FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

About Suffolk University

Q. How well known is Suffolk University?
A. Since its founding in 1906, Suffolk University has been the place for excellent, accessible and affordable education. Like Boston, it is steeped in history. Located in Beacon Hill, Suffolk is known for its academic, cultural and international appeal. It has grown tremendously over the past decade. A private, urban co-educational institution, Suffolk offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate degrees and certificates in the College of Arts and Sciences, the Sawyer School of Management and the Law School.

Q. Where is Suffolk University?
A. Situated on Beacon Hill in historic downtown Boston, steps away from the Boston Common, the Statehouse, Quincy Market and Newbury Street, Suffolk University enjoys an ideal location for advanced study.

Q. Is graduate housing available?
A. Although there is no on-campus housing available for graduate students, Suffolk is committed to assisting students in their housing search. Both the Housing Office and the Economics Department staff are happy to assist you in finding a great place to live in and around Boston.

About the Ph.D. Program in Economics

Q. Can I study part-time?
A. Yes. The Department of Economics offers graduate courses for part-time and full-time students. Classes are conveniently offered in the evening to meet your scheduling needs.

Q. Is there a concentration required in the PhD program?
A. Suffolk offers four fields of specialization. Choose two fields from International Economics, Public Finance, Public Choice, and Econometrics. 

Q. What is the language requirement?
A. For the PhD program, a minimum TOEFL score of 80 in the IBT scoring system with no subscore lower than 17, or 213 computer-based (550 paper-based) in the old scoring system is required of applicants whose native language is not English. We also accept the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test and a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is required. Students interested in teaching assistantships must meet with faculty advisors to discuss the higher level of English proficiency required for those opportunities.

Q. Can I be exempted from courses in the program?
A. Students with appropriate prior courses may be exempted from required courses with permission from the Department.

Q. Can I take courses in other Suffolk schools and departments?
A. Yes. There are opportunities within program-specific limits that allow students to expand their study beyond the Department of Economics.

Q. Can I take courses at other Boston-area universities?
A. Yes, with prior approval from the graduate director.

Q. Is financial aid available?
A. Yes. Full and partial tuition waivers are available to outstanding full-time candidates. Research and teaching assistantships are also available to full-time candidates. Additionally, excellent part-time students may be eligible for tuition waivers.

About Admission

Q. What is the minimum GPA?
A. There is no minimum GPA required for the Ph.D. program.

Q. Must I have majored in Economics to apply for the Ph.D. program?
A. No.

Q. Am I required to have a Master’s degree to apply for the Ph.D. program?
A. No.