Economics Department lobby

PhD Program

Year after year, our top-ranked PhD program sets the standard for graduate economics training across the country. Graduate students work closely with our world-class faculty to develop their own research and prepare to make impactful contributions to the field.

Our doctoral program enrolls 20-24 full-time students each year and students complete their degree in five to six years. Students undertake core coursework in microeconomic theory, macroeconomics, and econometrics, and are expected to complete two major and two minor fields in economics. Beyond the classroom, doctoral students work in close collaboration with faculty to develop their research capabilities, gaining hands-on experience in both theoretical and empirical projects.

How to apply

Students are admitted to the program once per year for entry in the fall. The online application opens on September 15 and closes on December 15.

Meet our students

Our PhD graduates go on to teach in leading economics departments, business schools, and schools of public policy, or pursue influential careers with organizations and businesses around the world. 

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.   

Tepper School of Business

Tepper School

Ph.D. Program in Economics

Graduates have exceptional research training in economic theory and the quantitative tools required for innovative research on complex economic problems..

The purpose of the Ph.D. program in Economics is to educate scientists who will advance the frontiers of economic knowledge through research and teaching.

The program is designed to provide students with sound training in economic theory, and the quantitative tools required for innovative research on economic problems. Equally important, the program is structured to allow students both time and guidance for research activities.

The goal of the doctoral program in economics is to help students learn to do original, creative research. Unlike most graduate programs in economics, we have chosen not to impose rigid course requirements on students. Instead, we emphasize involving students in research early in their graduate careers. Students in the doctoral program in economics at the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon take courses in order to learn the fundamental principles of economic theory underlying all areas of application, and to master the analytic and modeling techniques of the practicing research economist. In-depth knowledge of specialized areas is required as a by-product of research activity.

At the completion of the Ph.D. program in economics at the Tepper School, a student should have mastered the fundamental principles of economic theory and the quantitative tools required for basic and applied research. Additionally, the student should have attained a level of skill in research techniques which will serve as the basis for continued self-development.

  • Students are expected to obtain knowledge of substantive research areas by taking elective courses, attending and participating in seminars, working with the faculty, and reading research papers.
  • Students are urged to actively involve themselves in the intellectual life of the school.
  • Seminars are a fundamental mechanism for exchange of information throughout the profession, and they are an essential professional activity of a successful research economist.
  • Students should plan to attend weekly seminars throughout their stay at the business school.

Research Topics

  • Real Business Cycles
  • Expectations and Indeterminacy of Monetary Equilibrian Experimental Economies
  • Consistent Incentive Mechanism (Contract) Design
  • Corporate Financial Policy Under Asymmetric Information
  • Bargaining Foundations of Product Innovation
  • Variation in Wages and Hours of Work Over the Business Cycle
  • Individual Adjustment to Changing Labor Markets
  • The Distribution of Income Within and Across Households
  • The Results of Deregulation
  • Macroeconomic Policy
  • International Trade Policy
  • Female Labor Supply and Fertility
  • The Economics Behind Marketing "New and Improving" Products
  • Risk Analysis and Management
  • Estimation and Inference for Dynamic Economic Models
  • The Duration of Interorganizational Relationships
  • The Endogeneity of Appropriability and R&D Investment

P lease visit our Ph.D. Student Profiles page t o view the profiles of our current doctoral candidates.

Program details.

  • Requirements
  • Tepper 2023
  • Course List
  • Academic Calendar
  • Privacy Policy
  • Statement of Assurance
  • Tepper Information Center
  • Journalists & Media
  • Tepper Gear Store
  • Utility Menu

University Logo

44d3fa3df9f06a3117ed3d2ad6c71ecc

  • Administration

The department of Economics at Harvard University is committed to seeking out and mentoring scholars who wish to pursue a rigorous and rewarding career in economic research. Our graduates are trailblazers in their fields and contribute to a diverse alumni community in both the academic and non-academic sectors. We invite you to learn more about the PhD program in Economics . Have questions about applying? Please thoroughly check the GSAS admission website before emailing us at: [email protected]

Harvard does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability unrelated to job or course of study requirements, and we actively  seek applicants  from historically underrepresented communities. We hope you’ll consider applying. Immigration status does not factor into decisions about admissions and financial aid. For more information, see  Undocumented at Harvard . 

Apply to Economics @Harvard

Application Requirements

  • Completed online application form (Must be completed by December 1st)
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Transcripts for all college/university degrees and courses Self-reported transcripts are accepted for both all programs at the application stage. Applicants must upload copies of his/her transcripts to the online application system. Hard copy transcripts will only be required if admitted to a program, prior to enrollment.
  • Current GRE scores
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores (non-native English speakers see details below)
  • Three letters of recommendation (at least one from an academic source). Recommendation letters must be submitted online through the online application system. 
  • Application fee 
  • Writing sample (at least 15 pages in length)

All applicants are required to take the  General Test of the Graduate Record Examination  (GRE). Test scores are valid for five years (scores must be from no earlier than January 5, 2019 for Fall 2024 admission). Applicants are, however, advised to take the exam no later than mid-November. There is no minimum test score requirement. A department code is not required for score submission. Institution Codes for PhD Programs GRE: 3451

Financial Aid

All admitted students are awarded a financial package which includes tuition, single-person health insurance, living stipend for the first two years, teaching and research assistant stipends and a completion fellowship in the final year of the program.

International Applications

Adequate command of spoken and written English is required for admission. Applicants whose native language is other than English and who do not hold a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an institution at which English is the language of instruction must submit  TOEFL  or IELTS scores.

TOEFL/IELTS scores are valid for two years. (scores must be from no earlier than January 5, 2022 for Fall 2024 admission). The committee prefers scores of at least 100 on the internet-based test.  Institution Codes for Toefl score reports PhD programs: 3451

Reapplicants

Applicants who applied last year are considered reapplicants. Those reapplying must submit a completely new application. The new application must include all required documents to be provided by the applicant - we will not re-use material previously submitted. These materials include an updated statement of purpose, transcripts, test score reports, updated letters of recommendation, the application fee, and any other supporting materials

Please note, Harvard University will accept no more than three applications from any one individual over the course of his/her lifetime.

Applying to more than one Program

Harvard has several PhD programs that may also be of interest to students considering applying to the PhD program in economics. These include Business Economics, Political Economy and Government, Public Policy, and Health Policy.  Many students in these programs have considerable overlap in their coursework with courses offered to PhD students in economics.   Many also have dissertation committees that include faculty members of the economics department. Please refer to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for applicable program deadlines.  (Deadlines have already passed for some programs this year but not for others.) We encourage those with interest in any of those programs to also apply to those programs. The economics department will make admissions decisions independently, so application to or admission to other programs will not adversely affect admissions decisions within the Economics department. If you opt to apply, please note, the Graduate School will not accept more than three applications from any individual during the course of his or her academic career. 

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. These 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 17th, 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.

Application Assistance and Mentoring Program Form

  • PhD Program
  • Program Requirements
  • Job Placement
  • Financial Support

Columbia | Economics

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
  • Placement Information
  • Student Life
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Program Requirements
  • Announcements
  • Graduate Student Appointments
  • Office Hours
  • List of 2nd Year Fields
  • PhD Administrative Forms
  • Job Market Candidates
  • Honors and Prizes
  • 1st Year Students (2024)
  • 2nd Year Students (2023)
  • 3rd Year Students (2022)
  • 4th Year Students (2021)
  • 5th Year Students (2020)
  • 6th Year Students (2019)
  • Bridge to the Ph.D. Program

a phd in economics

1022 International Affairs Building (IAB)

Mail Code 3308

420 West 118th Street

New York, NY 10027

Department of Economics

grad students at a seminar

  • Graduate Courses
  • Program Requirements
  • For Admitted Students
  • Funding and Financial Aid
  • For Current Students
  • Recent Placements

The rigorous PhD economics program at Johns Hopkins is among the best in the nation. With its world-class faculty, individualized attention, and small classes, the doctoral program is the centerpiece of the Department of Economics. From financial analysis to applied research, students are well-prepared to be leaders in the field.

The department is dedicated to maintaining strong research and teaching cores in applied microeconomics, economic theory, macroeconomics, and econometrics. Faculty members are experts in their fields, and they are actively involved in thesis supervision and research seminars . The unique Hopkins difference is the direct interaction and one-on-one attention students receive from faculty. Such attention opens the door to myriad opportunities for students to conduct groundbreaking research, apply complex economic theories, and make educated financial analyses and predictions.

Student Life

Graduate students enjoy a diverse social life outside of the department’s rigorous curriculum and their individual research interests. Faculty and students – from both inside and outside the department – have ample opportunities to spend time together socializing and discussing their studies. 

In addition to frequent student-planned happy hours, social outings, and local events, the Department of Economics and the JHU Graduate Representative Organization host many functions throughout the year.

  • At the beginning of the fall semester, the Department of Economics hosts a welcome dinner and party to encourage new students to meet their peers, older students, and faculty.
  • The department throws an annual holiday party immediately following completion of the first term, as well as an end-of-year barbecue to celebrate the completion of the spring semester.
  • JHU sponsored coffee “happy hours” offer graduate students opportunities to meet people from outside their department.
  • Intramural sports are popular among graduate students at Hopkins, and the economics department often forms teams that compete against other departments.

Students and faculty members often know each other by name before taking classes together, and first-year students enjoy straightforward access to faculty members and their more experienced peers. This collegial atmosphere makes for an easy transition into graduate life and comfortable communication once research begins in earnest.

Economics across JHU Schools

Carey business school.

The Johns Hopkins Carey Business School is the graduate business school of Johns Hopkins University and offers full-time and part-time programs leading to the Master of Business Administration and Master of Science degrees.  The School has a number of distinguished economists who interact with the faculty and graduate students in the Department of Economics.

School of Advanced International Studies

The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies is a graduate school of Johns Hopkins University based in Washington, D.C., United States, with campuses in Bologna, Italy, and Nanjing, China. It is consistently ranked one of the top graduate schools for international relations in the world.  The economists at the school interact with the faculty and graduate students in the Department of Economics.

Advanced Academic Programs Applied Economics

The Johns Hopkins Division of Advanced Academic Programs is a  division of the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences in Washington DC which offers high-level graduate-level education in Applied Economics, with a variety of Masters Degrees designed to build on the intellectual strength and educational requirements of professional adults.

About Stanford GSB

  • The Leadership
  • Dean’s Updates
  • School News & History
  • Commencement
  • Business, Government & Society
  • Centers & Institutes
  • Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
  • Center for Social Innovation
  • Stanford Seed

About the Experience

  • Learning at Stanford GSB
  • Experiential Learning
  • Guest Speakers
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Social Innovation
  • Communication
  • Life at Stanford GSB
  • Collaborative Environment
  • Activities & Organizations
  • Student Services
  • Housing Options
  • International Students

Full-Time Degree Programs

  • Why Stanford MBA
  • Academic Experience
  • Financial Aid
  • Why Stanford MSx
  • Research Fellows Program
  • See All Programs

Non-Degree & Certificate Programs

  • Executive Education
  • Stanford Executive Program
  • Programs for Organizations
  • The Difference
  • Online Programs
  • Stanford LEAD
  • Seed Transformation Program
  • Aspire Program
  • Seed Spark Program
  • Faculty Profiles
  • Academic Areas
  • Awards & Honors
  • Conferences

Faculty Research

  • Publications
  • Working Papers
  • Case Studies

Research Hub

  • Research Labs & Initiatives
  • Business Library
  • Data, Analytics & Research Computing
  • Behavioral Lab

Research Labs

  • Cities, Housing & Society Lab
  • Golub Capital Social Impact Lab

Research Initiatives

  • Corporate Governance Research Initiative
  • Corporations and Society Initiative
  • Policy and Innovation Initiative
  • Rapid Decarbonization Initiative
  • Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative
  • Value Chain Innovation Initiative
  • Venture Capital Initiative
  • Career & Success
  • Climate & Sustainability
  • Corporate Governance
  • Culture & Society
  • Finance & Investing
  • Government & Politics
  • Leadership & Management
  • Markets and Trade
  • Operations & Logistics
  • Opportunity & Access
  • Technology & AI
  • Opinion & Analysis
  • Email Newsletter

Welcome, Alumni

  • Communities
  • Digital Communities & Tools
  • Regional Chapters
  • Women’s Programs
  • Identity Chapters
  • Find Your Reunion
  • Career Resources
  • Job Search Resources
  • Career & Life Transitions
  • Programs & Services
  • Career Video Library
  • Alumni Education
  • Research Resources
  • Volunteering
  • Alumni News
  • Class Notes
  • Alumni Voices
  • Contact Alumni Relations
  • Upcoming Events

Admission Events & Information Sessions

  • MBA Program
  • MSx Program
  • PhD Program
  • Alumni Events
  • All Other Events
  • Requirements
  • Requirements: Behavioral
  • Requirements: Quantitative
  • Requirements: Macro
  • Requirements: Micro
  • Annual Evaluations
  • Field Examination
  • Research Activities
  • Research Papers
  • Dissertation
  • Oral Examination
  • Current Students
  • Entering Class Profile
  • Education & CV
  • GMAT & GRE
  • International Applicants
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Reapplicants
  • Application Fee Waiver
  • Deadline & Decisions
  • Job Market Candidates
  • Academic Placements
  • Stay in Touch
  • Fields of Study
  • Student Life

Economic Analysis & Policy

Our doctoral program in the field of economic analysis and policy prepares students for research careers in economics. The program offers rigorous training and has several distinct advantages:

Low Student-to-Faculty Ratio

First, enrollment in the program is small. This encourages close faculty-student contact and allows students to become involved in research very early. Students work first as assistants on faculty research projects and, as their interests and skills develop, on their own research. Students often begin their publishing careers before completing their degrees.

Flexible and Innovative Program

Second, the program is flexible and innovative; students can draw on both the school’s and the university’s distinguished faculty. In addition to the faculty in the economics group at Stanford GSB and in the university’s economics department, students have access to faculty in political and behavioral sciences; accounting and finance; mathematics, statistics, and computer science; and many other disciplines.

A Top-Ranked School

Third, the program is part of a top-ranked professional school. This setting allows students to gain a deeper understanding of the actual processes of business decision-making and public policy formulation.

Preparation and Qualifications

Students who enroll in this program have a substantial background in economics and mathematics. They are expected to have, minimally, mathematical skills at the level of one year of advanced calculus and one course each in linear algebra, analysis, probability, optimization, and statistics.

The faculty selects students based on predicted performance in the program. Evidence of substantial background or ability in the use of mathematical reasoning and statistical methods is important. Most successful applicants had quantitative undergraduate majors in economics, mathematics, or related sciences.

In addition to evidence of ability and letters of recommendation, the faculty considers carefully the applicant’s statement of purpose for pursuing the PhD degree. The successful applicant usually has clearly defined career goals that are compatible with those of the program.

Acceptance into the program is extremely competitive. Admitted applicants compare very favorably with students enrolled in the top economics departments of major universities.

Economic Analysis & Policy Faculty

Mohammad akbarpour, claudia allende santa cruz, susan athey, lanier benkard, jeremy i. bulow, modibo khane camara, sebastian di tella, rebecca diamond, yossi feinberg, guido w. imbens, charles i. jones, michael ostrovsky, garth saloner, yuliy sannikov, kathryn shaw, andrzej skrzypacz, paulo somaini, juan carlos suárez serrato, takuo sugaya, christopher tonetti, shoshana vasserman, ali yurukoglu, weijie zhong, emeriti faculty, alain c. enthoven, robert j. flanagan, david m. kreps, peter c. reiss, john roberts, a. michael spence, robert wilson, recent publications in economic analysis & policy, battling the coronavirus ‘infodemic’ among social media users in kenya and nigeria, using wasserstein generative adversarial networks for the design of monte carlo simulations, adaptive novelty detection with false discovery rate guarantee, recent insights by stanford business, nine stories to get you through tax season, a.i. can help “personalize” policies to reach the right people, stanford gsb faculty share their holiday reading lists, placement director.

a phd in economics

  • Priorities for the GSB's Future
  • See the Current DEI Report
  • Supporting Data
  • Research & Insights
  • Share Your Thoughts
  • Search Fund Primer
  • Teaching & Curriculum
  • Affiliated Faculty
  • Faculty Advisors
  • Louis W. Foster Resource Center
  • Defining Social Innovation
  • Impact Compass
  • Global Health Innovation Insights
  • Faculty Affiliates
  • Student Awards & Certificates
  • Changemakers
  • Dean Jonathan Levin
  • Dean Garth Saloner
  • Dean Robert Joss
  • Dean Michael Spence
  • Dean Robert Jaedicke
  • Dean Rene McPherson
  • Dean Arjay Miller
  • Dean Ernest Arbuckle
  • Dean Jacob Hugh Jackson
  • Dean Willard Hotchkiss
  • Faculty in Memoriam
  • Stanford GSB Firsts
  • Certificate & Award Recipients
  • Teaching Approach
  • Analysis and Measurement of Impact
  • The Corporate Entrepreneur: Startup in a Grown-Up Enterprise
  • Data-Driven Impact
  • Designing Experiments for Impact
  • Digital Business Transformation
  • The Founder’s Right Hand
  • Marketing for Measurable Change
  • Product Management
  • Public Policy Lab: Financial Challenges Facing US Cities
  • Public Policy Lab: Homelessness in California
  • Lab Features
  • Curricular Integration
  • View From The Top
  • Formation of New Ventures
  • Managing Growing Enterprises
  • Startup Garage
  • Explore Beyond the Classroom
  • Stanford Venture Studio
  • Summer Program
  • Workshops & Events
  • The Five Lenses of Entrepreneurship
  • Leadership Labs
  • Executive Challenge
  • Arbuckle Leadership Fellows Program
  • Selection Process
  • Training Schedule
  • Time Commitment
  • Learning Expectations
  • Post-Training Opportunities
  • Who Should Apply
  • Introductory T-Groups
  • Leadership for Society Program
  • Certificate
  • 2023 Awardees
  • 2022 Awardees
  • 2021 Awardees
  • 2020 Awardees
  • 2019 Awardees
  • 2018 Awardees
  • Social Management Immersion Fund
  • Stanford Impact Founder Fellowships and Prizes
  • Stanford Impact Leader Prizes
  • Social Entrepreneurship
  • Stanford GSB Impact Fund
  • Economic Development
  • Energy & Environment
  • Stanford GSB Residences
  • Environmental Leadership
  • Stanford GSB Artwork
  • A Closer Look
  • California & the Bay Area
  • Voices of Stanford GSB
  • Business & Beneficial Technology
  • Business & Sustainability
  • Business & Free Markets
  • Business, Government, and Society Forum
  • Get Involved
  • Second Year
  • Global Experiences
  • JD/MBA Joint Degree
  • MA Education/MBA Joint Degree
  • MD/MBA Dual Degree
  • MPP/MBA Joint Degree
  • MS Computer Science/MBA Joint Degree
  • MS Electrical Engineering/MBA Joint Degree
  • MS Environment and Resources (E-IPER)/MBA Joint Degree
  • Academic Calendar
  • Clubs & Activities
  • LGBTQ+ Students
  • Military Veterans
  • Minorities & People of Color
  • Partners & Families
  • Students with Disabilities
  • Student Support
  • Residential Life
  • Student Voices
  • MBA Alumni Voices
  • A Week in the Life
  • Career Support
  • Employment Outcomes
  • Cost of Attendance
  • Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
  • Yellow Ribbon Program
  • BOLD Fellows Fund
  • Application Process
  • Loan Forgiveness
  • Contact the Financial Aid Office
  • Evaluation Criteria
  • English Language Proficiency
  • Personal Information, Activities & Awards
  • Professional Experience
  • Optional Short Answer Questions
  • Application Fee
  • Reapplication
  • Deferred Enrollment
  • Joint & Dual Degrees
  • Event Schedule
  • Ambassadors
  • New & Noteworthy
  • Ask a Question
  • See Why Stanford MSx
  • Is MSx Right for You?
  • MSx Stories
  • Leadership Development
  • Career Advancement
  • Career Change
  • How You Will Learn
  • Admission Events
  • Personal Information
  • Information for Recommenders
  • GMAT, GRE & EA
  • English Proficiency Tests
  • After You’re Admitted
  • Daycare, Schools & Camps
  • U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
  • Faculty Mentors
  • Current Fellows
  • Standard Track
  • Fellowship & Benefits
  • Group Enrollment
  • Program Formats
  • Developing a Program
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Strategic Transformation
  • Program Experience
  • Contact Client Services
  • Campus Experience
  • Live Online Experience
  • Silicon Valley & Bay Area
  • Digital Credentials
  • Faculty Spotlights
  • Participant Spotlights
  • Eligibility
  • International Participants
  • Stanford Ignite
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Operations, Information & Technology
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Political Economy
  • Classical Liberalism
  • The Eddie Lunch
  • Accounting Summer Camp
  • Videos, Code & Data
  • California Econometrics Conference
  • California Quantitative Marketing PhD Conference
  • California School Conference
  • China India Insights Conference
  • Homo economicus, Evolving
  • Political Economics (2023–24)
  • Scaling Geologic Storage of CO2 (2023–24)
  • A Resilient Pacific: Building Connections, Envisioning Solutions
  • Adaptation and Innovation
  • Changing Climate
  • Civil Society
  • Climate Impact Summit
  • Climate Science
  • Corporate Carbon Disclosures
  • Earth’s Seafloor
  • Environmental Justice
  • Operations and Information Technology
  • Organizations
  • Sustainability Reporting and Control
  • Taking the Pulse of the Planet
  • Urban Infrastructure
  • Watershed Restoration
  • Junior Faculty Workshop on Financial Regulation and Banking
  • Ken Singleton Celebration
  • Marketing Camp
  • Quantitative Marketing PhD Alumni Conference
  • Presentations
  • Theory and Inference in Accounting Research
  • Stanford Closer Look Series
  • Quick Guides
  • Core Concepts
  • Journal Articles
  • Glossary of Terms
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Researchers & Students
  • Research Approach
  • Charitable Giving
  • Financial Health
  • Government Services
  • Workers & Careers
  • Short Course
  • Adaptive & Iterative Experimentation
  • Incentive Design
  • Social Sciences & Behavioral Nudges
  • Bandit Experiment Application
  • Conferences & Events
  • Reading Materials
  • Energy Entrepreneurship
  • Faculty & Affiliates
  • SOLE Report
  • Responsible Supply Chains
  • Current Study Usage
  • Pre-Registration Information
  • Participate in a Study
  • Founding Donors
  • Location Information
  • Participant Profile
  • Network Membership
  • Program Impact
  • Collaborators
  • Entrepreneur Profiles
  • Company Spotlights
  • Seed Transformation Network
  • Responsibilities
  • Current Coaches
  • How to Apply
  • Meet the Consultants
  • Meet the Interns
  • Intern Profiles
  • Collaborate
  • Research Library
  • News & Insights
  • Program Contacts
  • Databases & Datasets
  • Research Guides
  • Consultations
  • Research Workshops
  • Career Research
  • Research Data Services
  • Course Reserves
  • Course Research Guides
  • Material Loan Periods
  • Fines & Other Charges
  • Document Delivery
  • Interlibrary Loan
  • Equipment Checkout
  • Print & Scan
  • MBA & MSx Students
  • PhD Students
  • Other Stanford Students
  • Faculty Assistants
  • Research Assistants
  • Stanford GSB Alumni
  • Telling Our Story
  • Staff Directory
  • Site Registration
  • Alumni Directory
  • Alumni Email
  • Privacy Settings & My Profile
  • Success Stories
  • The Story of Circles
  • Support Women’s Circles
  • Stanford Women on Boards Initiative
  • Alumnae Spotlights
  • Insights & Research
  • Industry & Professional
  • Entrepreneurial Commitment Group
  • Recent Alumni
  • Half-Century Club
  • Fall Reunions
  • Spring Reunions
  • MBA 25th Reunion
  • Half-Century Club Reunion
  • Faculty Lectures
  • Ernest C. Arbuckle Award
  • Alison Elliott Exceptional Achievement Award
  • ENCORE Award
  • Excellence in Leadership Award
  • John W. Gardner Volunteer Leadership Award
  • Robert K. Jaedicke Faculty Award
  • Jack McDonald Military Service Appreciation Award
  • Jerry I. Porras Latino Leadership Award
  • Tapestry Award
  • Student & Alumni Events
  • Executive Recruiters
  • Interviewing
  • Land the Perfect Job with LinkedIn
  • Negotiating
  • Elevator Pitch
  • Email Best Practices
  • Resumes & Cover Letters
  • Self-Assessment
  • Whitney Birdwell Ball
  • Margaret Brooks
  • Bryn Panee Burkhart
  • Margaret Chan
  • Ricki Frankel
  • Peter Gandolfo
  • Cindy W. Greig
  • Natalie Guillen
  • Carly Janson
  • Sloan Klein
  • Sherri Appel Lassila
  • Stuart Meyer
  • Tanisha Parrish
  • Virginia Roberson
  • Philippe Taieb
  • Michael Takagawa
  • Terra Winston
  • Johanna Wise
  • Debbie Wolter
  • Rebecca Zucker
  • Complimentary Coaching
  • Changing Careers
  • Work-Life Integration
  • Career Breaks
  • Flexible Work
  • Encore Careers
  • Join a Board
  • D&B Hoovers
  • Data Axle (ReferenceUSA)
  • EBSCO Business Source
  • Global Newsstream
  • Market Share Reporter
  • ProQuest One Business
  • Student Clubs
  • Entrepreneurial Students
  • Stanford GSB Trust
  • Alumni Community
  • How to Volunteer
  • Springboard Sessions
  • Consulting Projects
  • 2020 – 2029
  • 2010 – 2019
  • 2000 – 2009
  • 1990 – 1999
  • 1980 – 1989
  • 1970 – 1979
  • 1960 – 1969
  • 1950 – 1959
  • 1940 – 1949
  • Service Areas
  • ACT History
  • ACT Awards Celebration
  • ACT Governance Structure
  • Building Leadership for ACT
  • Individual Leadership Positions
  • Leadership Role Overview
  • Purpose of the ACT Management Board
  • Contact ACT
  • Business & Nonprofit Communities
  • Reunion Volunteers
  • Ways to Give
  • Fiscal Year Report
  • Business School Fund Leadership Council
  • Planned Giving Options
  • Planned Giving Benefits
  • Planned Gifts and Reunions
  • Legacy Partners
  • Giving News & Stories
  • Giving Deadlines
  • Development Staff
  • Submit Class Notes
  • Class Secretaries
  • Board of Directors
  • Health Care
  • Social Impact
  • Sustainability
  • Class Takeaways
  • All Else Equal: Making Better Decisions
  • If/Then: Business, Leadership, Society
  • Grit & Growth
  • Think Fast, Talk Smart
  • Spring 2022
  • Spring 2021
  • Autumn 2020
  • Summer 2020
  • Winter 2020
  • In the Media
  • For Journalists
  • DCI Fellows
  • Other Auditors
  • Academic Calendar & Deadlines
  • Course Materials
  • Entrepreneurial Resources
  • Campus Drive Grove
  • Campus Drive Lawn
  • CEMEX Auditorium
  • King Community Court
  • Seawell Family Boardroom
  • Stanford GSB Bowl
  • Stanford Investors Common
  • Town Square
  • Vidalakis Courtyard
  • Vidalakis Dining Hall
  • Catering Services
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Reservations
  • Contact Faculty Recruiting
  • Lecturer Positions
  • Postdoctoral Positions
  • Accommodations
  • CMC-Managed Interviews
  • Recruiter-Managed Interviews
  • Virtual Interviews
  • Campus & Virtual
  • Search for Candidates
  • Think Globally
  • Recruiting Calendar
  • Recruiting Policies
  • Full-Time Employment
  • Summer Employment
  • Entrepreneurial Summer Program
  • Global Management Immersion Experience
  • Social-Purpose Summer Internships
  • Process Overview
  • Project Types
  • Client Eligibility Criteria
  • Client Screening
  • ACT Leadership
  • Social Innovation & Nonprofit Management Resources
  • Develop Your Organization’s Talent
  • Centers & Initiatives
  • Student Fellowships

PhD in Economics

You are here: american university college of arts & sciences economics phd in economics.

 alt=

  • Request Info

Are you interested in…

Explore more.

Are you interested in...

202-885-3770

Fax: 202-885-3790

[email protected]

Kreeger , Room 104 on a map

Back to top

PhD in Economics At a Glance

  • 45 credit hours of course work, completed in as little as 2.5 years.
  • Study diverse theoretical perspectives, including post-Keynesian, intuitionalist, evolutionary, and feminist economics.
  • Tailor your field coursework to best match your research interests.
  • Designated as a STEM degree program 
  • Program Director: Professor Nathan Larson .

Tailor Your Degree to Your Research Interests

Offering a combination of rigorous technical training and a focus on policy-relevant research, our PhD in Economics will prepare you for careers in academics, research, and government. Our students master economic theory, statistical methods, and applied field knowledge. Then, through the dissertation-writing process, they develop the ability to formulate and empirically answer economic questions.  

  • Diverse Perspectives : In addition to a strong foundation in macro and micro theory and econometrics, students learn a more diverse perspective on economics through required courses in economic thought and economic history, as well as optional courses in heterodox theoretical models of economics, including post-Keynesian, intuitionalist, evolutionary, and feminist economics.
  • Flexibility : Students choose four applied field courses that best fit their research interests. The department offers a wide selection of concentrations, including courses in development, gender, international, labor, macro/monetary, and other applied micro topics.
  • Preparation : Students must successfully pass one comprehensive exam at the end of their first year and produce a journal-quality research paper by the end of their third year. The third-year paper typically serves as a key component of the dissertation, giving students an advanced start on the dissertation writing process.

See complete Admissions and Program Requirements .

Faculty Dedicated to Your Success

At AU, you will take classes from and work with a diverse group of esteemed economists and highly cited scholars who are engaged with practitioners and policymakers around the world. Their wide-ranging research and publications , along with the variety of methodological approaches they use, create a rich environment for innovations in theory and empirical studies. 

Our research centers, including the Program on Gender Analysis in Economics and Infometrics Institute , host guest scholars and research projects, further enhancing the opportunities for graduate students. By working as research assistants and teaching assistants, PhD students gain valuable experience and mentorship in an academic setting.  

Throughout their third year and into the fourth, students work closely with a faculty member of their choosing on their third-year paper and dissertation proposal, eventually adding other experts to their dissertation committee to gain additional insights and expertise. Through this process, students develop lasting collegial, and productive relationships with faculty, classmates and economists at DC-area institutions, often co-authoring and publishing.  

Launch Your Career Amongst Top Economists 

The Washington metropolitan area employs over one-third of all economists in the country. The array of intellectual and professional opportunities offered by the nation's capital make American University the ideal place to study economics. The department's strategic partnerships and our faculty's relationships with nearby institutions will help you make the best use of those opportunities.

Internship and employment opportunities:

  • The World Bank 
  • International Monetary Fund
  • Research institutes
  • Think Tanks and NGOs
  • US Treasury, Labor, and Commerce Departments 

Economics PhD graduates are well qualified for careers in academia, government agencies, and international organizations. Our students receive career mentorship and placement services that lead to careers in public policy, academia, and government, both domestically and abroad.

Many of our graduates go on to academic posts at universities such as the Saint Louis University, the University of Vermont, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and Franklin College. Domestically, graduates have served in congress and government agencies, including the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Labor. Our alumni working outside of the US have founded research institutions and consulted for major organizations such as CGIAR-CIP and the United Nations. 

Read more career information about AU economics alumni.

See the 2017-8 list of job market candidates .

News & Notes

See abstracts from the 2024  Third Year Paper Conference .

Research Seminar Series Wednesdays at noon.

  • PhD candidate Amy Burnett Cross received an EHA Dissertation Fellowship from the EHA Committee on Research in Economic History
  • PhD student Danielle Wilson was awarded an Economic History Association grant for archival research on Mexican Railroads.
  • PhD student Aina Puig's short essay, " The Unequal Effect of Interest Rates by Race, Gender, " was published in the San Francisco Fed's Economic Letter.
  • Professor Bernhard Gunter and PhD students Bong Sun Seo & Farah Tasneem were awarded the  International Award for Excellence for their article on the change in labor force participation rates during periods of globalization and marginalization. 

Student Spotlights

Aina K. Puig, AU doctoral candidate in Economics.

More about Aina

San Francisco Federal Reserve Board’s essay contest  called for papers studying economic impacts of gender and racial inequalities. As a winner, Aina’s paper will be published in the Federal Reserve Board’s Economic Letter and will have the opportunity to participate in a 6-week summer research program.

Aina’s paper focused on the impact of monetary policy, through interest rates, on spending patterns among types of U.S. households—those with mortgages, those with women versus men as head of household, and those headed by White versus Black people. By building on her interest in macroeconomic inequality topics with direct policy implications, she intended (and continues to intend) to fill a gap in the literature, adding to the income inequality narrative by bringing gender and racial inequalities to the forefront of discussion.

Through this project, she was able to not only establish the impact of monetary policy shocks on consumption patterns, but also inform the Federal Reserve Board of these distributional impacts. When discussing her research, Aina states that “promoting equal opportunity and understanding the different impacts of policies can help policymakers create policies that promote economic growth while benefitting all groups’ well-being in society.”

Her interest in analyzing inequality topics through lens of distributional effects of macroeconomic policies came to life during her research for this paper and “ties directly into [her] plans for [her] dissertation…, a good starting point for [her] future research.”

Vasudeva Ramaswamy

Picture of Vasudeva Ramaswamy

More about Vasudeva

Economics PhD candidate Vasudeva Ramaswamy credits American University with helping him zero in on his area of research interest and for equipping him with the tools to explore and contribute to his field. 

During his time at AU, Vasu spent two summers working with the World Bank, studying the impact of agricultural aggregators in East Africa — specifically, how they provided income and security to farmer communities. 

Vasu’s dissertation considers the effects of the Federal Reserve Bank’s actions on household inequality. Who gains and who loses when the Fed increases (or decreases) interest rates? And how do these effects propagate through the economy? Because business income and profits play a key role in household inequality, Vasu looks at how businesses respond to the actions of the Fed. 

After he earns his PhD, Vasu says he would love to be able to continue researching the importance of economic heterogeneity in monetary policy transmission. “I am particularly grateful for AU’s faculty, who are leading experts in their field and approachable and encouraging as mentors,” he adds. “I am equally grateful for the rest of my PhD cohort, who are a brilliant and motivated group. I am learning from them continually.”

Elissa Cohen

Elissa Cohen

More about Elissa

Economics PhD candidate Elissa Cohen received an NSF grant to pursue her research about assumptions people make about risk and, building off an idea from a previous project, Elissa continues her interest in the Value of Statistical Life in this one to question the validity of how VSL is used and estimated. In doing so, she contributes to development of a more complete theory of how perceptions of risk guide decision making.

Elissa asks three questions: (1) Is the construct validity of the VSL consistent across measurement approaches? (2) Do people value the mitigation of varying types of fatality risk differently across domains? (3) Do people accurately comprehend the probability of death in a given setting?

To answer these questions, Elissa uses discrete choice experimental (DCE) designs, self-report surveys, and machine learning techniques to evaluate the validity of the VSL as an assessment how people’s risk assessment shapes behavior.

This research improves the understanding of how people perceive fatality risk across domains and how perceptions impact choices about risk exposure. With this research comes the potential to reshape how regulatory agencies construct their aggregated VSL estimates for future cost-benefit analyses, influencing policy decisions and allocation of scarce federal resources.

As she thinks about impact and the research space she can contribute to and develop, Elissa comments, “AU has definitely helped me refine the types of questions I am interested in answering…. I see myself continuing to explore and test feedback loops between emergent human behaviors and macro-level policy decision-making.”

Amy Burnett Cross

Amy Burnett Cross

More about Amy

Amy Burnett Cross has been selected as one of the three NBER Pre-Doctoral Fellows in the Gender in the Economy program to support her dissertation research on the influence of military policy on the sorting of women into occupations. Through this research, she is able to include her knowledge from AU’s Program on Gender Analysis in Economics as well as her understanding that by bringing more insight from conservative institutions into her research realm, she could enhance the policy space of gender equity.

As she continues her career, Amy desires to conduct research that is directly applicable to policymakers, and through her research on this project, Amy has the chance to do this in addition to engaging with economic history and begin to invest more time in the historical arc of military policy and gender dynamics.

She has three focuses for her dissertation project: (1) evaluate the impact of lifting the ban on women in combat (in 2013) on civilian occupational desegregation; (2) measure the extent to which gender desegregation of the Army (in 1977) signaled a shift in the appropriate role of civilian women at work; and (3) assess whether the structure of the U.S. draft in WWI (in 1917) contributed to the development of the male breadwinner norm.

Amy’s work aims to provide evidence that policy changes can influence social norms constraining women’s work and occupational segregation, particularly in discovering how policies regarding women’s participation in the military go on to influence gender gaps in civilian labor market outcomes. In doing so, Amy also seeks to contribute to the research of information asymmetry as a cause for occupational segregation—does military gender desegregation function as a reduction of information asymmetry?

With the support and accommodation of her peers, professors, and advisor, Mary E. Hansen, Amy has been able to focus on her academic excellence and develop close friendships and bonds during her journey at AU. In discussing her work in gender economics and the community at American University, Amy offered, “AU attracts women economists and I have found some truly excellent ones here.”

Please send me information about PhD in Economics

It looks like you already used that name and address to request information for one or more AU graduate program(s).

If you have not previously requested AU graduate program information, create a new request

Ph.D. Program

Make an impact: The intellectual rigor from researchers associated with Yale Economics drives innovations in domestic and international policy.

Graduate school requirements

  • Requirements

Yale's Department of Economics offers a challenging and rigorous academic program, a distinguished and accessible faculty, and a friendly, supportive environment for study.

Our core teaching faculty of 66 is supported by a diverse group of visiting professors and graduate student teaching assistants, making it one of the largest economics departments in the United States with one of the highest teacher/student ratios for the 130 Ph.D. students in residence.

The Department of Economics also has close ties with professional schools in related fields, such as the Yale School of Management, the Yale School of the Environment, and the Yale School of Public Health, where many of its secondary faculty members teach. It also works with affiliated centers, including the Cowles Foundation for Research in Economics, the Economic Growth Center, and the newly created Tobin Center for Economic Policy . 

  • The Program
  • Prospective Students
  • Milestones and Timeline
  • Student Resources
  • Student Directory

Our Program

Yale's economics faculty embraces a broad range of research and teaching interests. Courses and seminars span a wide spectrum of economics, from dynamic structural models to field experiments. Our students apply econometric and data analytic methods to a variety of subjects in macroeconomics, labor economics and finance. Our courses examine critical economic policy issues, including antitrust and environmental regulation. Our focus is global, spanning the United States and developed economies to the developing nations of Latin America, Asia and Africa. Whatever your interest, our faculty is ready to guide you through a wide offering of more than a hundred regular courses, seminars or workshops, combined with individually tailored reading and research courses to best prepare you for your Ph.D. research and dissertation.

Our faculty is eclectic in methodologies and views of economics. There is no Yale dogma or school. You will acquire a critical perspective on the full range of approaches to macroeconomics. You will be well trained in neoclassical theory and in the theory of public choice, externalities and market failures. You will master the skills of sophisticated modern econometrics and understand pitfalls in its applications. You will gain respect for the power of contemporary mathematical models and also for history and for the insights of the great economists of the past.  

Yale Economics graduate program

Fields of Study

Important dates.

Dec. 21, Wed. Fall Term ends, Winter Recess begins.

Dec. 22 Thurs. Date of December degree award

Jan. 12, Thurs. Add/drop period opens, 8:30 am

Full calendar

Yale Economics graduate students

  • Research Centers
  • Academic Programs
  • Princeton University
  • News & Activities
  • Prospective Majors
  • Major Requirements
  • Course Selection
  • Independent Work
  • Other Rules and Grading Guidelines
  • Economics Statistical Services (ESS)
  • Minors and Programs
  • Study Abroad and Internship Milestone Credit
  • Funding, Research Assistant, and Career Opps
  • Common Questions

Ph.D. Admissions

Current Students

  • Course Offerings
  • Job Market and Placements
  • Graduate Student Directory

Graduate Program

Ph.d. studies at princeton economics.

The Ph.D. program at Princeton Economics is one of the premier economics programs in the world. The small number of students admitted each year receive training in an exceptional research environment, supported by faculty members who are working at the forefront of research in their fields.

Admission to the program is extremely selective. Each year, the department receives approximately 800 applications for a class of 20 to 25 students. Students come from diverse backgrounds and from dozens of countries around the globe.

Princeton provides all admitted Ph.D. students tuition and fellowship support for the academic year. Admitted students also receive fellowship support through the summer months so they can continue their study and research when classes are not in session.

The Economics Department at Princeton does not offer a Master’s Degree. Students looking for information about the Master in Finance can learn more on the Princeton Bendheim Center for Finance website .

Job Market Placements

Jump to navigation

Search form

Home

  • History of Women Faculty in Economics
  • Chairs & Managers
  • Research Centers
  • Publications
  • Year-end letter: Berkeley Economics
  • Faculty Profiles
  • In Memoriam
  • Graduate Program
  • Current Students
  • Graduate Profiles
  • 2023-2024 Job Market Candidates
  • 2023-2024 Ph.D. Job Market Infopage
  • Undergraduate Program
  • Course Enrollment
  • Prospective Majors
  • Current Majors
  • Student Organizations
  • Commencement
  • Course List
  • This Week's Seminars
  • Next Week's Seminars
  • Spring 2024 Economics Classes
  • Summer 2024 Economics Classes
  • Charter Hill Society for Economics
  • Submit a note
  • Alumni Notes

Ph.D. in Economics

The Ph.D. program at Berkeley is designed for students interested in pursuing advanced study and conducting original research in Economics. The Ph.D. degree is awarded in recognition of the recipient's qualifications as a general economist and of the ability to make scholarly contributions in fields of specialization. Additionally, the Economics Ph.D. program is residential, there is no remote enrollment option. 

In advancing to the Ph.D. degree, students pass through two major stages:

  • Preparation for candidacy typically takes two to three years. During the first two semesters, students take courses to achieve competence in econometric methods, methods of economic history and fundamentals of microeconomic and macroeconomic theory. During the next two years, students prepare for examination in two fields of specialization of their choosing, prepare a dissertation prospectus, and take an oral examination. When these steps are completed, students are advanced to candidacy.
  • Completion of a dissertation after advancing to candidacy typically takes one to two years. The dissertation must be based on original research and represent a significant contribution to the body of Economic knowledge.

The entire process takes approximately five to six years, although some students are able to complete the program in less time. Below is an overview of the program requirements by year and other pertinent information.

The UC Berkeley College of Letters & Science   provides students helpful resources, links, and tools for successfully completing the Ph.D. in Economics.

ECONOMICS GRADUATE STUDENT SERVICES

The economics student services mission is to advise our students holistically by providing a high standard of service in a supportive and collaborative environment.  professional and peer advisors work as a team to provide accurate information in a timely manner.  we partner with faculty to assist students in engaging with the campus and the global economic community.  we value fairness, diversity, and the important roles our students, faculty, and staff in the department of economics play at the university of california, berkeley..

If you or someone you know is experiencing financial, food, housing or other basic needs challenges - you can find support and services at:  http://tinyurl.com/UCB-BNC-C19 .

Meet the members of the Economics Graduate Student Services advising team!

a phd in economics

Graduate Office Address:

University of Cambridge

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

  • Events and open days
  • Fees and finance
  • Student blogs and videos
  • Why Cambridge
  • Qualifications directory
  • How to apply
  • Fees and funding
  • Frequently asked questions
  • International students
  • Continuing education
  • Executive and professional education
  • Courses in education
  • How the University and Colleges work
  • Visiting the University
  • Term dates and calendars
  • Video and audio
  • Find an expert
  • Publications
  • International Cambridge
  • Public engagement
  • Giving to Cambridge
  • For current students
  • For business
  • Colleges & departments
  • Libraries & facilities
  • Museums & collections
  • Email & phone search
  • Postgraduate Studies
  • Faculty of Economics
  • Research overview
  • Econometrics Research Group - Papers
  • Econometrics Research Group - Cambridge Working Papers in Economics
  • Microeconomic Theory Research Group - Papers
  • Microeconomic Theory Research Group - Cambridge Working Papers in Economics
  • Macroeconomics Research Group - Papers
  • Macroeconomics Research Group - Cambridge Working Papers in Economics
  • Empirical Microeconomics Research Group
  • Empirical Microeconomics Research Group - Cambridge Working Papers in Economics
  • History Research Group - Cambridge Working Papers in Economics
  • Papers and Publications
  • Cambridge Working Papers in Economics (CWPE)
  • Research Intranet (Raven Login Required)
  • The Janeway Institute
  • The Keynes Fund
  • Research Contact
  • People overview
  • Noriko Amano-Patiño
  • Debopam Bhattacharya
  • Florin Bilbiie
  • Peter Bossaerts
  • Charles Brendon
  • Vasco Carvalho
  • Tiago Cavalcanti
  • Meredith Crowley
  • Matthew Elliott
  • Aytek Erdil
  • Robert Evans
  • Elisa Faraglia
  • Leonardo Felli
  • Eric French
  • Edoardo Gallo
  • Tripos supervisions
  • Chryssi Giannitsarou
  • Selected Articles
  • Working Papers
  • Popular Press
  • Past PhD Students
  • Invited Lectures
  • Christopher Harris
  • Economics of Religion in India Book
  • Demography Book
  • Oliver Linton
  • An old link to some of my papers
  • A poem by Robert Graves
  • Christopher Rauh
  • Alexander Rodnyansky
  • Mikhail Safronov
  • Gabriella Santangelo
  • Flavio Toxvaerd
  • Julius Vainora
  • Some Recent Articles
  • Research Projects
  • Efficiency Assessment
  • Supervisions
  • Weilong Zhang
  • Ivano Cardinale
  • Giancarlo Corsetti
  • William H Janeway
  • Pierre Mella-Barral
  • Theofanis Papamichalis
  • Simona Paravani
  • Mark Salmon
  • Patrick Allmis
  • Nazanin Babolmorad
  • Seda Basihos
  • Leonard Bocquet
  • Daniele Cassese
  • George Charlson
  • Chuan-Han Cheng
  • Joris Hoste
  • Konstantinos Ioannidis
  • Caroline Liqui Lung
  • Antonis Ragkousis
  • Jason Schoeters
  • Jerome Simons
  • Robert Woods
  • Michael Ashby
  • Victoria Bateman
  • Francisco Beltran
  • Collin Constantine
  • Yujiang River Chen
  • Rupert Gatti
  • Emanuele Giovannetti
  • Pauline Goyal-Rutsaert
  • Myungun Kim
  • Nigel Knight
  • Vasileios Kotsidis
  • Domique Lauga
  • Kamiar Mohaddes
  • Mary Murphy
  • Dario Palumbo
  • Cristina Peñasco
  • Cristiano Ristuccia
  • Isabelle Roland
  • Julia Shvets
  • Oleh Stupak
  • Simon Taylor
  • Anna Watson
  • Publications - Since 2001
  • Interviews and Lectures
  • Jeremy Edwards
  • Refereed Papers
  • Other Publications
  • Work in Progress
  • Selected Publications
  • Downloadable Publications
  • Economics as Social Theory
  • Sir James Mirrlees
  • Downloadable Conference Presentations
  • Regulation, Privatisation, Energy, Electricity
  • Transport: Road and Rail
  • Risk, Industrial Organisation, Optimal Growth, Dynamic Inconsistency
  • Taxation, Public finance, Cost-benefit analysis
  • Transition Economies and Development
  • Recent Conference Presentations
  • Jose Gabriel Palma
  • Published Articles
  • Forthcoming Papers
  • Newspaper, Magazine and Online Articles
  • Forewords/Prefaces
  • Book Reviews
  • Unpublished Papers
  • Lecture Audio, Video and Podcast Recordings
  • Archive Working Papers
  • Biographical
  • Biographical (long version)
  • William Peterson
  • Bob Rowthorn
  • Honours and Awards
  • Geoff Whittington
  • Selection Committee
  • Academic Staff - A to E
  • Academic Staff - F to H
  • Academic Staff - I to M
  • Academic Staff - N to Q
  • Academic Staff - R to V
  • Academic Staff - W to Z
  • Academic Staff - Office Hours
  • Past Visitors
  • Prospective Academic Visitors Information
  • Application Form
  • Rules and Categories of Visitors
  • Visiting Doctoral Students
  • Visiting Students Application Form
  • Razan Amine
  • Laura Araújo De Freitas
  • Marium Ashfaq
  • Deniz Atalar
  • Kilian Bachmair
  • Gerardo Baldo
  • Balduin Bippus
  • Saru Chaudhary
  • Adrian Chung
  • Radu Cristea
  • Zixuan Deng
  • Mar Domenech-Palacios
  • Lukas Freund
  • Luigi Dante Gaviano
  • Guillem Gordo-I-Bach
  • Darija Halatova
  • Andrew Hannon
  • Lea Havemeister
  • Shengjuan He
  • Rebecca Heath
  • Christian Höhne
  • Darren Hoover
  • Benedikt Kagerer
  • Kilian Kamkar
  • Ganesh Karapakula
  • Alastair Langtry
  • Sean Lavender
  • Weiguang Liu
  • Ana Lleo-Bono
  • Fred Seunghyun Maeng
  • Shane Mahen
  • Fergus McCormack
  • Manuel Montesinos
  • Mathis Momm
  • Jamie Moore
  • James Morris
  • Shania Mustika
  • Felix Mylius
  • Cheuk Fai Ng
  • Lennart Niermann
  • Tianyu Pang
  • Charles Parry
  • Dmitrii Petrukhin
  • Benjapon Prommawin
  • Vivek Roy-Chowdhury
  • Diogo Salgado Baptista
  • Niklas Schmitz
  • Kishen Shastry
  • Sarah Rose Taylor
  • Christian Tien
  • Ho-Yung Antonia Tsang
  • Carles Vila Martínez
  • Nicholas Waltz
  • Yi (Amanda) Wang
  • Shu Feng Wei
  • Alessa Widmaier
  • Mingmei Xiao
  • Yinfeng Zeng
  • Mingxi Zhang
  • Xiaoxiao Zhang
  • Yiyang Zhang
  • Yuting (Tina) Zhang
  • Zhaocheng Zhang
  • Henning Zschietzschmann
  • Professional Services Staff
  • Job Market Candidates
  • Teaching overview
  • University's Blended Learning Site
  • Apply overview
  • Economics Open Days 2023
  • Economics Prospectus
  • A Guide for Prospective Students
  • Preliminary Part I Reading List
  • Why Choose Economics
  • Course Description
  • Course Structure
  • Course Requirements
  • How to Apply
  • Students Finance
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Entry Requirements
  • How and When to Apply
  • Finance Overview and Funding
  • Core Modules
  • Optional Modules
  • Applicant Mentoring Programme
  • Doctoral Training Partnership
  • ESRC Studentships
  • Example Course Structure
  • Faculty PhD Supervisors
  • PhD Modules
  • Careers / Placements
  • EDGE (European Doctoral Group in Economics)
  • Social Events
  • Postgraduate Open Day
  • Postgraduate Life
  • Postgraduate Guide 2023
  • Cambridge University Graduate Economics Society
  • Economics Postgraduate Fund
  • Postgraduate Admissions - Contacts
  • The Cambridge Environment
  • Introduction to the Faculty
  • Student Life
  • Alumni overview
  • Alumni Newsletter
  • Alumni Webinars
  • Online Giving
  • Faculty Info overview
  • Information for Staff (Intranet)
  • Find the Faculty
  • Provision for Students with Disabilities
  • History of the Faculty
  • Sheilagh Ogilvie
  • Caroline Hoxby
  • Joan Robinson
  • Women in Economics Events
  • Student & Staff Behaviour
  • Women in Economics
  • Faculty IT Support

PhD in Economics

  • Advanced Diploma in Economics
  • MPhil in Economics
  • MPhil in Economic Research
  • MPhil in Finance and Economics
  • MPhil in Economics and Data Science

a phd in economics

This is the most advanced programme of graduate studies in Economics at Cambridge. Upon its completion, candidates are awarded a PhD degree for producing a thesis of high-quality, original, and publishable research over a period of four years (full-time) and seven years (part-time).

A good number of our PhD students receive full or partial funding for their studies, from a variety of funding bodies, such as the ESRC and the Gates Foundation .

Our PhD students receive high quality training on a variety of research methods and are exposed to cutting edge research conducted by our own Faculty members, as well visitors to the Faculty (via the Cambridge-INET Institute , seminars, PhD workshops, locally organised conferences, etc.). Faculty members can supervise a wide range of topics from six broadly defined research areas: microeconomic theory, macroeconomics, econometrics, applied microeconomics, economic history and alternative approaches to economics.

PhD students in Cambridge benefit from a high faculty-to-student ratio and therefore form close relationships with many Faculty members. They also forge strong links with our post-doctoral researchers, and they actively participate in the Faculty’s vibrant research life. They have access to a wide range of facilities, such as their own desk/office space in the same building as regular Faculty members, computing equipment, a variety of software and access to a wide range of databases.

PhD students are encouraged to attend academic conferences and showcase their research work in a variety of ways. Upon completions of their studies, many of our PhD students become academics, or researchers at international or government research institutions (see recent job market placements here ).

Explore here the profiles of our current PhD students.

To obtain the degree of PhD in Economics, students need to:

1. Obtain the Certificate of Postgraduate Study (CPGS) . If accepted for the PhD degree, you will be registered initially for the Certificate of Postgraduate Study (CPGS) in Economics. Students registered for the CPGS are required to:

  • Attend the 'How to do Economics' lecture course. Other postgraduate courses in research methods are organised by the Schools of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Physical Sciences, and are available to all PhD students.  
  • Undertake a minimum of four courses from PhD or MPhil Modules from at least two subject areas. You must achieve a pass mark (60%) on each component of the coursework. Students who fail any examinations will be called for a viva on the coursework.

Course Requirements

  • Write a research proposal (maximum length 10,000 words) that should include a review of the relevant literature, a research question, and outline of a research design and methods. The expectation is that this proposal will be for a piece of research that could form the basis of one chapter of a PhD dissertation. You will be given an oral examination on this piece of work and must perform to a satisfactory standard.  
  • Attend (a) one of the three research workshops (on microeconomics, macroeconomics or econometrics) at which research students present both their own work and recent papers in the literature - assessment of workshops will be arranged by course organisers; (b) attend at least one of the Faculty's general seminars in which papers are given both by outside speakers and Faculty members;  
  • To be registered for the PhD submit an acceptable piece of research (first year chapter) of not more than 20,000 words. The piece of research submitted must be of a standard that would enable it to form the basis of one-third of your eventual PhD thesis. This means that it must contain research that could be expanded upon to constitute one-third of the PhD thesis.

2. Once upgraded to PhD status, a student concentrates on her or his PhD dissertation. In general the thesis format is either in the form of a book divided into chapters, or of three or more connected articles; in either case, the Faculty has a strict limit of 60,000 words. As research progresses, there will be opportunities to present work in progress at research workshops attended by Faculty members and research students. PhD students will also be required to attend research seminars given by outside speakers and Faculty members. 

Assessment

Upon completion and submission of the PhD thesis, students do an oral examination (viva) with two examiners, one internal to the University of Cambridge (not the supervisor or research advisor), and one external (from any other University in the UK or the rest of the world).

After a successful thesis defence, the examiners recommend awarding the degree of PhD.

Faculty of Economics Austin Robinson Building Sidgwick Avenue Cambridge CB3 9DD UNITED KINGDOM

Telephone: +44 1223 335200

Fax: +44 1223 335475

Site Privacy & Cookie Policies

Find Us (details and maps)

with University of Cambridge Maps

with Google Maps

Associated Websites

Janeway Institute

COVID-19 Economic Research

Keynes Fund

Application Emails

Undergraduate Admissions: (for enquiries about the BA in Economics) [email protected]

Graduate Admissions: (for enquiries about the Diploma, MPhil and PhD courses) [email protected]

General Emails

Faculty Office: (for all other enquiries) [email protected]

Webmaster: (for enquiries about the website) [email protected]

Marshall Library: [email protected]

© 2024 University of Cambridge

  • University A-Z
  • Contact the University
  • Accessibility
  • Freedom of information
  • Terms and conditions
  • Undergraduate
  • Spotlight on...
  • About research at Cambridge

UC Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics Logo

  • Programs Overview
  • Joint Finance PhD Program

group of students sitting in graduation regalia

The Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics is one of the world's foremost economics departments, and its faculty are renowned for their seminal contributions to the field, achievements recognized with numerous Nobel Prizes, Clark Medals, and other distinctions. Students admitted to doctoral studies research, interact daily with the faculty, as well as fellow graduate students, and pursue their own interests, thus furthering their own scholarship and research, ultimately continuing to shape the discipline itself.

The Department of Economics receives 600-700 applications for an entering class of 20-25 students per year. The number of well-qualified applicants exceeds the number of offers we can make. Nevertheless, we still strongly encourage those interested in graduate economic study to apply.

Welcome incoming Ph.D. students! (alphabetical listing): Pedro Adami Oliboni; Bruno Aravena Maguida; Iris Arbogast; Dylan Baker; Rachel Coroseo Rojas; Amedeus Dsouza; Jacob Hartwig; Xun Huang; Ragini Jain; Tanvi Jindal; Sreyas Mahadevan; Saptarshi Majumdar; Ken Miyahara Coello; Meera Mody; Luke Motley; Shivani Pandey; Tyler Patterson; Santiago Perez Cardona; Henrique Rodrigues da Mota; Berkay Sagin; Stan Xie; Gianluca Yong Gonzalez; Samuel Zhao

  _______________________________________________________________________

Congratulations 2022-2023 Ph.D. Graduates! 2022-2023 PhD graduates (alphabetical listing): Oguz Bayraktar • Sergei Bazylik • Andrew Choi • Neil Cholli • Levi Crews • Yusheng Fei • Agustin Gutierrez • Takuma Habu • Eyo Herstad • Sota Ichiba • Esperanza Johnson Urrutia • Joshua Ka • Daniel Kashner • Jonas Lieber • Jack Light • Jiarui Liu • Andrea Mattia • Hyejin Park • Harshil Sahai • Chun Shea • Younghun Shim • Myungkou Shin • Mateusz Stalinski • Mehrdad Tahvilian

_____________________________________________________________________________

Postdoctoral Program The Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics is proud to announce its first year (2023-24) of having a postdoctoral program! 

Selected postdoctoral scholars in the program for 2023-24 are Harshil Sahai (PhD '23) and Esperanza Johnson Urrutia (PhD '23).  Postdoctoral scholars in the program for 2024-25 are Elena Istomina and Shanon Hsuan-Ming Hsu.

STEM Eligibility The PhD program is STEM eligible for international students.

Divisional Graduate Resources

Find divisional Graduate Resources here.

The Economics PhD Program is administered by: Kathryn Falzareno Graduate Student Affairs Administrator SHFE 510 Phone: 773-702-3026 Email: [email protected]

PhD Admissions Application

This website uses cookies..

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.

  • Costs, Scholarships & Aid
  • Campus Life
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Family & Visitors
  • DFW Community
  • Galaxy Login
  • Academic Calendar
  • Human Resources
  • Accessibility

Doctor of Philosophy in Economics

Program description.

The PhD in Economics degree program provides a cutting-edge education in economic theories and the development of a rigorous toolkit of mathematical and econometric techniques. Students also gain extensive exposure to various research areas in economics that allow them to think critically about how to approach the analysis of economic problems and contribute to the knowledge base of the discipline. The program is particularly strong in the areas of public economics, applied microeconomics, macroeconomics, data analysis, and the economics of conflict.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program seek positions such as: academic, data analyst, economist in financial institutions, management firms, and consulting firms both in private and domestic sector, academics and researcher and government positions (the Federal Reserve banks, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census Bureau, Social Security Administration and Federal Trade Commission.)

Application Requirements

Degree requirements:  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

GPA:  Minimum GPA of 3.25 in upper-division and graduate course work in economics and related courses.

Test score required:  Yes

The minimum quantitative score is 158 with students averaging 163 on the quantitative score and 150 of the verbal score. The program does not accept GMAT scores as a substitute for GRE scores.

Letters of recommendation:  3

Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from individuals who can judge the candidate’s probability of success in graduate school. Use the electronic request form in the graduate application to submit the letters. Contact the graduate academic program department if you have any questions.

Admissions essay required:  Yes

A one-page essay outlining the applicant’s background, reasons for choosing UT Dallas, prior educational experiences, and personal objectives.

Deadlines:  University  deadlines  apply.

Contact Information

Judy Du Graduate Program Administrator Email: [email protected] Phone: 972-883-4964 Office: GR 2.808

Degree Information Dr. Seth Giertz Director of Graduate Studies Email: [email protected] Phone: 972-883-6234 Office: GR 2.244

EPPS Advising The University of Texas at Dallas 800 W Campbell Rd, GR 31 Richardson, TX 75080-3021 [email protected]

epps.utdallas.edu/

Request More Information

a phd in economics

Contact Email

We have received your request for more information, and thank you for your interest! We are excited to get to know you and for you to explore UT Dallas. You’ll begin receiving emails and information about our beautiful campus, excellent academic programs and admission processes. If you have any questions, email  [email protected].

The University of Texas at Dallas respects your right to privacy . By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails and calls from a representative of the University.

* Required Field

a phd in economics

Graduate Program

Our Ph.D. program field faculty consists of 91 economists drawn from the Economics Department and other departments and colleges across the university, offering students many opportunities. Students can focus their doctoral research on a wide range of economics-related topics provided at least two Ph.D. program field faculty members approve the topic and agree to supervise the student. 

To view our Ph.D. program field faculty, click here .

The Economics Department is committed to fostering an inclusive culture and positive climate for all at Cornell University and in the Economics profession more broadly.  Learn more about our diversity and inclusion initiatives here.

Economics graduate students

Job Market Candidates

The department is proud to support and promote the work of our Ph.D. students who are seeking employment following the completion of their doctoral program. At Cornell University, economists are trained in many departments, schools and colleges, and as a part of multiple graduate fields.  All Ph.D. job candidates with training in economics are listed here .  The following websites include the subset of students who are receiving their degrees in Fields outside of Economics:  Field of Policy Analysis and Management  and  Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management .

More About the Graduate Program

Economics news.

Peter Loewen

Peter Loewen named dean of Arts and Sciences

Coming from the University of Toronto, where he is the director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, Loewen begins his five-year appointment as the Harold Tanner Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Aug. 1.

Person working in a chemistry lab, pouring colored liquid from one beaker to another

Marginal students reap more benefits from STEM programs

Enrolling in a selective college STEM program pays off more for academically marginal students – even though they are less likely to graduate, Cornell economics research finds.

McGraw Tower against a blue sky

New research initiative tackles pressing global development issues

CIDER unites 24 faculty across campus and the world, along with students, staff, researchers and external partners, to create and share knowledge.

person standing outside

'Our team's research contributes directly to scalable solutions for global environmental issues'

Sophia Su is an economics major.

Shiva Dahagam

'Science has a wide community and you can always find people to help'

Shiva Dahagam is a chemistry, biology and economics major.

Emilie Boisrenoult

'I want to keep learning, about people, about culture, about myself'

Emilie Boisrenoult is an economics major.

Adelyn Carney

'Entertain the notion that your "requirements" are actually opportunities'

Adelyn Carney is a mathematics & economics major.

three people standing in Klarman Atrium

Finding your calling at Cornell

Three members of the A&S Class of 2024 share wisdom for incoming students about taking advantage of all of Cornell's resources.

Upcoming Events

PhD in Economics

a phd in economics

PhD students take 16 courses, roughly half of which are spent acquiring the core analytic tools of the profession (microeconomics, macroeconomics, and quantitative methods), with the balance spent applying those tools in particular fields of specialization. All PhD students must complete a doctoral dissertation (thesis).

The PhD in Economics is a STEM designated degree program.

View the complete PhD Rules here

Program Requirements

Doctoral students must complete a minimum of 16 semester courses (64 credits). They are required to successfully complete the core courses by the end of the first year.

Theory and Quantitative Core Requirements

These core courses must be passed by the end of the first year with a grade of at least B- in each course.

  • EC 701 Advanced Microeconomics I (4 credits)
  • EC 702 Advanced Macroeconomics I (4 credits)
  • EC 703 Advanced Microeconomics II (4 credits)
  • EC 704 Advanced Macroeconomics II (4 credits)
  • EC 707 Advanced Statistics for Economists (4 credits)
  • EC 708 Advanced Econometrics I (4 credits)

Students must also take EC 705 Mathematical Economics in the first semester, unless a waiver is granted, and EC 709 Advanced Econometrics II (4 credits) in the third semester.

In addition, students must pass a qualifying examination in both microeconomics and macroeconomics. Students have at most three opportunities to take the qualifying examinations; failing may result in termination from the PhD program.

Field Requirements

All students must pass 2 2-course fields, each with a minimum grade average of B.

In addition, students must take at least 2 other courses. The following fields are generally offered each year:

  • Development
  • Econometrics
  • Economic Theory
  • Empirical Finance
  • Financial Econometrics
  • Industrial Organization
  • International Economics
  • Labor Economics
  • Money/Macroeconomics
  • Public Economics

GPA Requirements

All courses must be passed with a grade of B– or higher. An overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 must be attained in all courses taken after enrollment in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

Time Requirement

The PhD program is designed so that a typical student can complete all requirements within 5 to 6 years. International students may be subject to additional restrictions imposed by the terms of their visas, as governed by the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO).

Students are expected to meet the following milestones each year:

By the end of the 1st year:

  • Finish and pass all core first-year courses, as well as EC 705 (unless exempted through placement exam).
  • Sit for the first attempt at the micro and macro qualifying exams in June. The second attempt, if necessary, is in August.

By the end of the 2nd year:

  • Pass EC 709, a required course in Advanced Econometrics.
  • Continue and, if possible, complete remaining coursework, including a two-course sequence in each of two fields. A B average (3.0) is required in each of the field course sequence.
  • Achieve an overall GPA of at least 3.0.
  • If both qualifiers are not passed, the third and final attempt is in June of the second year.
  • Each student must prepare a research paper during the second year and the following summer. By April 1 of the second year, the student must ask a faculty member to serve as an advisor on this paper; have this faculty member agree to serve in this manner; and inform the DGS of the topic of the paper and the advisor’s name. The paper is due in the third year as described below.

By the end of the 3rd year:

  • Submit the second-year paper by October 1. By October 15, the faculty advisor must provide (i) a grade for the paper; and (ii) a brief written evaluation the paper. These documents will be sent to the DGS and the student. A student must receive a passing grade on the research paper.
  • Complete all coursework with GPA of at least 3.0.
  • Continue work on research for the dissertation.
  • Attend and present at least annually in one of the research workshops until completion of all degree requirements.

Years 4, 5, and (if necessary) 6:

  • Student carries out thesis research, defending the thesis no later than the end of the sixth year.

Dissertation

Under the supervision of two faculty advisers, a student prepares a dissertation proposal for presentation at a proposal seminar. If the proposal is approved, the student proceeds to research and write the dissertation. When the dissertation is completed, the student must defend it at a final oral examination. The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences requires that the dissertation be completed within seven years of initial enrollment in the program.

For more details, view the complete PhD Rules here and check out our past PhD Placements here .

  • Harvard Business School →
  • Doctoral Programs →

PhD Programs

  • Accounting & Management
  • Business Economics
  • Health Policy (Management)
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Technology & Operations Management

Students in our PhD programs are encouraged from day one to think of this experience as their first job in business academia—a training ground for a challenging and rewarding career generating rigorous, relevant research that influences practice.

Our doctoral students work with faculty and access resources throughout HBS and Harvard University. The PhD program curriculum requires coursework at HBS and other Harvard discipline departments, and with HBS and Harvard faculty on advisory committees. Faculty throughout Harvard guide the programs through their participation on advisory committees.

How do I know which program is right for me?

There are many paths, but we are one HBS. Our PhD students draw on diverse personal and professional backgrounds to pursue an ever-expanding range of research topics. Explore more here about each program’s requirements & curriculum, read student profiles for each discipline as well as student research , and placement information.

The PhD in Business Administration grounds students in the disciplinary theories and research methods that form the foundation of an academic career. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program has five areas of study: Accounting and Management , Management , Marketing , Strategy , and Technology and Operations Management . All areas of study involve roughly two years of coursework culminating in a field exam. The remaining years of the program are spent conducting independent research, working on co-authored publications, and writing the dissertation. Students join these programs from a wide range of backgrounds, from consulting to engineering. Many applicants possess liberal arts degrees, as there is not a requirement to possess a business degree before joining the program

The PhD in Business Economics provides students the opportunity to study in both Harvard’s world-class Economics Department and Harvard Business School. Throughout the program, coursework includes exploration of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, probability and statistics, and econometrics. While some students join the Business Economics program directly from undergraduate or masters programs, others have worked in economic consulting firms or as research assistants at universities or intergovernmental organizations.

The PhD program in Health Policy (Management) is rooted in data-driven research on the managerial, operational, and strategic issues facing a wide range of organizations. Coursework includes the study of microeconomic theory, management, research methods, and statistics. The backgrounds of students in this program are quite varied, with some coming from public health or the healthcare industry, while others arrive at the program with a background in disciplinary research

The PhD program in Organizational Behavior offers two tracks: either a micro or macro approach. In the micro track, students focus on the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and the effects that groups have on individuals. Students in the macro track use sociological methods to examine organizations, groups, and markets as a whole, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program includes core disciplinary training in sociology or psychology, as well as additional coursework in organizational behavior.

Accounting & Management  

Business economics  , health policy (management)  , management  , marketing  , organizational behavior  , strategy  , technology & operations management  .

PhD in Economics

The PhD in Economics program offers a thorough grounding in the basic tools of economics, statistics, and mathematics through a series of core courses followed by a series of well-defined seminars that cover areas of specialization within economics.

In addition to gaining basic analytical tools, candidates learn to develop economic intuition into economic problems and acquire the necessary mind-set to teach and conduct independent research as a university professor.

The curriculum consists of four components: required courses, an independent research paper, a comprehensive exam, and a dissertation.

The PhD in Business Administration consists of a core sequence of classes in a variety of business fields, and an area of concentration consisting of a minimum of 18 hours of classes within a particular field.

The Economics concentration consists of two semesters of microeconomic theory, two semesters of econometrics, one semester of macroeconomic theory, and one semester of mathematical economics. Students will take an additional two-semester seminar sequence in an area of specialization within economics.

Course requirements

Students complete a program of study that leads to competency in three areas: quantitative methods, economics, and a subfield of specialization within economics. The requirements of the program of study are typically satisfied by completing 18 courses in the first two and a half years of the program. Required courses include seven courses in quantitative methods and econometrics, six in economics, and several electives. In some cases, coursework prior to entering the program may be substituted for required courses.

Research paper

Students are expected to engage in research early in the program. All students work at least part-time as research assistants during the first two years of the program. By the end of their second year, students are required to submit a research paper as part of the ECON 9099: Doctoral Special Topics in Economics seminar.

Comprehensive examination

Satisfactory performance on a written comprehensive examination marks the student's transition from coursework to full-time thesis research. The examination is intended to allow the student to demonstrate substantial knowledge of economics, econometrics and quantitative methods.

The candidate will have completed most course work, including all economics coursework, and submitted a satisfactory research paper prior to taking the comprehensive examination.

Dissertation

The doctoral dissertation is expected to be a substantial, significant and original contribution to knowledge. It is prepared under the guidance of a thesis committee of three or more faculty members (including one from outside the Economics department) selected by the candidate in consultation with his or her thesis advisor. Early in the process, the candidate submits a thesis proposal. The proposal is presented in a seminar to which the economics faculty and doctoral students are invited. The purpose of the presentation is to give the student an opportunity to hear the suggestions and comments of members of the UC economics community while the research plan is still fluid.

A thesis-defense seminar, open to the entire University of Cincinnati academic community, is held when the research is completed.

Required coursework

*Many prerequisite courses can be waived for students with master’s degrees in business disciplines.

Required introductory courses

  • Introduction to Research and Teaching: taken the first semester in the program.
  • Business Core: if you do not have an MBA degree or you have not satisfied the Basic Business Knowledge (BBK) requirements, you are required to become familiar with the basic body of knowledge (e.g, marketing, management, and accounting). Many of these courses can be waived if you have a master's degree in a business discipline.

Core quantitative methods (five courses)

  • Probability Models (BANA 7031)
  • Statistical Models (BANA 7041)
  • Econometrics I and II (9010 and 9011)
  • Mathematical Economics (9018)

Typical PhD electives (five courses)

  • Forecasting/Time Series Analysis
  • Asset Pricing Theory
  • Foundations of Finance
  • Corporate Finance Theory
  • Real Estate Analysis
  • SAS Programming
  • Data Mining
  • Financial Mathematics I and II
  • Applied Probability and Stochastic Processes
  • Linear Algebra

Economics seminars (six courses):

ECON 9019: Advanced Macroeconomic Theory

  • Macroeconomic theory taught at the PhD level. Three credit hours.

ECON 9020: Advanced Microeconomic Theory I

  • Microeconomic theory taught at the PhD level. This course introduces students to consumer theory, producer theory, industrial organization, game theory, risk and uncertainty, general equilibrium analysis and welfare economics. Three credit hours.

ECON 9021: Advanced Microeconomic Theory II

  • Microeconomic theory taught at the PhD level. A continuation of ECON 9020. Three credit hours.

ECON 9022: Advanced Topics in Econometrics I

  • Econometric theory taught at the PhD level. This course covers the theory of econometrics including coverage of the empirical methodologies used in testing and investigating economics topics, and empirical examinations of important economic issues. Three credit hours.

ECON 9030: Advanced Topics in Economics I

  • This course introduces students to current economic research. Each topic will be addressed in three respects: 1) commonly used empirical methodologies; 2) main empirical findings; and, 3) the relation between empirical research and theory. Three credit hours.

ECON 9031: Advanced Topics in Economics II

  • This course covers a series of selected research topics that are not currently addressed within the department's other semester-length courses. Representative topics that may be covered include urban and regional economics, labor economics, industrial organization, real estate economics, and public finance. Three credit hours.

ECON 9099: Doctoral Special Topics in Economics

  • Most students take this course during their second year in the program. In this colloquium the student develops an independent, original research idea under the supervision of one or more faculty mentors. During the course the student carries out all the theoretical analysis and empirical tests required to convert their research question into an original paper. The colloquium culminates with the circulation of the finished research paper and a professional presentation of the research to the entire faculty. Three credit hours.

Names of Lindner faculty appear in bold . Names of Lindner PhD candidates are underlined .

Cornwall Gary J., Jeffrey A. Mills , Beau Sauley , and Huibin Weng . “Predictive Testing for Granger Causality via Posterior Simulation and Cross Validation.” Advances in Econometrics, forthcoming.

Jeffrey Strawn , Jeffrey Mills , Gary Cornwall , Sarah Mossman, Sara Varney, Brooks Keeshin, Paul Croakin,  (2018). Buspirone in Children and Adolescents with Anxiety:  A Review and Bayesian Analysis of Abandoned Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology , 2-9.

Chang, L.V ., Shah, A.N., Hoefgen, E.R., Auger, K.A., Weng, H ., Simmons, J.M., Shah, S.S., Beck, A.F. (2018), “The economic burden of lost earnings and non-medical expenses of pediatric hospitalizations”, Pediatrics, Volume 142, number 3.

Strawn, J. R., Mills, J. A ., Sauley, B. A ., & Welge, J. A.. (2018) "The impact of antidepressant dose and class on treatment response in pediatric anxiety disorders: a meta-analysis." Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 57.4: 235-244.

Jeffrey Strawn, Eric Dobson, Jeffrey Mills , Gary Cornwall , Dara Salosky, Boris Birmaher, Scott Compton, John Piacentini,  (2017). Placebo Response in Pediatric Anxiety Disorders:  Results from the Child/Adolescent Anxiety Multimodal Study. Journal Adolescent and Child Psychopharmacology, 501-508.

Cornwall, Gary , and Olivier Parent ,  (2017). Embracing Heterogeneity:  The Spatial Autoregressive Mixture Model. Regional Science and Urban Economics , 148-161.

Cornwall, Gary , Changjoo Kim, and Olivier Parent (2017). “At the Frontier Between Local and Global Interactions in Regional Sciences.” Regional Research Frontiers-Vol. 2, pp. 141-149. Springer, 2017.

Aarhus University logo

Graduate School of Technical Sciences

3-year phd student position in environmental economics with focus on a nature positive economy in the eu.

Applicants are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Environmental Science programme. The position is available from 1 September 2024 or later. You can submit your application via the link under 'how to apply'.  

Title: 3-year PhD student position in Environmental Economics with focus on a Nature Positive Economy in the EU.

Research area and project description: The multiple values of nature to planetary and human health are not fully recognized by our current economic systems. Mainstream economic drivers negatively affect the natural world both directly and indirectly, yet substantive solutions remain elusive. These economic drivers need to change, providing incentives for a Nature-Positive Economy (NPE).

There is a growing call for a NPE, but the conceptualisation and pathways towards realizing it remain poorly understood. To date, only few companies assess the impacts of their operations on nature and biodiversity and their dependency on nature and ecosystem services.

This PhD project will investigate i) the concept of NPE and ii) to what extent Europe’s economy is nature-positive and the prospects for alignment to NPE. Empirically, the project focuses on the sector of Nature Based Enterprises (NBEs) and five pre-selected mainstream business sectors: agri-food, forestry, tourism, blue economy and built environment. The PhD is primarily funded through GoNaturePositive!, a Horizon Europe project, which involves 13 research partners from across Europe and 7 industry partners representing the aforementioned five business sectors.

The PhD student will review the concept of NPE; critically investigate various sources of data, approaches and indicators metrics and benchmarks to measure and compare green/nature positive jobs and activities at European and national levels, and across sectors; employ annual market surveys and approximate the market size of nature-positive economic activities at European and national levels.

The PhD-position is based at the Department of Environmental Science, an interdisciplinary department under the Faculty of Science & Technology at Aarhus University. The expertise ranges from social science, geography, economics and policy analysis to mathematical modelling, physics, chemistry, and microbiology. Both pure and applied research is conducted on some of the major societal challenges. Currently, about 150 staff and PhD-students are working at the department. Further information may be found at www.envs.au.dk .

The selected PhD candidate will be affiliated with the Section for Environmental Social Science and Geography at the Roskilde campus. The section employs 25 staff and focuses on analyses of the interlinkages between the environment and society, involving the disciplines of economics, geography, political science, and sociology. The strategic foci of the section include policy analysis, spatial modelling, and economics of ecosystem services, with applications to water quality management, climate policy, and biodiversity. Results are published in international scientific journals and disseminated to policy makers, stakeholders, and the wider society through popular publications, conferences, and seminars. For further information: envs.au.dk/en/research-areas/society-environment-and-resources

Project description The applicant is required to submit a brief description (max. 2 pages) of research ideas that would potentially be pursued within the boundaries of this specific project. It should include research questions, theoretical framework, and planned methodologies. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found.

Qualifications and specific competences: Applicants to the PhD position must have a Master’s degree (120 ECTS) in Economics, Business Economics, Environmental Economics or Economics and Business Administration or equivalent.

Proficiency and fluency in English, both written and spoken, are a requirement along with strong skills in quantitative methods, data curation and processing, and demonstrated skills in academic writing. We expect the applicants to have strong skills in working independently, but also in collaborations with other consortium partners and colleagues.

As we are based in an interdisciplinary and very international academic environment, we expect the applicant to be an active part of the research environment and that the applicant will contribute positively to the social working environment.

If graduation is expected in the near future, documentation for final thesis and date of examination must be enclosed in the application.

Applicants demonstrating a good understanding of integrated, problem-oriented analysis are highly preferred.

Project description: The applicant is required to submit a brief description (max 2 pages) of research ideas that would potentially be pursued within the boundaries of the project described above. It should include research questions, theoretical framework, and planned methodologies.

Place of employment and place of work: The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Environmental Science, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000 Roskilde

Contacts: Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact:

How to apply: Please follow this link to submit your application.

Application deadline is 23 June 2024 at 23:59 CEST.

Preferred starting date is 1 September 2024.

For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide .

Please note:

  • Only documents received prior to the application deadline will be evaluated. Thus, documents sent after deadline will not be taken into account.
  • The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.
  • Shortlisting will be used, which means that the evaluation committee only will evaluate the most relevant applications.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.    

Marianne Zandersen

Marianne   Zandersen

Doan Nainggolan

Doan   Nainggolan

All Souls College, Radcliffe Camera and Brasenose College at dawn

A-Z of courses

Use this A-Z and search tool to explore all of Oxford's graduate courses. 

Non-standard application processes

The instructions in our Application Guide are relevant to applications for all graduate courses at Oxford, except for :

  • Biochemistry (Skaggs-Oxford Prog.) , DPhil
  • Biomedical Sciences (NIH OxCam) , DPhil
  • Clinical Psychology , DClinPsych
  • EcoWild , NERC CDT
  • Medicine (Graduate Entry)  eg BMBCh
  • Saïd Business School courses

Important notice

Please note that websites external to the University of Oxford may hold information on our courses.  Those websites may contain incomplete and inaccurate information. Please refer to this website which provides the definitive and up-to-date source of information on any graduate course offered by the University.

Can't find what you're looking for?

If you have a query about graduate admissions at Oxford, we're here to help:

Ask a question

Privacy Policy

Postgraduate Applicant Privacy Policy

a phd in economics

Master in Public Administration

Prepare for greater responsibility across sectors with this flexible two-year program

Key Program Information

Program Length: Two years (varies for students pursuing concurrent degrees)

Degree Awarded: Master in Public Administration

Admission Application Deadline: December 2024

Financial Aid Application Deadline: January 2025

Contact the MPA Program

Contact e-mai icon

79 John F. Kennedy Street Littauer Building, Room 126 Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138

Elevate your impact as a public leader

The Master in Public Administration Program is for aspiring leaders with real-world experience and graduate-level coursework in economics, public policy, or management.

The Master in Public Administration (MPA) curriculum is flexible. You create a study plan that reflects your academic interests, focuses on your personal and professional aspirations, and integrates across disciplines.

You may also decide to pursue a concurrent degree in business, law, medicine, or other professional fields. You’ll earn two degrees in less time and acquire even more skills you can use to make a difference in the world.

“HKS provided opportunities for me to expand the narrative of what diversity looks like in foreign policy and foreign service.” —Korde Innis MPA 2023

About the MPA Program

The MPA curriculum is flexible. You’ll create your own 64-credit study plan that reflects your academic interests and professional aspirations.

As an MPA student, you’ll take eight credits in a Policy Area of Concentration as well as four credits in each of these key areas:

  • Economics and Quantitative Analysis
  • Management, Leadership, and Decision Sciences
  • Public Ethics and Political Institutions

You’ll select your remaining credits to support your unique intellectual and professional objectives. You can take classes across academic disciplines at HKS and cross-register into courses at other Harvard graduate schools as well as at MIT Sloan School of Management and The Fletcher School at Tufts University. 

Sample Courses

  • MLD-223: Negotiating Across Differences
  • API-135: Economics of Climate Change and Environmental Policy
  • DPI-640: Technology and the Public Interest: From Democracy to Technocracy and Back

Concurrent Degrees

You might consider  pursuing a second degree concurrently  if you’re interested in how the world’s public challenges can be addressed at the intersection of business, law, medicine, design, or other fields.

Pursuing a concurrent degree reduces coursework and residency requirements and makes it possible to earn two degrees in a shorter amount of time.

Concurrent degree students complete 48 credits at HKS, including four credits in each of the key areas:

Concurrent degree students are not required to fulfill the Policy Area of Concentration requirement.

Degree Requirements

The MPA Program consists of four semesters of full-time coursework in residence at HKS.

To graduate, you must:

  • Earn at least 64 credits
  • Finish with a GPA of B or better
  • Earn a B- or higher in all courses counting towards the distribution requirements
  • Matriculate as a full-time, in-residence student and take between 12-20 credits per semester
  • Fulfill a Policy Area of Concentration requirement by taking eight credits in one of the policy areas at HKS
  • Economics and Quantitative Analysis

HKS  faculty members  are among the most influential leaders and thinkers in their fields. They have contributed vital research and scholarship to their fields. Served in U.S. administrations. Founded learning labs to assist local communities. Led negotiations to reduce nuclear stockpiles. Reported on human rights abuses. Led efforts to address climate change. Advised governments and companies on gender equality.

They are doers as well as thinkers, shaping public policy and devising entrepreneurial approaches to public problems at the local, national, and international levels.  

MPA Faculty Chair

Kessely Hong Photo

Kessely Hong

Mpa at a glance.

*Statistics are based on a five-year average.

Employment Snapshot:  MPA Class of 2023 Employment Sectors

Graphic showing the sectors MPA graduates from the Class of 2023 entered after graduation: 21% public and IGO, 16% nonprofit and NGO, 59% private.

* The number of private sector jobs secured by MPA graduates is, in large part, a reflection of the program’s many concurrent degree graduates.

Featured MPA stories

Elevating the stories of diverse, unsung women.

Jamie Mittleman MPA 2022 launched her COVID-adapted dream job: a platform for women Olympians and Paralympians.

A long military heritage shapes a desire for peace

Clark Yuan MPA 2022 wants unique perspectives to have a seat at the table when critical decisions are being made.

From Santiago to Cambridge to Paris

For Ingrid Olea MPA 2020, a journey that started with a career change has led to remarkable achievements in education policymaking.

Applying to the MPA Program

Prerequisites.

There are specific academic and professional prerequisites required to apply to the MPA Program. You must have:

  • A bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record 
  • Three years of professional work experience by September 1 of the year you would enroll in the program
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of International Business
  • Master of International Development
  • Master of International Economics
  • Master of Science in Engineering

How to Apply

A complete application to the MPA Program includes the following: 

  • Online application
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • GRE or GMAT required
  • Non-native English speakers who did not earn an undergraduate degree conducted in English must submit results of the TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English exam
  • Academic transcripts
  • $100 application fee or waiver

Read more about how to apply . 

The application for the 2025-2026 academic year will be available in September 2024. There is one admission application deadline and one start date for each degree program per year. You may apply to only one master's degree program per admissions cycle. 

Tuition & Fees

The cost of attendance for the 2024-2025 academic year is outlined in  Funding Your Master ’ s Education  to help you plan financially for our master’s degree programs. Living expense costs are based on residence in Cambridge. The 2025-2026 academic year rates will be published in March 2025. HKS tuition and fees are subject to change without notice. 

At HKS, we consider financing your education to be a partnership and are here to help guide you. We encourage you to explore all opportunities for funding .

Learn more about the HKS community

Student life, student stories, admissions & financial aid blog.

Ohio State navigation bar

  • BuckeyeLink
  • Find People
  • Search Ohio State
  • Donate and Support
  • Undergraduate Degrees Toggle Undergraduate Degrees menu
  • Undergraduate Minors Toggle Undergraduate Minors menu
  • Academic Enrichment Toggle Academic Enrichment menu
  • High School Programs Toggle High School Programs menu
  • Advising Toggle Advising menu
As a legislative staffer, it's great to be able to refer back to the practical, hands-on tools and knowledge I gained at the Glenn College.

— Luke Graeter

  • Master of Public Administration Toggle Master of Public Administration menu
  • Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management (In-Career MA) Toggle Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management (In-Career MA) menu
  • Online Master of Public Administration and Leadership Toggle Online Master of Public Administration and Leadership menu
  • Dual Degree Programs Toggle Dual Degree Programs menu
  • Doctoral Program Toggle Doctoral Program menu
  • Graduate Minors Toggle Graduate Minors menu
  • Graduate Certificates Toggle Graduate Certificates menu
  • Online Programs Toggle Online Programs menu
My degree provides the practical management and policy skills to solve challenging societal problems.

—  Kennedy Romeo

  • Master of Public Administration Washington, D.C. Toggle Master of Public Administration Washington, D.C. menu
  • Federal Policy and Management Graduate Certificate Toggle Federal Policy and Management Graduate Certificate menu
  • Washington Academic Internship Program (WAIP) Toggle Washington Academic Internship Program (WAIP) menu
  • Become a Partner Toggle Become a Partner menu
Living, studying and working in D.C. has offered applicable skills and access to competitive jobs and meaningful connections.

— Gabe Jackson

  • Student Stories Toggle Student Stories menu
  • Student Organizations Toggle Student Organizations menu
  • Undergraduate Advising Toggle Undergraduate Advising menu
  • Graduate Advising Toggle Graduate Advising menu
  • Living Learning Community Toggle Living Learning Community menu
  • Location Benefits Toggle Location Benefits menu
My best decision was choosing the Glenn College, which provides a close-knit community on a large campus.

—  J.D. Mooney

  • Internships Toggle Internships menu
  • For Employers Toggle For Employers menu
My career advisor made every effort to help me achieve my academic and professional goals.

—  Emily Henson

  • Research and Impact Toggle Research and Impact menu
  • Professional Development Toggle Professional Development menu

Master of Public Administration

  • Graduate Programs |

Choose to make a difference.

The Master of Public Administration degree will provide you with the applied skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce. You will be prepared to lead and grow in your career through a solid grounding in the study of public policy, economics, management and data analysis.

MPA Program Modalities

Mpa core curriculum.

The MPA curriculum is 52 total credit hours. Core coursework (32 credit hours) is designed to provide students a solid grounding in the study of public policy, economics, management and data analysis. MPA students often complete core coursework during the first year of study. During year two, students are able to specialize coursework through skills courses, electives and a Capstone course . (Courses may not be offered every term.)

Explore Sample Course Syllabi

Find More Curriculum Information on the MPA Advising Page

Public Policy Stream

PUBAFRS 6000 – Public Policy Formulation and Implementation

Analysis of the operating environment of the public administrator: public policy processes, public organization behavior and policy formulation in the U.S. federal system.

PUBAFRS 6010 – Legal Environment of Public Organizations

Examination of public administration within the managerial, political and legal traditions of the U.S. Constitution with the goal of teaching public managers how to work with the law through an understanding of legal concepts, jargon, skills and issues. The course covers federal and Ohio law

Economics Stream

PUBAFRS 6030 – Public Sector Economics

Economic analysis applied to problems of public policy selection and government management operations; efficiency criteria, market failure and public choice applied to administrative decision-making.

PUBAFRS 6040 – Public Budgeting and Finance

Comprehensive survey and analysis of the principal fiscal activities of contemporary governments; logic of public-sector activity; taxation principles and practice, intergovernmental relations and current fiscal problems. Budgeting as analysis of resource allocation, planning evaluation and control; tools of analysis for program budgeting and measurement of program results; case studies. Prerequisite: PUBAFRS 6030

Management Stream

PUBAFRS 6060 – Managing Human Resources in Public Organizations

Development of analytic and interpersonal skills needed for public sector management. Analytical and experiential learning through reading, lecture, discussion, case analysis, in-class presentations, management decision-making simulations and role-playing.

Choose one:

  • PUBAFRS 6050 – Managing Public Sector Organizations Analysis of alternative approaches to the management of public agencies. Examination of alternative strategies that managers may use to link the agency to its operating environment.
  • PUBAFRS 7553 - Nonprofit Management and Governance  An advanced survey course on nonprofit management and governance, with a concentrated focus on managing the external environment and evaluating nonprofit capacity for organizational performance and social impact.

Decisions Support Systems Stream

PUBAFRS 6070 – Public Affairs Statistics

Techniques and statistics used in the analysis of public policy issues and problems

PUBAFRS 6080 – Public Affairs Program Evaluation

Survey of the conceptual, methodological, bureaucratic, political and organizational issues surrounding evaluation research. Prerequisite: PUBAFRS 6070

Delivery, Preparation and Work Experience

Program delivery.

This accredited master's degree program is now offered in-person and online. 

  • In-Person: No more than one core or elective course can be taken online per term. Availability of online coursework is not guaranteed.
  • Online: Majority of coursework must be completed online. 

Learn more about the MPA-DC program.

Sample 2-Year, Full-Time Program Plan

This is a sample plan. Courses and timing are subject to change.

  • PUBAFRS 6000: Public Policy Formulation and Implementation (4)
  • PUBAFRS 6030: Public Sector Economics (4)
  • PUBAFRS 6070: Public Affairs Statistics (4)
  • PUB AFRS 6500: (skills) Written and Oral Communication (2)
  • PUBAFRS 6010: Legal Environment of Public Organizations (4)
  • PUBAFRS 6040: Public Budgeting and Finance (4)
  • PUBAFRS 6080: Public Affairs Program Evaluation (4)
  • Elective (3 credits each)
  • Skills course(s) (1 credit each)
  • PUBAFRS 6050: Managing Public Sector Organizations (4) OR PUBAFRS 7553: Nonprofit Management and Governance (4)
  • PUBAFRS 6060: Managerial Leadership in Public and Nonprofit Organizations (4)
  • PUBAFRS 79__: Capstone course (3)

Review the MPA Advising Page for more information on curriculum and course requirements  including prerequisite information and elective, skills and capstone course options.

Sample Part-Time Program Plan

  • Skills course (1 credit each)

Preparation for Program

Students are expected to be familiar with basic concepts of statistics and economics, and knowledgeable about the workings of the U.S. government. Undergraduate courses in microeconomics, statistics and government are strongly recommended. 

Students are also required to have completed a four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited institution to enroll, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. If you do not meet the minimum requirements set by the university, but would still like to apply, contact the Glenn College to discuss additional options.

Work Experience

Most of our MPA students work 20 hours per week in addition to the full-time curriculum.  The Glenn College Career Services staff is available to help students seeking options for gaining work experience while obtaining their master’s degree.

Before applying

Complete our Inquiry Form : Introduce yourself to the Glenn College admissions team, express interest in our programs, and receive additional information about the Glenn College experience and offerings.

Review the step-by-step instructions for applying below, which include important deadlines and other required materials.   PLEASE NOTE: the deadline below is the date in which all application materials must be received including online application form, resume, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, test scores (if applicable) and transcripts. Applications that are not entirely complete by the date set below will not be reviewed.

Application Deadlines:

  • Autumn applicants who apply after the Dec. 1 priority deadline may still be considered for scholarships based on strength of application and availability of funding.
  • Final: April 15 (international) or June 15 (domestic)
  • Spring start: Sept. 1 (international) or Nov. 1 (domestic)

Students interested in MPA-DC are strongly advised to apply by the Glenn College’s priority deadline of December 1st. After the priority deadline, applications for MPA-DC will be considered on a space-available basis.

Application and Fees

There is one application for online and in-person modalities. After admission to the program, students will be given the option to enroll as an online or in-person student.

Program Code:  PUBADM-MPA

The status will first become available two to three days after your application is received. Visit the Applicant Center   to check the status of your application during the admissions process.

Application Fee:

  • $60 for domestic applicants
  • $70 for international applicants
  • This fee is nonrefundable

University Application Fee Waivers (U.S. applicants only)

If you feel you qualify for an application fee waiver based on your participation in any of the diversity initiatives through the Graduate School Program or Ohio State’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, or if you feel you qualify because of economic hardship, please select the appropriate box(es) under the application fee waiver section of the online application. 

  • You must submit proof in order to qualify for an application fee waiver. 
  • Qualifying criteria are listed on the Graduate Admissions webpage.
  • You cannot submit your online application until your application fee waiver request is approved or your application fee is paid. You will be notified if your application fee waiver request is not approved, at which time you should return to the online application and submit the application fee.

Tuition and Funding

We seek to control cost, increase aid for low- and moderate-income families and enhance programs that support success in and out of the classroom. Ohio State is committed to making an excellent college education more accessible and affordable for Buckeyes everywhere.

University Tuition 

College and University Funding Information

Ohio State's ScholarshipUniverse

Statement of Purpose & Resume/CV

Indicate your academic and career goals, your interest in the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, and how your education and work experience qualify you for admission. There is no length requirement for the personal statement. *If you are an internal transfer student who started an Ohio State degree that you do not plan to complete before entering the Glenn College, please describe why you do not plan to complete your current degree (e.g., unable to pass qualifying exams, change in research interests), and why you think that the Glenn College is a better fit.

Resume or CV:  Be sure to include work experience, volunteer activities, academics and professional honors, honorary societies, extracurricular activities, offices held, any publications and other significant activities.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required and should reflect the academic and, if relevant, job capability and experiences of the applicant. The letters should speak to the applicant’s ability to excel in an academic professional program. 

Requirements:

  • Letters must be submitted electronically using the  online application  (select “Public Policy and Management”).
  • While completing your online application, please provide your recommender’s name and email address. The Office of Graduate & Professional Admissions will send an email to the recommenders instructing them to complete a short assessment and upload a PDF recommendation letter. 
  • Inform your letter writers that they will receive an email from Ohio State once you submit the online application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure letters of recommendation are completed by posted deadlines. 
  • If recommenders experience difficulties accessing the link or using the online system, please contact the Office of Graduate & Professional Admissions directly at  [email protected] .
  • Letters of recommendation sent directly to the Glenn College will not be accepted.

Transcripts

Upload transcripts from  ALL  of the universities and colleges you attended with your online application as an attachment. 

  • Transcripts are required, even for classes transferred from another institution, including classes attended during high school or completed through a study abroad program.
  • Transcripts are not required for coursework completed at Ohio State. 
  • Submit copies (front and back) of official transcripts. Please submit only scanned images of official transcripts issued by your institution’s registrar. Ohio State will not accept web reports, advising reports, self-reported scores or transfer credit on another school’s transcript.

Transcripts submitted with the online application are considered unofficial and, if admitted, you will be required to submit an official set of transcripts with statement of degree (if appropriate) prior to enrolling at Ohio State.

Test Scores

GRE Scores are no longer required for any applicant to a master's level program at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. Applicants with a GPA that fall below a 3.0 are encouraged to contact the Glenn College  for further direction in strengthening their application.

Official GRE Codes:

  • Institution Code: 1592
  • Department Code: 2204

International Students:

  • International students must submit TOEFL or IELTS test scores; scores should be above the equivalent of a TOEFL iBT Total Score of 100 for consideration .

All test scores (if needed), including GRE and English proficiency, must be sent directly to Graduate Admissions .  The proof of English proficiency requirement is handled by the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions. You can find out more information, including potential exemptions to this requirement, on their International Additional Requirements to Apply webpage.

Attend an Information Session

If you're considering a master's degree at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, we encourage you to attend one of our upcoming graduate information sessions. Our team will discuss our degree programs, student benefits and the application process.

We invite you to attend an information session. If you're unable to attend, click the "Connect with Us" button above to learn more about how to get in contact to learn more about our graduate programs. Please register by selecting the preferred date and  note all times are for the Eastern time zone (Ohio). We hope to see you there!

Virtual Information Sessions via Zoom:

  • Monday, May 20, 2024 at 12:30pm

Live, learn and work in Washington while earning your degree.

The Glenn College MPA-DC program allows you to complete your MPA while gaining professional experience in the nation's capital. 

We're here to help.

IMAGES

  1. A PhD in economics is the only one worth getting

    a phd in economics

  2. Read Getting a PhD in Economics Online by Stuart J. Hillmon

    a phd in economics

  3. Why I Chose To Get a PhD in Economics

    a phd in economics

  4. PhD. in Economics

    a phd in economics

  5. The Economy of Everything: Why You Need a PhD in Economics

    a phd in economics

  6. Why an economics PhD might be the best grad degree

    a phd in economics

VIDEO

  1. MANAGERIAL ECONOMICS,(HONEST PROSPER NGOWI)

  2. Strategy for selection at IIT in PhD Economics Programs #EconomicIITPhD #ugcneteconomics #economics

  3. PhD Admission 2024 PhD Entrance Exam Updates Shivaji University Kolhapur

  4. (EPISODE 3 RESEARCH FINDINGS), THE DISSERTATION POLISHING SEMINAR AT MZUMBE UNIVERSITY DAR ES SALAAM

  5. PHD

  6. MRes and PhD in Economics Studentships at University of Glasgow 2024

COMMENTS

  1. PhD Program

    PhD Program. Year after year, our top-ranked PhD program sets the standard for graduate economics training across the country. Graduate students work closely with our world-class faculty to develop their own research and prepare to make impactful contributions to the field. Our doctoral program enrolls 20-24 full-time students each year and ...

  2. PhD Program

    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.

  3. Doctoral Program

    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 ...

  4. Economics

    Students in the doctoral program in economics at the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon take courses in order to learn the fundamental principles of economic theory underlying all areas of application, and to master the analytic and modeling techniques of the practicing research economist. In-depth knowledge of specialized areas is ...

  5. Graduate

    Graduate The doctoral program in Economics at Harvard University is one of the leading programs in the world. Supported by a diverse group of faculty who are top researchers in their fields and fueled by a vast array of resources, the PhD program is structured to train and nurture students to become leading economists in academia, government agencies, the technology industry, finance and ...

  6. Admissions

    • 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.

  7. Ph.D.

    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.

  8. Graduate

    The rigorous PhD economics program at Johns Hopkins is among the best in the nation. With its world-class faculty, individualized attention, and small classes, the doctoral program is the centerpiece of the Department of Economics. From financial analysis to applied research, students are well-prepared to be leaders in the field. The department is dedicated to...

  9. Economic Analysis & Policy

    Students who enroll in this program have a substantial background in economics and mathematics. They are expected to have, minimally, mathematical skills at the level of one year of advanced calculus and one course each in linear algebra, analysis, probability, optimization, and statistics. The faculty selects students based on predicted ...

  10. PhD in Economics

    PhD in Economics. At a Glance. 45 credit hours of course work, completed in as little as 2.5 years. Study diverse theoretical perspectives, including post-Keynesian, intuitionalist, evolutionary, and feminist economics. Tailor your field coursework to best match your research interests. Program Director: Professor Nathan Larson.

  11. Ph.D. Program

    Ph.D. Program. Make an impact: The intellectual rigor from researchers associated with Yale Economics drives innovations in domestic and international policy. Yale's Department of Economics offers a challenging and rigorous academic program, a distinguished and accessible faculty, and a friendly, supportive environment for study.

  12. Graduate Program

    The Ph.D. program at Princeton Economics is one of the premier economics programs in the world. The small number of students admitted each year receive training in an exceptional research environment, supported by faculty members who are working at the forefront of research in their fields. Admission to the program is extremely selective. Each ...

  13. Ph.D. in Economics

    University of California, Berkeley. Economics Graduate Office. Department of Economics. 530 Evans Hall #3880. Berkeley, CA 94720-3880. Fax: (510) 642-6615. Email: [email protected]. The Ph.D. program at Berkeley is designed for students interested in pursuing advanced study and conducting original research in Economics.

  14. PhD in Economics

    PhD Program The success of our PhD program is reflected in our career outcomes record. Historically, approximately 53 percent of our graduates find jobs in the tenure-stream academic market, 28 percent in research institutions, post-docs and non-tenure-stream appointments, 10 percent in government or international organization and 9 percent in industry.

  15. PhD in Economics

    To obtain the degree of PhD in Economics, students need to: 1. Obtain the Certificate of Postgraduate Study (CPGS). If accepted for the PhD degree, you will be registered initially for the Certificate of Postgraduate Study (CPGS) in Economics. Students registered for the CPGS are required to: Attend the 'How to do Economics' lecture course.

  16. PhD

    The Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics is proud to announce its first year (2023-24) of having a postdoctoral program! Selected postdoctoral scholars in the program for 2023-24 are Harshil Sahai (PhD '23) and Esperanza Johnson Urrutia (PhD '23). Postdoctoral scholars in the program for 2024-25 are Elena Istomina and Shanon Hsuan-Ming ...

  17. PhD in Economics

    PhD students engage in research with faculty as research assistants and publish their own work in respected journals including Economics Letters, Journal of Macroeconomics and European Economic Review. The PhD in Economics is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security STEM-designated degree program.

  18. Doctor of Philosophy in Economics

    The PhD in Economics degree program provides a cutting-edge education in economic theories and the development of a rigorous toolkit of mathematical and econometric techniques. Students also gain extensive exposure to various research areas in economics that allow them to think critically about how to approach the analysis of economic problems ...

  19. Graduate Program

    Graduate Program. Our Ph.D. program field faculty consists of 91 economists drawn from the Economics Department and other departments and colleges across the university, offering students many opportunities. Students can focus their doctoral research on a wide range of economics-related topics provided at least two Ph.D. program field faculty ...

  20. PhD in Economics

    PhD in Economics. PhD students take 16 courses, roughly half of which are spent acquiring the core analytic tools of the profession (microeconomics, macroeconomics, and quantitative methods), with the balance spent applying those tools in particular fields of specialization. All PhD students must complete a doctoral dissertation (thesis).

  21. PhD Programs

    The PhD in Business Economics provides students the opportunity to study in both Harvard's world-class Economics Department and Harvard Business School. Throughout the program, coursework includes exploration of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, probability and statistics, and econometrics. ...

  22. PhD in Economics

    The PhD in Economics program offers a thorough grounding in the basic tools of economics, statistics, and mathematics through a series of core courses followed by a series of well-defined seminars that cover areas of specialization within economics. In addition to gaining basic analytical tools, candidates learn to develop economic intuition ...

  23. 3-year PhD student position in Environmental Economics with focus on a

    Applicants to the PhD position must have a Master's degree (120 ECTS) in Economics, Business Economics, Environmental Economics or Economics and Business Administration or equivalent. Proficiency and fluency in English, both written and spoken, are a requirement along with strong skills in quantitative methods, data curation and processing ...

  24. Graduate courses A-Z listing

    Use this A-Z and search tool to explore all of Oxford's graduate courses. Full/Part time. Taught/Research. Course level. Department. Keywords. A.

  25. Master in Public Administration

    Qualifying graduate-level courses may include: economics, financial management, international business, international development, management, mathematics, physical science involving math (chemistry or physics, for example), politics and advocacy, or quantitative analysis and statistics. Courses cannot have counted towards your undergraduate ...

  26. Master of Public Administration

    Master of Public Administration. Choose to make a difference. The Master of Public Administration degree will provide you with the applied skills needed to succeed in today's workforce. You will be prepared to lead and grow in your career through a solid grounding in the study of public policy, economics, management and data analysis.