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Top 9 Best Online PhD Economics Programs [2024]

Economists have excellent job prospects in today’s labor market. With a doctorate in economics from a reputed university and strong academic record, you’ll find many well-paid job opportunities in academia or policy. Almost every field needs economists — organizations rely on economists’ statistical, analytical, and problem-solving skills  to find solutions to important issues.

Most students need a master’s of economics  degree to move forward with the PhD. But some schools accept transferable credits from related programs, too!

However, not everyone can afford to earn a doctorate on campus. So, an online PhD economics degree is a great alternative.

Below are some of the best online economics PhD programs and helpful information on jobs, salaries, costs, preparation tips, and more.

Table of Contents

Best Online PhD Programs in Economics

Ready to pursue your doctorate in economics online? Let’s dive into our list of top PhD economics online programs.

Liberty University

PhD in Public Policy – Economic Policy

Liberty University offers opportunities to pursue higher education across diverse disciplines with a foundation of Christian ethics. This 100% online PhD in economics program allows you to learn from established leaders in economic policy-making.

• Courses : Economic policy studies, economics & public policy, policy analysis & research design
• Credits : 60
• Duration : 3 years
• Tuition : $595 per hour
• Financial assistance : Grants, scholarships, and loans.
• Acceptance rate : 50.1%
• Location : Lynchburg, Virginia

Atlantic International University, School of Business and Economics

Doctor of Economics

AIU is a primarily online university that emphasizes freedom of inquiry and free thought exchange between students and faculty. This PhD in economics online degree aims to help students who want to pursue research or teaching in economics or business.

• Courses : Economics of growth & development, microeconomic research, mathematics for economists
• Tuition : Refer tuition page
• Financial assistance : Scholarships
• Acceptance rate : N/A
• Location : Honolulu, Hawaii

Bircham International University

Doctor – Economic Science

Bircham International University is a global educational institution with a decentralized structure offering higher education programs in many languages. The university’s PhD economics distance learning program helps students develop a deep understanding of how people see value in the production, consumption, and distribution of goods and services.

• Courses : Micro- and macroeconomics, capital markets, economic analysis.
• Credits : 45-72
• Duration : 24 months
• Tuition : $7,650 to $12,240
• Location : Miami, Florida

Ottawa University

Doctor of Business Administration

Ottawa University is affiliated with the Ottawa tribe of Oklahoma and the American Baptist Church. It offers a range of online programs to mold students into valuable leaders. This distance PhD economics program is mostly online but requires six two-day residencies. Finally, the program offers courses in strategy, capital management, and finance with a focus on economics.

• Courses : Finance value generation strategy, strategic human capital management, informed decision-making
• Credits : 56
• Cost : $4,887 per semester
• Acceptance rate : 70.3%
• Location : Ottawa, Kansas

California Baptist University

California Baptist University is a non-profit, private university that ranks #34  of the best western regional colleges. Although not an entirely online doctorate in economics, this DBA program offers courses in economics, especially on applying theories of economics to business.

• Courses : Applying economic theory to business, international business in global markets, and quantitative research
• Duration : 36 months
• Tuition :  $795 per unit
• Financial assistance : Grants, loans
• Acceptance rate : 80.2%
• Location : Riverside, California

Hampton University Online

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration

Hampton University Online provides opportunities for adults to continue their studies through mostly online means and with a scientific approach. This PhD is a hybrid business administration program that involves two compulsory four-week summer residencies and covers managerial economics as part of the program.

• Courses : Managerial economics, organization theory & practice, organizational behavior
• Credits : 61
• Duration : 3.5 years
• Tuition : $695 per credit
• Financial assistance : Scholarships, grants, work-study, loans, and military benefits.
• Acceptance rate : 36%
• Location : Hampton, Virginia

Marymount University, College of Business, Innovation, Leadership, and Technology (BILT)

Online DBA in Business Intelligence

Marymount University  was ranked #31   by US News & World of all southern regional colleges. This online Doctor of Business Administration is equivalent to an economics PhD online program as you can study economics for business decision-making and courses in strategy with a data-driven approach.

• Courses : Economics for business decision making, using data for business intelligence, and strategy in a changing climate.
• Credits : 36
• Tuition :  $1,140 per credit hour
• Financial assistance : Grants, scholarships, loans, student employment, and assistantships.
• Acceptance rate : 85.3%
• Location : Arlington, Virginia

William Howard Taft University

William Howard Taft University is a leader in distance education and aims to provide affordable and quality education in business, law, education, and other disciplines. This DBA program includes several courses in economics and its application in the business sector.

• Courses : Designing economic business strategies, global economy, and global business practices & challenges.
• Duration : 37 months
• Tuition : $360 per credit
• Financial assistance : Scholarships, grants, military benefits, loans, and employer reimbursement.
• Location : Lakewood, Colorado

Baker College

Baker College was named one of Newsweek’s top American online schools  and offers fully online and hybrid programs in fields such as business, health science, and education. This DBA program has microeconomics and macroeconomics courses and explores how business leaders implement successful global strategies with limited resources.

• Courses : Global financial economy, leading 21st-century organizations, managing in a worldwide context
• Tuition : $915 per credit hour
• Financial assistance : Scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Acceptance rate : 73%
• Location : Owosso, Michigan

What Do I Need to Get a PhD in Economics?

You will likely need an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in economics or a related field to apply for a PhD in economics program. Certain programs may have other prerequisites, so check with the admissions office well in advance of the application deadline.

Once accepted, you’ll have to study various courses in economics, finance, business, management, mathematics, statistics, and strategy to earn your PhD in economics online degree.

Finally, you’ll have to pass examinations and other assessments, including a final qualifying exam. Most programs also have a research component, which means submitting a thesis or dissertation.

Preparing for an Economics Doctorate Program

Our advice? Prepare early for your PhD in economics program.

At the undergraduate level, consider taking more courses in subjects like mathematics, statistics, and calculus. It also helps to work with faculty, conduct undergraduate research, and complete professional internships whenever possible. All this lays the groundwork to prepare you well for a PhD in economics program.

Things to Consider When Choosing an Online PhD Economics Program

The right program for you depends on a range of personal factors. Consider the following when assessing programs to narrow it down:

• Make sure the specializations and subjects offered by the program match your passions and will help you achieve your career goals.
• Review available research options and make sure these also match your goals
• The faculty should have a strong reputation, especially in your field of choice
• Ensure the costs fit your budget or that there are sufficient funding options available
• Look at where past alumni  are now working, and see how this fits with your ideal future

Why Get a Doctorate in Economics?

A doctorate in economics opens doors to some of the best jobs in academia and policy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an economist’s median salary  is $105,630. Even better, jobs in the field are expected to grow by 13% from 2020-2030, higher than the average of all occupations.

Jobs and Salaries for Doctors of Economics

A PhD in economics online credential can equip you for roles in business, government, research, and education. Here are some top jobs for graduates, with average salaries for each:

• Economist ( $79,352 )
• Statistician ( $78,596 )
• Financial Manager ( $96,045 )
• Urban Planner ( $59,309 )
• Financial Analyst ( $63,195 )

What Is the Average Cost of a PhD in Economics?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition for a PhD in economics program  is $19,749 per year. You can expect to pay around $12,500 for public university programs and $26,621 for private. Keep in mind these figures only cover tuition – you’ll also need to pay for books, technology fees, and other educational expenses.

How Long Does it Take to Get a PhD in Economics?

Typically, a PhD in economics takes 4-6 years to complete. However, you may be able to complete a doctorate in three or even two years at some universities, especially with an online PhD.

What Skills Do You Gain From a PhD in Economics?

First and foremost, you’ll gain strong mathematical, statistical, and analytical skills as part of your doctorate in economics. You’ll also learn to apply economic concepts and modeling to address issues in business, government, finance spaces. Finally, economics PHD grads gain expertise in writing, presentation, communication, and problem-solving.

Facts and Statistics about Economics PhD Holders

According to Brookings, universities awarded 1,216 PhDs in economics  in 2020 —  66% to men and 34% to women. Foreign students with temporary visas earned around 60% of the doctorates.

Among the permanent residents who got doctorates in economics, 4.9% were black and 71.8% white, with the remaining graduates of Asian, Hispanic, and other descent.

Final Thoughts

Compared to online PhDs  from other disciplines, you won’t find as many online PhD economics programs. However, you can find related programs, like online Doctor of Business Administration ( DBA ) or accounting  with an emphasis on economics-related subjects like microeconomics and macroeconomics. This is a good substitute if your preferred university doesn’t offer a PhD economics online degree.

Considering other business-related PhD programs? Keep a clear path toward a lucrative career with our list of the highest paying PhDs .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a phd in economics online.

Yes – some universities offer online PhD economics programs that you can complete online. Many of these online programs can be completed in as little as three years.

Is an Economics PhD Worth It?

A PhD in economics is one of today’s most sought-after qualifications. Economists are in high demand and have an annual median salary of $105,630 , with prospects even greater for graduates with a PhD.

How Many Years is a PhD in Economics?

A PhD in economics takes 3-6 years to complete.

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Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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PhD in Economics

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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

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

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

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

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.”

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Applied Economics, PhD

Combining the faculties of the departments of Real Estate and Business Economics & Public Policy, Wharton’s Applied Economics program leverages the breadth and depth of its faculty to prepare students for careers doing frontier theoretical and empirical research. Students can focus on a variety of areas including Behavioral Economics, Development Economics, Energy and Environmental Economics, Industrial Organization, Market Design, Public Economics, Risk Management, and Urban Economics and Real Estate. Students may also develop an inter-disciplinary focus by taking courses and working with faculty in some of the other departments at Wharton such as Finance, Health Care Management, Management, and Marketing.

For more information: https://doctoral.wharton.upenn.edu/programs-of-study/applied-economics/

View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs .

Required Courses

The course of study for the Ph.D. in Applied Economics requires the completion of 15 graduate course units. The common core consists of 3 theory courses and 3 statistics/econometrics courses. Students are also expected to master two field areas by passing two courses in each (total of 4 courses units). The remaining course units necessary to achieve 15 are split between the mandatory graduate student research seminars and other electives.

Students may also take STAT 9210 , STAT 5200 , and STAT 5210 .

Taken in the Spring and Fall of years 2 and 3 for 0.5 cu each

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

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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. 

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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, at what point do we decide ai’s risks outweigh its promise, nine stories to get you through tax season, a.i. can help “personalize” policies to reach the right people, placement director.

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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!

Graduate Office Address:

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Economics (applied economics department) - phd.

About This Degree

The PhD in economics gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in research. The program emphasizes applied economic theory and quantitative analysis, and students can focus their studies in environmental and natural resource economics, agricultural economics, or regional economic development.

What You Will Learn

PhD graduates have had opportunities to work on research projects funded by organizations such as the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Education, among others. Many graduates have published refereed journal articles that stem from their graduate work in scholarly journals.

Specialization:

Climate adaptation science (economics phd):.

The Climate Adaptation Science specialization provides students with experiences in actionable science through internship and research experiences. Program includes interdisciplinary research to identify adaptive responses to changing climate extremes and two-part internships with agency, NGO, and industry partners. In a first internship, students contribute to projects and learn the workplace cultures and science needs of the host. The internship experiences inform interdisciplinary climate adaptation research by student teams. In a second internship, students share science results and tools with the host organization and help put that science into action.

At a Glance

College: College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences

Department: Applied Economics Department

USU Locations:

• Logan campus

Faculty: View profiles of faculty members on the department directory .

Program Requirements

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Career And Outcomes

Career opportunities.

While graduates primarily pursue careers in research and academia, this degree also prepares students for positions in:

• Private consulting firms
• Regional and national policy-making agencies
• Private, not-for-profit organizations
• Community/regional economic planning and development agencies

Job Outlook

Request for information and advising, man-keun kim.

Professor, Director of Graduate Studies Email: [email protected] Office: AGRS 220A Phone: (435) 797-2359

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I have not applied or been admitted, even if I've taken a USU Concurrent Enrollment course

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USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

Admission Requirements

Prerequisite course work for the phd in economics:.

M.S. in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics, Economics, Environmental/Natural Resource Economics, or a closely related degree.

Or at a minimum evidence of the following coursework:

• Microeconomic Principles
• Intermediate Microeconomics
• Basic Econometrics

Application Requirements:

• Complete the online application
• Pay the $55 application fee
• Score at or above the 40th percentile on the GRE
• Have a 3.0 or higher GPA on your last 60 semester or 90 quarter credits
• Provide transcripts of all college/university credits
• Provide three contacts for letters of recommendation

International students have additional admissions requirements .

The department has the following application deadline for students wishing to receive funding:

• Fall semester –January 31

The deadline for admission without funding is:

• Fall semester – June 30

PhD candidates are accepted in odd years only.

Students must take a qualifying examination at the end of their first year. It is composed of two, four-hour exams covering 1) microeconomics and 2) econometrics and quantitative methods.

Both exams must be passed before moving on to the second year of study.

Financial Aid

The department offers a limited amount of competitive research assistantships and tuition awards . As the availability of these assistantships varies from year to year, students should check with the department for more information.

A variety of funding opportunities are available on the graduate school website .

Take The Next Step

How to apply.

View our step-by-step guide on how to become an Aggie.

Request Information

Contact the School of Graduate Studies to ask questions or receive more information.

Cost and Funding

Calculate the cost of graduate school and learn about funding opportunities.

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PhD Program in Applied Economics and Management

Phd program requirements.

Please note: The following are general requirements for the Applied Economics and Management PhD program. Each student should check with their Special Committee for additional course requirements, and students should also check with the Dyson School’s Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) and the Graduate Field Assistant for additional requirements of the Graduate School and the Applied Economics and Management (AEM) Graduate Field.

• Special Committee : The Graduate School requires that Applied Economics and Management PhD students must select the chair of their Special Committee by the end of the third week of their first semester. By the end of the 3 rd semester you must have your three member committee consisting of your chair and two minor members. The chair needs to be a member of the graduate field of Applied Economics and Management . A student can ask for an extension if more time is needed (please see the AEM PhD handbook for details).
• Registration units : To earn a Cornell PhD, a student must be registered for a minimum of six full-time academic semesters (which requires a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester). The AEM PhD degree completion usually takes 10 semesters of study, and students are expected to finish all their required courses by end of their fourth semester. Students must also maintain a meaningful engagement with the Cornell academic community (attendance and active participation in various workshops and seminars on campus, as an example).
• A grade of B- or better is required in all of the following mandatory courses during the first year of the PhD economics program: AEM 7010 ,  AEM 7020 , AEM 7021 , AEM 7100 , ECON 6090 , ECON 6170 , and ECON 6190 . During the second year of the PhD program, all students must take one macroeconomics course ( ECON 6130 or AEM 7040 ), one additional econometrics class ( ECON 7200 , ECON 7230 , PAM 6090 , PAM 6091 ), Applied Microeconomics Research ( AEM 7150 and AEM 7151 ) and at least six credits of elective courses in the student’s major area of specialization [Environment, Energy and Resource Economics (EERE), Food and Agricultural Economics (FAE), International and Development Economics (IDE), and Management (MGMT)]. Note: The AEM Graduate Field requires students to receive a minimum grade of B- in each course (required or elective) to be in good academic standing. For continued financial aid, however, the AEM Graduate Field requires that students receive at most one B- per semester.
• Passing grade on the graduate field of Applied Economics and Management qualifying examination (also called the “Q” exam), usually taken at the end of the second semester. The Q-exam is based on material covered in AEM 7010 and AEM 7100 (combined); AEM 7020 and AEM 7021. Students have 2 attempts to pass all the 3 components of the Q-exam.
• Mentored research paper (AEM 7150): The paper should address an applied economics issue and should be of quality to eventually be publishable in a top field journal. Work should begin in the summer following the first year of the qualifying exam. Passing grade is required on the research paper in the summer following the second year of the PhD program.
• Admission to candidacy exam (also called the “A” exam) is taken at the completion of the required coursework, although this does not preclude taking courses after the “A” exam.
• Final oral dissertation examination (also called the “B” exam). Please note: The Graduate School requires two full-time semesters of course study between the “A” exam and the “B” exam.
• Submission of PhD dissertation.

Dyson School/Applied Economics and Policy (AEP) seminars

While not a requirement,  all PhD students are encouraged to attend weekly Applied Economics & Policy Seminars as well as seminars organized by different fields (such as Development Economics, and Sustainable Environmental, Energy and Resource Economics). The schedule for the AEP seminars can be found here .

Applied Economics PhD Coursework Template

Fall semester.

ECON 6090 (Microeconomic Theory I) ECON 6170 (Intermediate Mathematical Economics I) ECON 6190 (Econometrics I) AEM 7010 (Applied Microeconomics I)

Spring Semester

AEM 7020 (Applied Microeconomics II: Game Theory) AEM 7021 (Applied Microeconomics III: Applied General Equilibrium Analysis) AEM 7100 (Applied Econometrics)

AEM 7150 (Applied Microeconomic Research I) Either ECON 6130 (Macroeconomics I) or AEM 7040 Econometrics Elective (ECON 7200, ECON 7230, PAM 6090 or PAM 6091) Major Area Elective(s)

Econometrics Elective (ECON 7200, ECON 7230, PAM 6090 or PAM 6091) Major Area Elective(s)

Please Note

• Students on a teaching or research assistantship should expect three credit hours of time will need to be allocated to the teaching or research assistantship each semester.
• Courses necessary for each major and minor are determined by the student’s Special Committee. Some concentrations (e.g., Finance) require written qualifying examinations.

Three exams are required by the field as benchmarks toward meeting requirements of the Philosophy of Doctor program.

PhD Qualifying Examination ("Q" Exam)

This exam is based on materials that were covered in AEM 7010, AEM 7020, AEM 7021, and AEM 7100. Students will have 2 attempts to pass all four components of the “Q” Exam. This will be a written test where you are expected to answer the question(s) of the professor’s choosing for each component. The professors of these courses will be blindly grading the test (meaning they will not know who’s test they are grading). You will have approximately 2 hours to complete each component of the test.

The test will be administered to all first year PhD students over 2 days at the beginning of June with the make-up test (if needed) administered at the end of July. Students are provided past tests to practice. Results will be provided towards the end of June.

If you are not successful in passing all four components in the first attempt, you need to retake only the component(s) that you failed. Faculty can decide whether to release details about specific answers regarding what or why you received the grade that you received on a component.

In the event you fail both attempts of the “Q” exam you can choose to submit an appeal to the Dyson Graduate Studies Committee to request a reconsideration of the results. If the committee declines your petition you will be removed from the PhD program.

Examination for Admission to Candidacy ("A" Exam)

A student is admitted to doctoral candidacy after passing a comprehensive examination administered by the student’s special committee. This examination is either oral, or written and oral, as determined by the special committee. The passing of this examination certifies that the student is eligible to present a dissertation to the graduate field.

The “A” exam is taken before the beginning of the student’s 7th semester (end of their 3rd year). After completing the exam, the results must be filed with the Graduate School within three business days of the completed exam. Four outcomes are possible:

• Passing . If you pass an exam, all members of the examining committee should report this decision to the Graduate School within three business days. No further action is required.
• Conditional Passing . You may conditionally pass an exam, in which case the examining committee provides you and the Graduate School with the conditions for passing. Once these conditions are met, you pass the exam.
• Failing . If you fail an exam, a reexamination is allowed only with the approval of the special committee. At least three months must pass from the time of the failed exam to the reexamination.
• Unanimously Failing . If you’re unanimously failed, you must petition the General Committee to continue study. If the minor members, but not the chair, oppose allowing a reexamination; or the chair, but not all the minor members oppose a reexamination, you must petition the General Committee to continue study. Graduate faculty members who attend the exam, but are not on the examination committee, may inform the dean in writing if they disagree with the results of the exam.

Final Examination for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree ("B" Exam)

A doctoral candidate takes the Final Examination upon completion of all requirements for the degree but no earlier than one month before completion of the minimum registration requirement. This oral exam covers the general subject of the student’s dissertation. The passing of this examination certifies that the student is eligible to graduate.

A minimum of 2 semesters must be completed between passing the “A” exam and scheduling the “B” exam.

After completing the exam, the results must be filed with the Graduate School within three business days of the completed exam. Four outcomes are possible:

PhD in Applied Economics

Join our community of scholars.

Ready to join our graduate program? Apply today using the Slate  https://enroll.northeastern.edu/apply  online system. Submit all application materials, including letters of recommendation, via this online system.

For questions about graduate admissions in the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, email  [email protected]  or call 617.373.5990.

For more information about the application process, visit  CSSH Graduate Admissions .

FAQs for applicants

Contact Information: Northeastern University 360 Huntington Avenue 301 Lake Hall Boston, MA 02115-5000 phone: 617.373.2871 fax: 617.373.3640

email: [email protected]  

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Type of Program

Get more information about this graduate program., more programs, bachelor of arts (b.a.) in economics, bachelor of science (b.s.) in economics, combined majors, masters of science in economics.

Ph.D. in Applied Economics

Attention prospective students.

As of June 2023, Applied Economics Ph.D. now has a STEM CIP code ( 45.0603   replaces 45.0602).

Building better businesses

The doctoral program in applied economics focuses on the applications of economic theory and econometrics to resolve problems concerning agricultural endeavors.

The  Ph.D. graduate degree program includes faculty from  the   Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology  as well as the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences and the College of Liberal Arts’ Department of Economics . 

Our doctoral program prepares students for leadership careers in government, private industry and education.  The program also offers a minor in statistics . 

Areas of Specialization

• Applied Market Analysis
• Applied Production Economics
• International Economics
• Natural Resource & Environmental Economics
• Statistics Minor

Doctoral PROGRam

The information below is a brief description of the  Doctoral program in Applied Economics (Agriculture)  offered by our department.

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PH.D.)

The Ph.D. in applied economics leaves graduates well-versed in subjects including  applied production economics, demand analysis, international economics, resource and environmental economics,   to name a few . 

There is an oral exam in the field of specialization and proposed dissertation topic plus final oral dissertation defense.

CURRICULUM & REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for a Ph.D. include a minimum of 60 semester hours of graduate credit beyond the baccalaureate.  In the first year, students take two semesters of microeconomics and econometrics, one semester of macroeconomics, mathematical economics, and research methods, and a special topics course on writing for scholarly journals that serves as the basis for the Ph.D. research paper that is due at the beginning of the second year of coursework.   

In the second year, students take two semesters of advanced micro-econometrics along with other core courses and complete their Ph.D. research paper. Upon completion of the  p aper, the student schedules an  o ral  p reliminary  e xamination, which lays the groundwork for the dissertation.   

The third year is devoted to completing required core courses and the dissertation. The dissertation typically consists of the Ph.D. research paper and two essays. The dissertation is defended at the final oral examination, which constitutes the final requirement for the Ph.D.  

CLICK HERE FOR THE COURSE CURRICULUM  

Ph.D. Research Paper

The writing of a publishable paper is required during the first two years of the Ph.D. program. The paper must be sole-authored and worthy of submission to an economics or related journal with a Google Scholar h-index of 25 or above.

Journals meeting this standard can be found on the bibliometric search engine “Harzing’s Publish or Perish” available as a free download on Harzing’s website. Students are encouraged to begin developing research ideas immediately upon entering the graduate program. Initial ideas for the paper (consisting of a concise research question, a sketch of a framework for investigation, and verification of available data) must be submitted to the Paper Committee by January 15 of the first year as part of the Research Paper course (described later).

Based on the paper idea and student nominations, the Paper Committee assigns a Paper Advisor to each student. Thereafter, students report to and interact frequently with their Paper Advisor. Students are also encouraged to seek advice or reactions to drafts from faculty throughout the development of their paper, just as a faculty member might seek advice from a colleague. However, the paper must be solely the student’s work, which excludes work done jointly with faculty here or elsewhere (such as a professor in prior undergraduate/graduate work). Plagiarism standards of the journals apply, and violations could result in expulsion from the university (see Student Academic Honesty Code and discussion below).

The student’s progress is evaluated by the Paper Committee together with the Paper Advisor. To assist the student in meeting the paper requirement, the Paper Committee will teach a 3-hour course on the basics of writing for journals. In this course, which is offered Spring Semester, students make an oral presentation on the development of their paper ideas and submit a formal Paper Prospectus on or about April 30 (end of Spring semester). Attendance is required.

The student’s paper must be submitted to the Paper Committee by September 30 following the first year of coursework.

After soliciting a thorough review of the paper by the Paper Advisor and two independent reviewers selected from the faculty, the Paper Committee classifies the paper into one of three categories:

• (i) the paper meets the standard as is,
• (ii) the paper could meet the standard with minor revision, or
• (iii) the paper needs substantial work.

Students with papers in the first category are finished with the paper requirement. Students with papers in the second and third categories are given careful advice on how to bring their papers up to journal quality and continue to work with their Paper Advisors (which subsequently include the independent faculty reviewers).

The revised paper must be submitted by January 15 of the second year, when a similar evaluation process occurs. If the revised paper fails to meet the standard, a second revision will be due on April 30 .

If the paper at that point does not meet the standard, or could not do so with straightforward revisions, the student will not be allowed to continue in the Ph.D. program. These students have the option of changing to a terminal MS program or leaving the Ph.D. program. The chair of the Paper Committee conveys the committee’s final evaluation of each student in writing to the Graduate Program Officer, who, in turn, provides written notification of the final decision to the student and the Department Chair.

Read the complete AERS PhD Research Paper Requirements (PDF)

3 Tips to Produce a Successful Paper

• Select a topic that contributes to the AERS Department’s research program. Most faculty have research projects funded by the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station , or outside contracts and grants. Familiarize yourself with these research projects, with the aim of developing a researchable idea that contributes to the research objectives. This will align your interest with faculty expertise, and thus result in higher quality feedback as the writing process unfolds.
• Do a thorough review of the literature with the aim of identifying gaps, problems, or puzzles that your work could address. Focus on work published in the better journals, i.e., those with a GS h-index higher than 25. Avoid unpublished work, and work published in “popular” outlets, i.e., those intended for a non-scientific audience. And be sure that the review is up to date, i.e., includes the most recent work on the topic. A good place to find relevant articles is EconLit, the electronic data base maintained by the American Economics Association. Harzing’s Publish or Perish is also a good source, as it allows you to re-arrange articles on any given topic by date of publication, journal, and citation rate.
• Assemble a data base early in the research process, ideally by the end of the first semester of classes. This will give you an opportunity to explore alternative hypotheses, apply econometric techniques learned in class, and develop a realistic understanding of what can be accomplished given data limitations and time constraints.

Writing Help

Poorly written papers are apt to be rejected by faculty reviewers. With this in mind, international students whose first language is not English in particular are strongly encouraged to take advantage of writing help offered by the university.

Two places where help can be found are the International Student/Scholar English Center (ISEC) and the Miller Writing Center located in RBD Library. ISEC offers free tutoring services as well as specialized courses (INTL 1800 and INTL 1830) designed to improve proficiency in oral and written English. The Miller Writing Center has a program called “WriteFest” that is designed specifically to support graduate student writing.

Students (domestic and international) who turn in poorly written papers and who have not taken advantage of these services are apt not to get much sympathy in the appeals process. So it is smart to work these services/programs into your schedule early in your Ph.D. studies, preferably in the first year.

Graduate Degree Documents

For more information in detail please reference these graudate degree documents regarding our Ph.D. in Applied Economics.

Applied Economics Ph.D. Program Description (PDF)

Aers phd research paper requirement (pdf), aers graduate handbook (pdf), graduate degrees & programs, aers placement, research office, financial aid & scholarships, career discovery, student services.

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Graduate program.

The graduate economics program at Penn is a Ph.D. program administered by the Graduate Group in Economics, which consists of the  faculty  of the Department of Economics, and some of its secondary appointments in the  Wharton School  and the  School of Arts and Sciences . A master's program in Economics is  not  offered at the University of Pennsylvania.

The program trains students to conduct outstanding research in economics. All major areas of economics are covered, with particular strengths in theoretical and empirical microeconomics and in modern macroeconomics. Graduates of the program obtain positions at leading universities, research institutions, and government agencies around the world.

Students in this program acquire a thorough knowledge of economic theory and econometric methods before they begin their own research. They meet a series of  requirements  during their first years in the program, and thereafter devote most of their time to the writing of a  dissertation . The median length of time required for completion is 5.5 years. Almost all students are supported by combinations of fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships during at least their first five years of study.

We look forward to receiving your applications to our program this fall. Applicants are accepted only for full-time work towards the Ph.D. degree. Part-time  admissions and terminal Master's applications are not considered. The application system for Fall 2024 is expected to open on October 1, 2023.

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Online Master's in Economics Applied Economics Program

Earn an Economics Master's Degree

• $637/credit (36 credits total)
• No GRE/GMAT required
• 24/7 online accessibility – attend class when and where it's convenient
• Median salary of $113,940 for economists 1
• Complete in as few as 15 months, or at your own pace
• 6% projected job growth for economists through 2032 1

Online Master's in Economics Program Overview

Does an economic swing put your investigative mind into overdrive? Do you see the world through a mathematical lens? Do you draw dotted lines between local and global markets and the current events that surround them?

If you're the type of person who enjoys solving tough problems and working with numbers, a Master of Science (MS) in Applied Economics may be for you.

Economics is the weaving together of science, sociology, history, philosophy and mathematics to forecast futures and apply understanding to the past. Quite simply, economics is the ability to make informed decisions based on data.

"It all comes back to decision making," said Sutton Puglia , an adjunct instructor at SNHU and a government economist. "Economists want to understand why things are happening and why people are making the decisions they do."

Online master's in economics students will explore diverse theoretical schools of thought and focus on the analysis of economic variables and the efficient use of resources. Students can emerge from the program with a balanced understanding of microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometric theory.

.st0{fill:#21386D;} What You'll Learn

• Communication methods for economic principles, findings & risk
• Organizational analysis using economic theories & principles
• How to merge data analysis & econometrics into research studies
• Effective data analysis & reporting
• Evaluation tactics for decision making

.cls-1 { fill: #21386d; } How You'll Learn

At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.

Career Outlook

"In pretty much every field, there is going to be a place for economists," said Sutton Puglia , an adjunct instructor at SNHU and a government economist.

That's because economists study the reasoning behind decisions people make and are interested in using data to boost profits, create better public policy or conduct research.

As a student in the online master's in economics program, you'll develop necessary workforce skills like:

• Data collection
• Data processing
• Investigative questioning techniques
• Building advanced economic models
• Formulating problem statements and hypotheses
• Econometric and empirical analysis
• Communication and presentation of findings

Graduate Alexia Engel '21 said she also frequently uses advanced statistical analyses from the program, while Nathan McBeath '20 often goes back to the research and presentation tactics he learned.

Because economists are responsible for so much of an organization's strategy, it's no wonder that the need for economists is on the rise. 

.cls-1 { fill: #21386d; } Job Growth

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, career opportunities for economists are expected to grow 6% through 2032. 1

.cls-1 { fill: #21386d; } Salary

The median annual salary for economists in 2022 was $113,940 . 1

Understanding the Numbers When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

According to the BLS, the largest employers of economists 1 in 2022 were:

• Federal government, excluding postal service: 27%
• Management, scientific and technical consulting services: 20%
• Scientific research and development services: 11%
• State government, excluding education and hospitals: 10%
• Local government, excluding education and hospitals: 7%

With your master's degree in economics, you'll be have a breadth of career roles to consider — many of which offer a job growth projection rate 1 through 2032:

• Budget analyst: 3%
• Financial analyst: 8%
• Market research analyst: 13%
• Operations research analyst: 23%
• Political scientist: 7%
• Urban and regional planner: 4%

"The nice thing about economics is that you can build your skill set, grow and make a field for yourself in any number of industries," Puglia said.

For example, Engel built off the learnings from her sociology degree , where she learned that sociologists and economists often conduct research together. "While the case studies presented understandably focus on business problems, the concepts can also be applied to social problems," she said.

It all helped lead her to the right role.

McBeath took part in the program to advance his career.

"I wanted to hone my knowledge of the subject matter in hopes of being able to apply my learned concepts to the workplace," he said. "The program did meet my expectations by exposing me to new and challenging concepts that were highly relevant to the work that I now complete on a daily basis."

As a candidate for the master’s in applied economics degree online at SNHU, you'll acquire both the interpretive and scientific skills needed to become an expert decision-maker and thought leader in your chosen profession – whichever path you choose.

Where Could You Work?

Prepare reports and monitor spending for public and private institutions. 

Assess stock, bond and investment performance to help others make financial decisions.

Study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service.

Use mathematical and analytical methods to help organizations make better decisions.

Analyze data using mathematical models, statistical tools, and other software.

Engineering

Develop land use plans that help create communities and accommodate population growth.

Start Your Journey Toward an Online Economics Degree

Why snhu for your master's in economics flexible with no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7. affordable as part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. in fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation. prior coursework and work experience could also help you save time and money. snhu’s transfer policy  allows you to transfer up to 12 credits from your previous institution. you could also earn college credit for previous work experience . respected founded in 1932 , southern new hampshire university is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. snhu is accredited by the new england commission of higher education (neche), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.  recently, snhu has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education: “most innovative” regional university honors from u.s. news & world report each year since 2015 a $1 million grant from google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth recognition as a 2017 digital learning innovator by the online learning consortium network at southern new hampshire university, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities. 93.2% of online students would recommend snhu according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents. discover why snhu may be right for you . admission requirements expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. that’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials: completed free application undergraduate transcripts, which we can retrieve for you by submitting a transcript request form acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 5 graduate terms . how to apply if you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going: complete free graduate application submit undergraduate transcripts work with an admission counselor  to explore financial options  and walk through application process if (typeof accordiongroup === "undefined") { window.accordiongroup = new accordion(); } accordiongroup.init(document.getelementbyid('c0a034f335d74204b74fb580e397d971')); preparing you for success.

"I was fortunate to land my dream job as I neared the completion of my program. This degree will help me meet the minimum qualifications for positions I may seek in the future."

Courses & Curriculum

The faculty team for SNHU’s online master’s in economics is replete with experts who bring their real-world experience to the classroom.

From corporate vice presidents with prestigious certifications and PhDs working in global marketplaces to certified small business advisors and government consultants, this cross-section of know-how is among the best in higher education.

The online master's in economics offers an exciting curriculum. A course in game theory allows you to grow confidence in negotiations and conflict resolution. Your mathematics and statistics class shows you the methods used today in the economics field. And your capstone gives you the opportunity to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills you've developed throughout your online master's degree program at SNHU.

"The Applied Economics Capstone really stood out to me because I was able to apply the economic concepts I learned throughout the program to a topic of my choosing," said Alexia Engel '21.

McBeath agreed.

"My favorite class was the economics capstone due to the rigorous research requirements and the in-depth final project and presentation," he said. "This course required a deep understanding and application of concepts and was overall enjoyable for me since I am fascinated by the subject matter and was able to select my own thesis topic."

Plus, you'll also have the chance to focus on other areas of economics through 4 elective courses , which are included to round out your program. Combine your passion for the environment with a natural resource economics class, or dive deep into global markets with an international corporate finance course.

The curriculum has had real-world value for both Engel and McBeath.

"I was originally attracted to applied economics because I wanted to learn more about the distribution of scarce resources while conducting quantitative analyses and making recommendations based on quantitative data," Engel said. Today, she has "colleagues tell me that hearing about my experience has inspired them to consider pursuing a graduate degree as well. Colleagues have also asked me about my experience at SNHU as they research programs they are interested in pursuing."

McBeath said that what he learned in the program has helped his resume and LinkedIn profile stand out.

"In most cases, I have been one of the only staff members to have completed a graduate degree at my level and age," he said.

Don't have an economics or business background? SNHU offers foundation courses for students who have neither an economics degree nor a business degree . Depending on your background, you may be required to take courses like:

• Economics for Business
• Financial Reporting and Analysis
• Mathematics and Statistics for Business

For Engel, who entered the program with an undergraduate social science degree , found that the foundation courses were one of the benefits of studying at SNHU without having a business background.

"The instructors were always engaging and supportive," she said. "I recall one instance where an instructor spoke with me over the phone to help me with a concept I was having difficulty understanding."

Minimum Hardware Requirements Component Type   PC (Windows OS)   Apple (Mac OS)   Operating System  Currently supported operating system from Microsoft.   Currently supported operating system from Apple.  Memory (RAM)  8GB or higher  8GB or higher  Hard Drive  100GB or higher  100GB or higher  Antivirus Software  Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students.  Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students.  SNHU Purchase Programs  Visit Dell   Visit Apple   Internet/ Bandwidth  5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency  5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency  Notes:   Laptop or desktop?   Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.  Note:   Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.  Office 365 Pro Plus  is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for  Microsoft 365 plans  for business, education and government.  Antivirus software:  Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.  if (typeof accordionGroup === "undefined") { window.accordionGroup = new accordion(); } accordionGroup.init(document.getElementById('f756dce5bd874c61855f6f6e92d88470')); University Accreditation

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)  as well as several other accrediting bodies.

This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on College Navigator.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates for SNHU's online degree programs are among the lowest in the nation. We offer a 25% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually. *Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional Costs: Course Materials ($ varies by course). Foundational courses may be required based on your undergraduate course history, which may result in additional cost.

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Thinking of Pursuing a PhD in Economics? Info on Graduate School and Beyond

Kasey Chatterji-Len and Anna Kovner

Becoming a PhD economist can provide a fulfilling and financially secure career path. However, getting started in the field can be daunting if you don’t know much about the preparation you’ll need and the available job opportunities. If you’re wondering what it means to be an economics researcher or how to become one, please read on. We’ll review how to prepare for a career in economics research, what an economics PhD program entails, and what types of opportunities it might bring. Economic education is a core component of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s mission to serve the community. To empower would-be economists, this post provides information for students who seek a career in economics research. We hope this information will be helpful to students interested in economics, regardless of their background and economic situation.  This information is most applicable to students applying to programs in the United States.  

The Breadth of Economics Research  

Academic disciplines conduct research in different ways, so it’s important to have a basic understanding of the types of questions economists ask and how they approach answering them. There are many definitions of economics, but a broadly useful one is the study of how people, organizations, and governments make decisions under different constraints, and how those decisions may affect their outcomes. 

When answering these questions, economists seek to ground their analyses in models and to be quantitatively precise about the effects they assign to any given cause. The range of topics economists can study is wide, but the accepted approaches to answering questions are stricter. Some examples of what economists might ask: 

• How do different public housing programs affect the children who live there? 
• Does a certain type of law encourage businesses to innovate? 
• How will a change in the interest rate affect inflation and unemployment rates? 
• How much does affordable health insurance improve people’s health? 
• How can poor countries eradicate poverty? 

There are many different subfields within economics, including, but not limited to behavioral, econometrics, energy/environmental, development, financial, international, monetary, public, and urban economics. You can familiarize yourself with the latest work in economics by subscribing to working paper series, such as NBER’s New This Week or the New York Fed’s Staff Reports . To get an idea of the breadth of questions economists can answer, you could listen to Stephen Dubner’s “ Freakonomics Radio ” podcast. You may also want to explore the Journal of Economic Perspectives , the New York Fed’s Liberty Street Economics blog, VoxDev , or VoxEU .  

What Is a PhD Program Like?    

Economics PhD programs typically last five to seven years. Unlike masters programs, they are often fully funded with a stipend, though most require students to complete teaching assistant and/or research assistant (RA) work as part of their funding package. In the first two years, students take classes, many of which are mathematically demanding. The rest of the program can include additional classes but is primarily devoted to original research with the aim of producing publishable papers that will constitute the dissertation.  

Faculty advisors are a central part of PhD programs, as students look to them for guidance during the research process. Economics PhD programs are offered within university economics departments, but there are similar programs in public policy and business schools. You can look at their websites to understand any differences in coursework and subsequent job placements. 

What Can You Do with an Economics PhD?  

Upon graduation, students can obtain jobs in a variety of industries. Many PhD students hope to become university professors. Governments and public policy-related institutions such as the Federal Reserve System, the U.S. federal government, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also hire economists to work on policy, lead programs, and conduct research. Finally, economics PhD graduates can also find employment at a variety of private sector companies, including banks, economic consulting firms, and big tech companies. The pay for these different positions can vary. According to the American Economics Association (AEA), the average starting salary for economics assistant professors in 2022-23 was approximately $140,000 at PhD granting institutions and $98,000 at BA granting institutions. 

Programs often publish the placements of their PhD graduates, so you can look online to see specific employment outcomes. See, for example, the University of Maryland’s placements . Ultimately, economists are highly regarded as authorities on a variety of topics. Governments, nonprofits, philanthropic foundations, financial institutions, and non-financial businesses all look to economists to answer important questions about how to best achieve their goals. Thus, earning an economics Ph.D. can potentially help you to influence issues that are important to you. 

Preparing for an Economics PhD Program  

There are several components to an economics PhD program application: college transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Please download the Appendix linked below to learn more about transcripts and letters of recommendation. The Appendix details ways in which you can select coursework, obtain research experience, and develop relationships to position yourself for success as a PhD applicant.  

If you feel that you are too far along in your academic career to take enough of the classes described in the Appendix, this does not necessarily preclude you from pursuing an economics PhD. For example, it’s possible to take some of these classes through a master’s program, or through a pre-doctoral RA job. Some pre-doctoral RA jobs, such as the one here at the New York Fed , may enable you to take classes in preparation for graduate school. If you are concerned about your transcript, reach out to an economist at your university for advice; program standards for coursework and grades vary, and it’s a good idea to get more personalized advice. 

Research Experience   

If you’re interested in becoming an economics researcher and applying to PhD programs, it’s best to get research experience as soon as possible. Working as an RA is a great way to learn how to conduct research and get a better idea of whether it’s the right career path for you. Additionally, it can help you obtain a letter of recommendation for graduate school applications and improve your qualifications.  

All types of academic research can be enriching, but it’s beneficial to gain experience working directly with an economist. To find a position, you can reach out to professors whose work you find interesting or find an RA program at your school. Typical RA tasks may involve data collection and cleaning, as well as running analyses and creating charts to represent results. This is where coding skills become crucial; having taken math, statistics, and econometrics courses will also enable you to take on more responsibilities. 

You may also have the opportunity to conduct your own research, possibly under the supervision of a professor at your university. This research could be self-initiated or part of a course such as a thesis workshop. Self-directed research is a great opportunity to learn about all stages of the research process. It’s also an excellent opportunity to create a writing sample for graduate school applications. Ultimately, though, your motivation for conducting your own research project should be that you want to answer a question.  One thing economists have in common is a love of answering questions using data and theory. 

Research experience is also often obtained after completing an undergraduate or master’s degree. Taking on a full-time RA position before applying to PhD programs is very common and can make you a more competitive applicant. You may either get an RA job working for a professor or participate in a pre-doctoral RA program.  

Research assistant programs are more structured than positions with individual professors or projects, which could be helpful. Universities, parts of the government, think tanks, research organizations, and the Federal Reserve System are all good places to look for research assistant programs. To help you decide which opportunities are most desirable, you may want to ask potential employers : Where do people in this program tend to go afterward? Will I be working directly with an economist? How much of my time will be spent on academic research work? Will I be able to take classes as part of this program? Considering whether an economist will be able to evaluate your performance is an important factor for recommendation letters. The ability to take classes, either through tuition reimbursement or waivers, can also be an important benefit. 

The Research Analyst program here at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is one example of these programs and you should check it out here . The Federal Reserve Board of Governors also has a large program, and many other regional Federal Reserve Banks have similar programs. In addition, the PREDOC website and the  NBER post listings of RA opportunities. J-PAL and IPA also tend to recruit RAs for economic development projects. Another source of RA opportunities is the @econ_ra account on X. 

Who Should Get a PhD in Economics?  

A PhD may not be for everyone, but it is for anyone—people of all genders, religions, ethnicities, races, and national origins have PhDs in economics. Many economists majored in economics, but others majored in math, physics, or chemistry. Because economics is such an integral part of policymaking, it is important that economists come from a wide range of backgrounds so policy can be stronger and more effective. The inclusion of differing perspectives helps ensure that the contribution of economists to work in public policy, academia, and beyond effectively serves the broadest range of society. 

• Coursework Appendix

Kasey Chatterji-Len is a research analyst in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Research and Statistics Group.

Anna Kovner  is the director of Financial Stability Policy Research in the Bank’s Research and Statistics Group.

How to cite this post: Kasey Chatterji-Len and Anna Kovner, “Thinking of Pursuing a PhD in Economics? Info on Graduate School and Beyond,” Federal Reserve Bank of New York Liberty Street Economics , May 31, 2024, https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2024/05/thinking-of-pursuing-a-phd-in-economics-info-on-graduate-school-and-beyond/.

You may also be interested in: AEA: Resources for Students

PREDOC: Guidance for Undergraduates

RA Positions-Not at the NBER

Disclaimer The views expressed in this post are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or the Federal Reserve System. Any errors or omissions are the responsibility of the author(s).

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