While the majority of students transfer into the Joint Program at the end of their first year of doctoral studies, PhD students enrolled in either the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics or the finance dissertation area at Chicago Booth may apply to the joint program within their first two years in residence. Such students will have to meet all of the requirements of both programs.

Based on performance in the first year and other qualifications, the admissions committee may choose to make admission contingent on receiving a PhD pass on the Core examination or on other program requirements. All inquiries about transfer into the Joint Program should be directed to the Associate Director.

Application for Transfer into the Joint Program

• Deadline to apply: Application Materials must be submitted via email to Cynthia Hillman, Associate Director of the Joint Program, no later than 5pm on the first day of Summer Quarter. Application materials must be submitted in standard formats like Word documents or PDF.
• Required Application Materials:
  • Unofficial transcript from the University Registrar including Spring Quarter Grades
  • Research statement explaining your interest in the Joint Program and outlining your goals for your course of study
  • Updated CV

In addition to materials submitted by the applicant, the admissions committee will also review the applicants’ initial application to the PhD program in which they are enrolled. After reviewing application materials, the admissions committee may request in-person interviews, as needed, during the month of July. Students are advised to remain in-residence during this period to facilitate the scheduling of interviews.