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Levy Economics Instutute of Bard Cellege

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Take Your Economics Studies Further


Levy Economics Instutute of Bard College

Guaranteed Admission to Levy Graduate Programs in Economic Theory and Policy

Levy Economics Institute of Bard College

Learn More

To learn more, connect directly with a member of the admissions team at the Levy Economics Institute.

Through a partnership between Hobart and William Smith and the Levy Economics Institute of Bard College, qualified HWS Economics students are guaranteed admission to Levy’s graduate programs in Economic Theory and Policy.

The pathway offers a streamlined route from undergraduate study at HWS to advanced work in economics, connecting students with a leading public policy research organization where graduate education and active economic research come together.

About Levy Economics Institute

Study Economics Where Research Shapes Policy

Founded in 1986, the Levy Economics Institute of Bard College is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy research organization dedicated to addressing economic issues of importance to the United States and the global economy. Levy brings together scholars and leaders from academia, government, business and labor to examine economic challenges and contribute research to public policy discussions. Graduate students have the distinctive opportunity to pursue rigorous academic study while engaging with the research environment of the Institute.

GRADUATE STUDY

Levy’s graduate programs in Economic Theory and Policy offer an alternative to conventional graduate programs in economics and finance, combining advanced coursework with opportunities to participate in economic research alongside Institute scholars. Qualified HWS students may pursue admission to Levy’s Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) programs through the guaranteed admission partnership.

Guaranteed Admission

A Direct Path from HWS to Levy

HWS Economics students who meet the partnership requirements can receive guaranteed admission to Levy and complete a simplified application rather than the traditional admissions process.

To qualify, students must:

  • Major or minor in Economics at HWS.
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  • Earn a B+ or higher in:
    • ECON 300: Macroeconomic Theory and Policy
    • ECON 301: Microeconomic Theory and Policy
    • ECON 304: Econometrics
  • Receive the recommendation of their academic advisor.

Students who do not meet the guaranteed admission criteria are still encouraged to apply to Levy. All applicants receive full consideration for admission, financial aid and scholarships.

How it Works

1. Meet the academic requirements.
Complete the required Economics coursework, maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 and receive your advisor’s recommendation.

2. HWS identifies eligible students.
The HWS Economics Department provides Levy with the names and email addresses of qualifying students by January 15.

3. Receive your admission invitation.
Levy sends eligible students an acceptance letter with instructions for completing a brief application. Students must submit the simplified application by March 15 to secure a place in the MA or MS program.

4. Apply for financial aid.
Students seeking financial assistance complete the FAFSA or Bard’s international student financial aid form by April 15. Financial aid and scholarship offers are expected by May 1.

5. Make your decision.
Enrollment deposits are due May 15, or within two weeks of receiving a financial aid and scholarship offer if it is issued after May 1.

Advising and More Information

Joshua Greenstein

Contact Professor Joshua Greenstein 
greenstein@hws.edu

Interested students should talk with their HWS Economics advisor or the Economics Department to learn more about eligibility and the guaranteed admission process. Reach out to the Economics Department Chair, Joshua Greenstein at greenstein@hws.edu. 

For questions about Levy’s graduate programs, students may contact the Levy Graduate Programs at levygrad@bard.edu.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Who is eligible for guaranteed admission to Levy?

HWS students must major or minor in Economics, have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, earn a B+ or higher in ECON 300, ECON 301 and ECON 304, and receive a recommendation from their academic advisor.

Which Levy graduate programs are included?

Eligible HWS students can secure a place in either Levy’s Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) program in Economic Theory and Policy.

Do I need to submit a traditional graduate application?
No. Students identified for guaranteed admission receive an acceptance letter from Levy with a link to a simplified application requesting biographical information and providing the option to upload additional materials.
When will I know if I qualify?
The HWS Economics Department identifies eligible students and provides their names and email addresses to Levy by January 15. Levy then contacts those students directly with an acceptance letter and instructions for completing the simplified application.
What are the important deadlines?
Eligible students must submit Levy’s simplified application by March 15. Students seeking financial aid must complete the FAFSA or Bard’s international student financial aid form by April 15, and enrollment deposits are generally due May 15.
Am I eligible for financial aid and scholarships?
Yes. Students may be considered for financial aid and scholarships. To receive an offer by May 1, students must complete the FAFSA or Bard’s international student financial aid form by April 15.
What if I don’t meet the guaranteed admission requirements?
You can still apply. Levy specifically encourages HWS students who do not meet the guaranteed admission criteria to apply through its regular admissions process, with full consideration for admission, financial aid and scholarships.
Who should I contact with questions?
Start by talking with your HWS Economics advisor or the Economics Department Chair, Joshua Greenstein (greenstein@hws.edu) about your eligibility. Questions about Levy’s graduate programs or the admissions process can be directed to levygrad@bard.edu. 
What makes the Levy graduate experience unique?
Graduate study at Levy takes place within an active economic research institute, connecting economic theory and empirical research with real-world public policy questions. Students engage with scholars examining issues such as financial instability, monetary policy, employment, inequality and the global economy, gaining insight into how economic research can help address some of today’s most consequential challenges.