required to  study Ph.D. in USA without GRE . 
• English language proficiency could be a criterion at some institutions as well. 

You should check the official websites of universities carefully for more information in this regard. 

Some universities offer Ph.D. programs in the USA without mandatory GRE requirements. This is only an indicative list, and other universities could offer the same, depending on the doctoral program and other parameters.

While the cost of studying Ph.D. vary across universities; the average figure is between $28-55,000 as per estimates.

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Job Prospects after Ph.D. in the USA 

The job prospects are bright for applicants successfully completing their PhD programs in the USA. The average salary is $101,000 per year as per Payscale. Here are some high-paying job profiles and average salaries for PhDs in the country according to Payscale. 

• Research Scientist- $64-129,000
• Data Scientist- $79-138,000 
• Assistant Professor- $51-98,000 
• Physical Therapist- $60-85,000 
• Research Scientist (Biotechnology)- $71-124,000
• Senior Research Scientist (Biotechnology)- $80-139,000 
• Professor- $57-143,000
• Associate Professor- $63-140,000 
• Software Engineer- $81-143,000
• Clinical Psychologist- $57-119,000

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• 12 Weeks of Dedicated Coaching to Build a robust profile for Top 1% Universities
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Name some universities in the USA without GRE for a Ph.D.?

There are a limited number of universities in the USA that accept Ph.D. applications without GRE scores. Some of them include MIT, Northwestern University, the University of Idaho, and others.

Can I opt for a Ph.D. in the USA without GRE?

Yes, you can choose to do your Ph.D. in the USA without the GRE. However, you will have a limited number of institutions to choose from in this regard. It is recommended that you get your GMAT scores instead.

What Ph.D. programs don’t require GRE?

Many Ph.D. courses offered by leading universities do not require GRE scores. For example, the Doctor of Philosophy course at Northwestern University does not require GRE scores. There are many such options available for aspirants.

Can I go to the USA without GRE?

There are many universities and colleges that may take applications without GRE scores at the master's or Ph.D. levels. However, you will have to either furnish GMAT scores in place of GRE or meet other stringent criteria at these institutions.

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The TOEFL minimum score is 0 while the TOEFL maximum score is 120. A good average TOEFL score is usually around 78-79 for admissions into leading global universities.

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Outstanding Achievement Award: Andreu Mas-Colell Pioneering researcher in economic theory, builder of academic institutions, leader in graduate education in economics

On June 26, 2024, the University of Minnesota will confer the Outstanding Achievement Award on Andreu Mas-Colell, an honor reserved for the University’s most distinguished graduates.  

Andreu Mas-Colell earned his Ph.D. in Economics at Minnesota in 1972.  He has made fundamental contributions in mathematical economics, work that is being recognized through this award.  The award ceremony will be held at the Ciutadella Campus of the Universitat Pompeu Fabra, whose department of economics and finance is one of four academic institutions that constitute the Barcelona School of Economics (BSE).  Andreu collaborated in the creation of the Universitat Pompeu Fabra, and he founded the BSE; these achievements and his institution building more broadly are being recognized through the award.  Andreu is also being honored for his impact on graduate education in economics, through his teaching and mentoring of students and his co-authorship of the world’s leading graduate economics textbook. 

Andreu entered the University of Minnesota Ph.D. program in Economics in the fall of 1968.  He was one of the first recipients of the Andreas Fellowship that Professor Walter Heller had managed to set up with the sponsorship of Dwayne Andreas of Archer Daniels Midland for students from Spain interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in economics. The Andreas Fellowship subsequently sponsored the studies of a large number of Spanish economists at Minnesota up until the mid-1990s.  During his time at Minnesota, Andreu was influenced by Hugo Sonnenschein, then an assistant professor, and he finished his degree under the thesis supervision of Marcel Kessel (Ket) Richter in 1972.  He then took a position as an assistant research economist at the University of California, Berkeley. In 1975 he became an assistant professor in both the department of economics and the department of mathematics and then moved rapidly up the ranks, becoming a full professor in both departments in 1979.  He moved to Harvard in 1981.

Much of Andreu’s research deals with general equilibrium theory. General equilibrium theory traces its roots to Leon Walras in the 1870s, but it was revolutionized by the work of economists like Kenneth Arrow and Gerard Debreu in the 1950s, who used mathematical tools from topology like Brouwer’s fixed point theorem, which had been introduced into economics by the great mathematician John von Neumann, to prove that the system of equations generated by a general equilibrium model had a solution, an economic equilibrium. For a time, economic theorists then neglected the mathematical tools they had traditionally used, like differential calculus, to use the tools they found in topology. In the early 1970s, however, several economists, led by Gerard Debreu, recognized that much could be gained from applying tools from differential topology, which combines calculus with topology, to general equilibrium analysis. Andreu showed up at Berkeley, where Debreu was his senior colleague, just in time to become a leader in this movement. Andreu also realized that the same mathematical tools could be used in cooperative game theory. In cooperative games, economic agents — rather than competing against each other as in noncooperative games — can cooperate, which often leads to outcomes where they are all are made better off than they would have been by competing. Much of Andreu’s success at institution building has been based on searching for such cooperative outcomes among members of academic institutions.

While he was on an upward trajectory in the United States, Andreu chose to return to Catalonia in 1995 to help build the new Universitat Pompeu Fabra University into what is now, by many measures, the best university in Spain and one of the best in Europe. Even at Harvard, he had been active in founding the Pompeu Fabra starting in 1990. In the early 2000s, frustrated by infighting among competing educational and research institutions in economics in Barcelona, he built a partnership among them in the form of what is now the Barcelona School of Economics. The BSE model for fostering a cooperative equilibrium among competing academic institutions has served as a model not only in economics, where the Paris School of Economics and the Toulouse School of Economics serve as two prominent examples, but in the experimental sciences.  Andreu now serves as the Chair of the Board of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, an institution of scientific cooperation, multidisciplinary research, and graduate education comprising seven Catalan research centers in experimental science.

Andreu has had an outstanding career as a teacher of economics and a supervisor of graduate student research in economics.  With his colleagues at Harvard University, Michael Winston and Jerry Green, he compiled a set of lecture notes teaching microeconomic theory to generations of first-year Harvard Ph.D. students.  This group included the University of Minnesota’s Executive Vice President and Provost, Rachel Croson, who will preside over Andreu’s award ceremony in Barcelona this coming June. In 1995, Andreu, Michael, and Jerry published these notes as the 981-page textbook, Microeconomic Theory, which is now the most widely used textbook in graduate education in economics around the world. As a doctoral thesis supervisor, Andreu has trained a number of students who went on to influential careers.  Two current faculty members of the University of Minnesota’s department of economics are students of Andreu: Larry Jones and myself.

The high regard in which we at the University of Minnesota hold Andreu is widespread in the economics profession. He has a remarkably long and impressive list of professional honors, starting with honorary doctoral degrees from five universities in the United States, Europe, and Latin America. Andreu is one of the most highly regarded economists in the world. He has received extensive international recognition for these and other achievements that reflects well not only on him, but also on his alma mater, the University of Minnesota.

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