phd economics fees

Have questions about applying? Please check our FAQ page  before emailing us at [email protected] . We partner with Harvard Economics to connect prospective students from underrepresented groups with graduate student mentors. Details of this Application Assistance and Mentoring Program are available below.

Application requirements

The application to our doctoral program is open annually from September 15-December 15 for admission the following September. The application for September 2024 admission is now closed.

Your application is considered complete when you have successfully submitted the following requirements by the December 15 application deadline:

• Online application
• $75 application fee
• Scanned copy of college transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English Qualification (C1 & C2) test score (any one) for international students whose native language is not English
• The GRE is NOT required as part of applications for the 2024-2025 cycle (for September 2024 admission)

To request a fee waiver, please complete MIT's application fee waiver form . You should carefully review the eligibility criteria prior to applying. A representative from MIT’s Office of Graduate Education will be in touch about the outcome of your request.

Transcripts

Please upload one copy of each transcript from all universities you have attended. If you're admitted to the program, we'll require you to have an official copy of your transcript(s) sent to us from the university's registrar. Your transcript will be verified upon receipt and any discrepancy between the transcript you uploaded and the official transcript will result in a withdrawal of our offer of admission.

Letters of recommendation

Letters must be submitted/uploaded by the letter writers by December 15. Please send the email request to your letter writers via the 'Letter Status' section in your application.

TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English Qualification scores

International students whose first language is not English are required to submit   English language proficiency test scores unless they are a US citizen or permanent resident. The department will also waive the requirement for international non-native speakers of English who have spent three or more years studying in an accredited school or university where English is the language of instruction.  (Please note: verification of the institution’s language of instruction may be requested.)

We accept the following test scores:

• Cambridge English C1 Advanced
• Cambridge English C2 Proficiency

If you meet the criteria for a waiver, you can make a request to waive the English proficiency exam requirement on the online application, under the "test scores" section.

TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge English Qualification scores are valid or accepted for two years. Scores that expire while an application is under review will be considered valid.

Submitting your scores

Your online application will prompt you to attach a scanned copy of your test scores. Your scores must also be sent directly to MIT from ETS, IELTS, or Cambridge . MIT's school code for the TOEFL is 3514. The TOEFL code for the Department of Economics is 84. IELTS and Cambridge do not require a code. Please enter "Massachusetts Institute of Technology- Graduate Admissions."

Official scores must be received from ETS, IELTS, or Cambridge by December 15. Please take your proficiency exam of choice by November 30 to allow for proper reporting time. If your score report arrives shortly after the deadline, it will be accepted, but your application may not be reviewed until your scores are received.

Minimum score requirements

The minimum requirement for the TOEFL is PBT: 600, iBT: 100. The minimum requirement for the IELTS is 7.  The minimum requirement for the Cambridge English Qualifications is a CEFR score of 185.

GRE (optional)

The department is waiving the GRE requirement for the current application period, but you can report your scores if you wish.

Your online application will give you the option to attach a scanned copy of your test scores or a screenshot of the scores from the ETS website. You can also send a score report directly to MIT from ETS. MIT's school code for the GRE is 3514. The code for the Department of Economics is 1801.

If you would like your scores to be considered as part of your application, you should take the GRE by November 30 to allow for reporting time.

Personal statement (optional)

We encourage applicants to include a statement of objectives/personal statement with their application, though it is not required. The statement is an opportunity to explain what makes you a good candidate for the program. You should describe why you wish to attend graduate school, what you would like to study, and any research experience. Describe one or more accomplishments you are particularly proud of that suggest that you will succeed in your chosen area of research. You can also share any unique perspective or life experience that would contribute to the program.   Statements are typically two single-spaced pages.

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.

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 17, 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.

Click here for the application form If you are a faculty, program advisor/coordinator, or student interested in being notified when 2024-2025 AAMP applications open, please fill out this form .

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MRes/PhD Economics

• Graduate research
• Department of Economics
• Application code L1U4
• Starting 2024
• Home full-time: Closed
• Overseas full-time: Closed
• Location: Houghton Street, London

This programme offers you the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to the field of economics. You will begin on the MRes degree, and will need to meet certain requirements to progress to the PhD.

The Department of Economics pioneered the development of systematic research training in economics in Britain and our MRes/PhD Economics aims for the highest international standard of achievement and professional competence. The programme offers structured research training and supervision by faculty prominent in their fields. It begins with two years of rigorous coursework, equipping you with the theoretical knowledge and analytical techniques necessary to proceed to the research component of the programme. 

Many research students are associated with the work of one of LSE's research centres. You could work with the Suntory and Toyota International Centres for Economics and Related Disciplines on areas ranging from development economics to public policy; or on research technology, growth and globalisation as part of the Centre for Economic Performance . You could contribute to major research programmes addressing the key issues of unemployment, inflation, fiscal and monetary policy, macroeconomic development and growth, financial markets, and changes in the world economy at the  Centre for Macroeconomics ; or specialise in risk management, asset pricing, financial institutions and corporate finance as part of the Financial Markets Group .

Programme details

For more information about tuition fees and entry requirements, see the fees and funding and assessing your application sections.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements for mres/phd economics.

An upper second class honours (2:1) degree (or equivalent) in any field. Some preparation in economics, a strong mathematics background and evidence of research potential are essential. The goal of the MRes/PhD Economics is to train first class researchers. We will use all available information to assess research potential.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet our minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission. 

If you have studied or are studying outside of the UK then have a look at our  Information for International Students  to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

GRE/GMAT requirement

GRE is required for all applicants. This must be no more than five years old on 1 October 2024 and must show full and percentile scores for all three sections. Most successful MRes/PhD Economics applicants score 166 or above in the quantitative section.

Find out more about GRE/GMAT

Assessing your application

We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of members of staff at the School, and we recommend that you investigate  staff research interests  before applying.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

- academic achievement (including existing and pending qualifications) - statement of academic purpose - references - CV - research statement - GRE/GMAT

See further information on supporting documents

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency. You do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE, but we recommend that you do.  See our English language requirements  for further information.

When to apply

The application deadline for this programme is 14 December 2023 . However, to be considered for any LSE funding opportunity, you must also have submitted your application and all supporting documents by this deadline. See the fees and funding section for more details.

Research statement

An application for entry to the MRes/PhD Economics should include a Research Statement, along with other required information  (Note: A separate sample of written work is not required as part of the MRes/PhD Economics application).

What should my Research Statement contain?

Your Research Statement should be submitted in place of the Outline Research Proposal, along with your application form and other required supporting documents, via the LSE online application system.

Please answer the following questions clearly and concisely. Max 200 words per question.

• Why do you want to do research in economics?
• Can you explain how your studies and experience make you suitable to do research in economics?
• Which aspect of the PhD do you think you will like the most? Which will you dislike the most? Why?
• Tell us about your favourite paper in economics. What do you like about it? How would you improve it?
• Write a comment for a general audience on ONE of the following topics  (i) Is inequality good for growth?   (ii) Do immigrants take the jobs of native workers?   (iii) Is CEO compensation excessive?  (iv) Is universal minimum income a good idea?  (v) Overall, has central banks' move to inflation targeting has been a success?  (vi) Is culture an important determinant of differences in income per capita across countries?  (vii) Markets function well as information is aggregated efficiently through prices.  (viii) Elections are effective at disciplining politicians who do not have the public interest as their main goal.

How can I demonstrate research potential?

If you have served as research assistant for an economist please ask that person to write a letter focussing on your research skills and describe your experience – reference point 2 (above) of the research statement.

If not, please list any evidence you think would be valuable. Examples include but are not restricted to: experience working autonomously under stress without any guidance, demonstration of creativity in any form, experience of writing original research.

Fees and funding

Every research student is charged a fee in line with the fee structure for their programme. The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover  living costs  or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2024/25 for MRes/PhD Economics

Home students: £4,829 for the first year (provisional) Overseas students: £22,632 for the first year

The fee is likely to rise over subsequent years of the programme. The School charges home research students in line with the level of fee that the Research Councils recommend. The fees for overseas students are likely to rise in line with the assumed percentage increase in pay costs (ie, 4 per cent per annum).

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School.

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Scholarships, studentships and other funding

The School recognises that the  cost of living in London  may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for  LSE PhD Studentships , and  Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding . Selection for the PhD Studentships and ESRC funding is based on receipt of an application for a place – including all ancillary documents, before the funding deadline. 

For the MRes/PhD Economics, the funding deadline is the same as the application deadline for the programme: 14 December 2023

The Economics Department also has a number of scholarship packages for direct entry MRes/PhD students. After the first year of the MRes/PhD Economics, there are teaching and research assistantships available in the Department. Read more about funding opportunities through the  Economics Department .

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.  Find out more about financial support.

External funding

There may be other funding opportunities available through other organisations or governments and we recommend you investigate these options as well.

Further information

Fees and funding opportunities

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.  

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students . 

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page). 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

Programme structure and courses

Introductory course (mres).

In early September, before the academic year commences, you will begin your degree programme by taking the Introductory Mathematics and Statistics course.

First year (MRes)

In the first year of the programme you will take advanced core courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics, to equip you with the theoretical knowledge and analytical techniques necessary for research. Permission must be obtained to sit Econometric Analysis as it is intended for students with a strong econometric background and an interest in pursuing a PhD with econometrics as the primary field.

Microeconomics for MRes students Introduces the basic analytical tools that are necessary to conduct research in any field in economics.

Macroeconomics for MRes students Covers topics in advanced macroeconomics with emphasis on fundamentals and applications to recent theoretical advances. Either Econometrics for MRes students Covers inference, classical and generalised linear regression, generalised regression methods, time-series, panel-data, and microeconometric methods, and specialised econometric methods. Or Econometric Analysis Gives an advanced treatment of the theory of estimation and inference for econometric models.

Second year (MRes)

In the second year, you will typically take two PhD field courses and write a research paper in your major field. Currently, there are economics PhD field courses covering: econometrics, international, labour, public, development, industrial, microeconomics, macroeconomics, political economy. In addition, there are PhD field courses offered in Corporate Finance and Asset Pricing. From the second year onwards, you will also participate in a departmental research seminar and a work in progress seminar allied to your major research field.

Research Paper in Economics A research paper, between 5,000 and 10,000 words, related to the student's designated major field, to be submitted mid-way through the Spring Term.

Two courses from a range of options

Upon successfully completing the MRes and progressing to the PhD, you will work on your research and write your PhD thesis. You will also take one further PhD field course. You will also attend Work in Progress seminars, where you present your research, as well as the weekly departmental seminar series closest to your major field.

One course from a range of options.

Second and subsequent years of the PhD programme

You will continue to work on your research and write a PhD thesis. You will also continue to attend Work in Progress seminars, where you present your research, as well as the weekly departmental seminar series closest to your major field.

For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page .

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.  

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s  Calendar , or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the  updated graduate course and programme information  page.

Supervision, progression and assessment

Supervision.

You will be assigned a lead supervisor (and a second supervisor/adviser) who is a specialist in your chosen research field, though not necessarily in your topic. Lead supervisors guide you through your studies.

Progression and assessment

In order to progress to each subsequent year of the programme, and to progress to PhD registration, you will need to meet specific progression requirements, such as achieving certain grades in your coursework.

Your final award will be determined by the completion of an original research thesis and a viva oral examination.

More about progression requirements

Student support and resources

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small, there are a range of people you can speak to who will be happy to help.  

Department librarians   – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

Accommodation service  – they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders  – they will be able to assist with queries relating to specific courses. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service  – they are experts in long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as  student counselling,  a  peer support scheme  and arranging  exam adjustments.  They run groups and workshops.  

IT help  – support is available 24 hours a day to assist with all your technology queries.   

LSE Faith Centre  – this is home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.   

Language Centre  – the Centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in nine languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication; and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers  ­ – with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

LSE Library   –   founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and is a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE  – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment’). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU)  – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding.  

PhD Academy   – this is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice   – this   offers discounted private dental services to LSE students.  

St Philips Medical Centre  – based in Pethwick-Lawrence House, the Centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre  – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advisers   – we have a  Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy)  and an  Adviser to Women Students  who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

Student life

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective. 

Student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in  extracurricular activities . From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from. 

The campus 

LSE is based on one  campus  in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

Life in London 

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more. 

Want to find out more? Read why we think  London is a fantastic student city , find out about  key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners . Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about  London on a budget . 

Student stories

Hanwei Huang MRes/PhD Economics, 2018 China

I am a PhD student studying economics in the LSE. I am also affiliated with the Centre of Economic Performance (CEP), one of the largest research centres in the LSE. My main research interest is international trade.

One thing that I have learned from the faculties is that economics is not just about mathematics, it should answer interesting economics questions. Over the past few years in the LSE, I have been conducting a few research related to China. This is not surprising given my Chinese origin. Given the anti-globalization current that we have been witnessing, it is also quite relevant to the academic and policy circle to understand how China has become a global manufacturing power house and the champion of global trade.

My work features a close link between theory and empirics, another lesson I have learned in the LSE. My first piece of work done in the LSE focuses on the evolving structure of Chinese production and export. My second paper, which is a joint work with my supervisor Professor Ottaviano, studies how Chinese exporter producing multiple products respond to competition due to comparative advantage. My current research project studies how the domestic infrastructure construction boom that has been taking place in China has enabled China to make better use of globalization.

The most exciting part of LSE is that we are seated near the centre of the UK policy-making. I am fortunate enough to be able to be on a team from the CEP which has been studying various issues related to Brexit. It is only by doing this bit of work that I have seen how LSE research has shaped the debate in the media and the UK parliament.

As a one of the largest economics departments in the world, with numerous seminars and visitors every week, you bump into various people all the time. You might run into a workshop introducing machine learning. You might also hear people talking about big data in the Bean Counter, where we have our coffee. And I am very glad to be one of them here.

Stephan Maurer MRes/PhD Economics, 2017 Germany

I came to the LSE in 2011 after having completed my MSc in Economics at the Barcelona Graduate School of Economics. Already during my undergraduate studies in St. Gallen, I had gotten hooked to economics and to the idea of doing a PhD, and my time in Barcelona further confirmed this.

My research is in applied economics broadly, at the intersection of labour economics, political economy, and economic history. Economic history is for me both a tool and an end itself - I am interested in better understanding historical events, but I also frequently use exogenous variation provided by history to study questions in labour economics and political economy.

What I really like about research and the academic profession is that it offers a lot of freedom and allows me to work independently on a variety of issues. For example, I have studied determinants of city growth in Iron Age Europe, but also local economic effects of resource booms in the early 20 th century US South. I also enjoy teaching - during my time here, I have taught various courses and have found it very enriching. Being asked to explain concepts such that students can understand them often has deepened my own understanding. In this respect, I particularly enjoyed teaching in the MPA and MSc Programmes.

Research can also be frustrating. It involves a great deal of failed projects, ideas that do not materialize, and work that does not reap rewards. It is also very discontinuous - you can make great progress in few days, or feel like you’re banging your head against a wall for months. I was lucky to have two very dedicated supervisors to guide me through my PhD, helping me triage my ideas, strengthening my results by constantly questioning them, but also cheering me up when needed. My colleagues and friends at the LSE have also been a great help, not only but especially those from my cohort. Studying for the first year exams and going through the first research steps together has created a lot of cohesion and friendships that I am sure will continue to last for a long time.

After finishing my PhD, I will be joining the Department of Economics at the University of Konstanz as an Assistant Professor. I am very much looking forward to this new endeavour, but I will make sure to be back in London and at the LSE from time to time!

Preliminary reading

Readings are included in the respective course guides in the Calendar .

Quick Careers Facts for the Department of Economics

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

• Financial and Professional Services              
• Education, Teaching and Research            
• Government, Public Sector and Policy   
• Consultancy      
• Advertising, Marketing, PR Media, Entertainment, Publishing and Journalism

The data was collected as part of the Graduate Outcomes survey, which is administered by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Graduates from 2020-21 were the fourth group to be asked to respond to Graduate Outcomes.

Students who successfully complete the programme often embark on an academic career. See information on the placements of previous students on this programme . 

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Starting from the second year of the MRes, students are encouraged to undertake some class teaching in the Department, as this represents useful professional training. Additional information about teaching in the Department .

Support for your career

Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the  support available to students through LSE Careers .

Find out more about LSE

Discover more about being an LSE student - meet us in a city near you, visit our campus or experience LSE from home. 

Experience LSE from home

Webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study at LSE for those that aren't able to make it to our campus.  Experience LSE from home . 

Come on a guided campus tour, attend an undergraduate open day, drop into our office or go on a self-guided tour.  Find out about opportunities to visit LSE . 

LSE visits you

Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad travels throughout the UK and around the world to meet with prospective students. We visit schools, attend education fairs and also hold Destination LSE events: pre-departure events for offer holders.  Find details on LSE's upcoming visits . 

How to apply

Virtual Graduate Open Day

Register your interest

Related programmes, msc econometrics and mathematical economics.

Code(s) L1UB

MSc Economics

Code(s) L1U1

MRes/PhD Finance

Code(s) N4ZC

MPhil/PhD Economic Geography

Code(s) L7ZQ

MPhil/PhD Environmental Economics

Code(s) L7ZR

Request a prospectus

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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.   

• Faculty Intranet

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS

• Prospective Ph.D.s

The Department of Economics at Northwestern is committed to an individualized and holistic review of each application to the PhD program.  This review will take into consideration the substantive disruptions of the COVID19 pandemic as well as other challenges that influence personal circumstances.  We recognize that many institutions converted to a Pass/No Pass (P/N) grading system in response to the pandemic. Finally, we understand that there are circumstances which may prevent students from submitting a complete application. Please email [email protected] with any individual requests or concerns.

The Department of Economics and The Graduate School (TGS) at Northwestern  encourages underrepresented students  to apply for admission to our doctoral program.

The application will be available in September. The application deadline is January 4, 2024, 11:59pm CST

Before You Apply

Degrees offered.

The Department of Economics offers a full-time Ph.D. program in Economics.

The Department of Economics and the Finance Department in the Kellogg School of Management offer a joint full-time Ph.D. program in Financial Economics.  Read more about the program requirements and how to apply.

Applicants who wish to pursue graduate education in an Economics-based program at Northwestern University, either in the Kellogg School of Management or Department of Economics, are permitted to submit one application for a primary or first choice PhD program while requesting additional consideration for a second choice PhD program. Read more about the dual application process and requirements.

Please note that the department does not admit students for a terminal MA degree. An MA degree is only available to Economics Ph.D. students who have successfully completed the first year of the doctoral program, and to students enrolled in other doctoral programs at Northwestern.

Prerequisites

• Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent by the time they begin graduate work.
• Applicants are not required to have majored in economics but must possess a solid mathematics background. All students are expected to have a total of four quarters of differential and integral calculus plus linear algebra before entering the program. Students occasionally are admitted with an inadequate mathematical background if their record is extremely strong otherwise and they agree to take remedial math courses upon arrival. In most cases, however, students with inadequate mathematical training are advised to delay graduate school and take a year of math first.

Application Steps

Step 1: complete the university's application form.

All applicants must complete the standard application form , and pay the application fee. Procedures and qualifications for fee waivers can be found here . The application is available in September of the application year. 

Program Code  for the Ph.D. program in Economics is E05PH.

Application Fee:  The fee is $95.

Deadline: The application deadline is January 4, 2024 at 11:59pm.  Applicants are considered for admission to the fall term only. There are no winter or spring admissions.

Applicants from underrepresented groups:  The Department of Economics welcomes applications by students from underrepresented groups. Northwestern participates in the Big Ten Academic Alliance and accepts the FreeApp. Interested applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and have a serious intent to pursue a career in teaching and academic research may use the FreeApp to request an application fee waiver at Northwestern. Eligibility criteria and the FreeApp online application can be found at the Big Ten Academic Alliance site:  https://btaa.org/resources-for/students/freeapp/eligibility

CV/Resume:  A concise CV/resume is very important. It should make clear what you have done since graduating from high school without leaving any gaps. It should describe briefly any full time jobs that you have held, research experience while a student, publications (if any), and awards and honors. 

Courses Form: You will be prompted to complete a courses form in the application.  It summarizes the six most advanced college courses you have completed in both economics and mathematics. You can download this form as a fillable  PDF.

If you cannot download this form, then it is acceptable if you create your own form which contains the same information in a similar format.

• List only courses that have been already graded, and not courses that you are currently taking, or are planning to take.
• In the first five columns, you should fill in the course number, title, the school at which it was taken, date of completion, and grade exactly as they appear on your transcript.
• In the sixth column, mention the main textbook for the course, if there was such a text (it is enough to write the author(s) name(s) and the first few words of the title as space permits).
• If you have taken more than six courses in any of these disciplines, pick the six most advanced ones (but ensure that you mention core courses in intermediate microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics and econometrics).
• If you are taking substantial courses during the fall term and do not have the grades in time to be included in this application, you may send an updated version of the form as an e-mail attachment to  [email protected]  after you know your grade. By substantial courses we mean advanced math courses such as Real Analysis or graduate economics courses.
• If your fall courses are standard economics courses of a similar level to those you have taken before, there is no need to report their results after submitting the application.

Academic Statement of Purpose (500 to 1,000 words):   The academic statement of purpose should be between 500 and 1,000 words and should focus on your research interests and goals, and how your qualifications and strengths will enable you to formulate important and creative research topics and convincingly execute the research.   Writing Sample:  The standard application allows the possibility of submission of writing samples. The Economics Department does not require writing samples. However, if you have a research paper you wish us to consider as part of the application, you can upload it in this part of the application. Do not upload more than one paper.  Students may also submit grant applications, such as the NSF research proposal, as a writing sample. Letters of Recommendation  are required from at least three people. You will provide emails for your recommenders in the application. The university then contacts the recommender directly with instructions on how to submit their letters. Up to five letters of recommendation will be accepted. Scanned Copies of GRE, and (if necessary) TOEFL/IELTS results . If you have already received your GRE and TOEFL/IELTS results, scan the results and upload them as part of your application. More details on these tests are described in Steps 2 and 3 below.  Results should be submitted by the January 5 deadline. Note that the university verifies your results based on information provided directly to the university from the testing companies. Scanned Copy of your Transcript(s).  An official transcript is required from each institution attended. Transcripts must bear the registrar's signature or official seal to be considered official and acceptable. Scan the transcript(s) and upload them as part of your application.  Please wait to upload your transcript(s) until after your fall grades have been posted.  If your fall grades aren’t available by January 5 (application deadline), upload your most current transcript.  If you ultimately enroll at Northwestern, you will be asked to supply the university with an official hard copy of your transcript(s).

For more information on the University's admission process , see  The Graduate School Admissions  page.

Step 2: Complete the GRE

The institution code for Northwestern University is 1565.

Step 3: Certify English Proficiency

Your success in graduate study of economics depends on your ability to understand, read, write and speak English. If English is not your native language, evidence of proficiency in its use will be decisive in reviewing your application for admission. Because of the nature of economics, the department has stricter language requirements than the minimum required by the University.

You can demonstrate English proficiency in only three ways:

• be a native English speaker;
• by earning an undergraduate degree at an accredited institution where the language of instruction is English, and you attended this institution for all years of your undergraduate study; or
• by providing official scores for either the  Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)  or the  International English Language Testing System (IELTS)  examination.

Earning a graduate degree at an English-speaking institution without having attended an English-speaking institution for your undergraduate degree is insufficient demonstration of proficiency in English. You should take the TOEFL/IELTS to support your admission to the Department of Economics.

Students taking the TOEFL must score a minimum of 600 on the paper-based exam, 250 on the computer-based exam, or 100 on the internet-based exam (TOEFL iBT).  We accept MyBest Scores for the TOEFL iBT. Students taking the IELTS must have a minimum overall score of 7.0. The tests must have been taken no more than two years before the intended date of entry (which  means no more than 15 months prior to your application). Results of the TOEFL/IELTS test are reported directly to the Graduate School. However, if you already have your results, upload a scan as part of your application. 

The institution code for Northwestern is 1565, and the relevant department code is 01.

In addition to these language requirements, most international students from non-English speaking countries will take the Versant English Test on their arrival at Northwestern to demonstrate their spoken English. Obtaining a score of at least 65 on this test is required to make a student eligible to be considered for appointment as a Teaching Assistant, a common form of financial support in the second and subsequent years.  However, students scoring 26 or higher (out of a possible 30) on the speaking section of the TOEFL internet-based test will be considered as meeting the spoken English proficiency requirement and will not need to take the Versant test.

Step 4: The Decision Process

Step 5: visas for international applicants.

For general information on the visa process once you have been admitted, please visit Northwestern's International Office website at  www.northwestern.edu/international

Northwestern University reserves the right to change without notice any statement in this publication concerning, but not limited to, rules, policies, tuition, fees, curricula, and courses.

It is the policy of Northwestern University not to discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship, or veteran status in matters of admissions, employment, housing, or services or in the educational programs or activities it operates, in accordance with civil rights legislation and University commitment.

Any alleged violations of this policy or questions regarding the law with respect to nondiscrimination should be directed to Director of Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Disability Services, 720 University Place, Evanston, Illinois 60208-1147, phone +1-847-491-7458.

Department of Economics

Ph.D. Admissions

The ph.d. in economics.

The Ph.D. program in economics admits between 8 and 12 students per year and prepares them for a successful career in academia, government, international organizations, or the private sector. In the first year, students take classes in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, as well as mathematical economics and economic history. In the second and third year, students take 21 credit hours of specialized classes in at least two of the following concentrations:

• Microeconomic Theory
• Macroeconomic Theory
• Econometrics
• Economic Development
• Economic History
• Health Economics
• Industrial Organization
• International Economics
• Labor Economics
• Money and Financial Institutions
• Public Economics

Students can petition to combine at least two related classes to a nonstandard concentration.  

Applying to the Program

The application deadline for the Ph.D. program is January 15th for the coming fall semester. Successful applicants have strong quantitative backgrounds and a passion for research in  economics. The  application fee is $95.00 upon submission.

Please direct all Ph.D. admission inquiries to [email protected] .

Qualifications

Our incoming students usually have an undergraduate degree in economics and/or mathematics, with significant quantitative and math-intensive course experience. Many international applicants have a master’s degree. Research experience (such as an undergraduate or master’s thesis, or work as a research assistant) is a plus.  

• Required: One year of calculus, one semester of statistics, and intermediate-level courses in microeconomic theory and macroeconomic theory.
• Strongly recommended: Courses in linear algebra, differential equations, real analysis, and econometrics. 

Information to Submit

• Self-reported/unofficial or official GRE scores
• International students: self-reported/unofficial or official TOEFL or IELTS scores. This requirement will be waived for an international student with a degree from an institution in which English is the official language of instruction. Furthermore, while a TOEFL score is optional for applicants attending an English-language university in a non-English-speaking country, it can often be helpful to demonstrate command of English.
• Unofficial transcripts
• 3-5 letters of recommendation

Statement of Purpose

In your statement of purpose, tell us how your studies so far have prepared you for a Ph.D. program, and share what fascinates you about research in economics.  

Visiting Campus

Campus visits are offered to everyone admitted to the program. Visits consist of a half-day of individual meetings with faculty members and students, plus lunch. 

Q: What test scores do admitted candidates usually have  on the GRE?

A: Applicants often overestimate the importance of GRE scores for Ph.D. applications. The GRE tests whether you can do high school math quickly and correctly, as well as your vocabulary. Scores below a certain level (say, below 155 verbal and below 161 quantitative) tend to indicate problems, while very high scores do not necessarily guarantee that you are fully prepared for a Ph.D. program in economics.

For candidates who satisfy these thresholds, we look primarily at their preparation for a Ph.D. program in terms of how they did in the challenging courses they took in both advanced economics and math, rather than going only by their specific GRE scores.

Q: Do you have a minimum TOEFL or IELTS score?

A: Admitted international candidates tend to have a minimum TOEFL speaking score of 24 or an IELTS speaking score of 7. 

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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.

The program prepares students for productive and stimulating careers as economists. Courses and seminars offered by the department foster an intellectually active and stimulating environment. Each week, the department sponsors more than 15 different seminars on such topics as environmental economics, economic growth and development, monetary and fiscal policy, international economics, industrial organization, law and economics, behavioral economics, labor economics, and economic history. Top scholars from both domestic and international communities are often invited speakers at the seminars.  The Harvard community outside of the department functions as a strong and diverse resource. Students in the department are free to pursue research interests with scholars throughout the University. Faculty of the Harvard Law School, Kennedy School of Government, and Harvard Business School, for example, are available to students for consultation, instruction, and research guidance. As a member of the Harvard community, students in the department can register for courses in the various schools and have access to the enormous library resources available through the University. There are over 90 separate library units at Harvard, with the total collections of books and pamphlets numbering over 13 million.  Both the department and the wider University draw some of the brightest students from around the world, which makes for a student body that is culturally diverse and likely unequaled in the range of intellectual interests of its members. These factors combine to add an important dimension to the educational process. Students are able to learn from one another, collaborate on research projects and publications, and form bonds that are not broken by distance once the degree is completed and professional responsibilities lead them in different directions.

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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.

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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.

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:

Economics, PhD

Zanvyl krieger school of arts and sciences, admission requirements.

The admission of each applicant is decided by the Department as a whole and rests upon their academic record (especially economics and mathematics courses), GRE test scores, recommendations of scholars and instructors, and other pertinent information including a match between the research interests of the applicant and the faculty. To apply for admission, applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts of all previous college and university study to their online application. Failure to upload unofficial transcripts will result in an inability to complete and submit the online application. In addition, we require at least two letters of recommendation. These recommendation letters should come from individuals who can comment on your scholarly skills. All applicants must submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination. Admitted students nearly always have very high quantitative GRE scores. Applicants must take the TOEFL with a minimum score of 100 (internet based), 600 (paper based) or 250 (computer based), or IELTS with a bandscore of 7.  Applicants with degrees from universities in the United States or the countries listed on the KSAS Graduate Admissions website are exempt from this language proficiency requirement. It is the country in which the university is located that determines whether the requirement applies, not the language of instruction at the university.

Students should have a knowledge of economic theory and statistics and a strong background in mathematics including differential and integral calculus and linear algebra. Almost all of our students enter with at least two semesters of calculus and linear algebra. In admissions decisions, we like applicants to have taken other mathematics courses as well, including more advanced calculus, differential equations, probability, and real analysis. We especially welcome applications from under-represented populations, as diversity is important in our graduate program.

Program Requirements

Preparation for the Dissertation . The program’s first year is comprised of two semesters each of courses in microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, and statistics/econometrics, along with a one-semester course in mathematical methods. Second-year students take courses in specific fields within economics.  If necessary, students may take relevant courses in other departments such as Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Political Science, Public Health, Sociology, and Anthropology.  Second-year students also begin their exposure to original research through research mentorships with faculty.  A research paper is submitted near the end of the second year.  Third-year students complete any remaining course work and prepare a dissertation proposal

Comprehensive Exam.  This exam is administered by the department and consists of three written examinations designed to test the candidate’s knowledge of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and statistics/econometrics. The written examinations are taken prior to the start of the second year.

Dissertation.  The dissertation is an original investigation worthy of publication, prepared under the supervision of three members of the faculty. A dissertation proposal is due near the end of the third year.  Though it is feasible to finish the program in four years, students typically complete the Ph.D. in five or six years.  The final requirement is a Graduate Board Oral Examination on the dissertation.  The committee that administers the examination includes faculty from outside the department. 

Requirements for the M.A. Degree

The department does not admit students from outside Johns Hopkins University who intend to work only for an M.A. However, it does offer this degree as an intermediate step toward the Ph.D. or as a final degree to some of those who do not complete their doctoral work.

Beyond the general university requirements, the department requires for the master’s degree two years of satisfactory graduate course work.

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 schedule and abstracts for the 2024  Third Year Paper Conference , April 3 in Kreeger.

IMPA hosts a colloquium on  Inequality and the Macroeconomy: Academic and Policy Challenges   at Kreeger, April 17, noon–3:00.

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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Ph.D. Program

Welcome to the phd program.

The Georgetown University Economics Ph.D. program is a full-time program designed for students who seek research careers at the forefront of economic science. The Ph.D. program provides an excellent training environment for future scholars. Located in the nation’s capital, it is ideally situated for both students specializing in pure science and those who wish to study policy informed by science.

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• Julius Shapiro serves as the PhD Program Coordinator. Please contact him first with any questions related to the PhD Program.
• Professor  Toshihiko Mukoyama  serves as Director of Graduate Studies and is responsible for the PhD Program.

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A mastery of economic principles and applications.

The LSU Department of Economics is committed to excellence in teaching and research. Our PhD program is designed to develop economists capable of adding to the knowledge of economics, performing independent research, and teaching at the collegiate level. Our faculty are frequent recipients of teaching awards, regularly publish in prestigious professional journals, and several serve as editors of professional journals.

We provide our graduate students with analytic skills and a breadth of economic understanding that prepares them for careers in academics, government, or business. To this end, we encourage our students to begin research as soon as possible. Once our students finish their coursework, they immediately start research with their advisors. Many of them publish papers before they complete the PhD program, helping them in the job market.

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STEM Designation

The PhD in Economics is a STEM-designated  program (CIP Code: 45.0603: Econometrics and Quantitative Economics). International students in STEM degree programs can apply for a 24-month STEM extension of their F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Applicants for graduate studies in economics must meet the requirements for admission to the Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School and be accepted by the Department of Economics. Detailed information can be found in the admission requirements section on the Pink Gordon Lane Graduate School's website. Please note that meeting the Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School requirements and those specific to the Department of Economics does not guarantee admission.

The economics department has the following requirements. Applications must be made by February 1. Note that this date replaces the January 1 priority date for financial assistance listed on the Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School website.

• GPA should be at least 3.0 (A=4.0)
• GRE: Those who are accepted usually have a minimum GRE score of 300, and at least a score of 160 on the quantitative section.
• TOEFL/IELTS/PTE: A minimum TOEFL score of 80 (internet-based exam) or 213 (computer- based exam); or a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS; or a minimum score of 59 on the PTE is required for international students.
• References: Three letters of recommendation should be submitted. At least two letters should be from your professors.
• Statement of Purpose: Two-page summary of your purpose for applying to the PhD program.
• Application Fee: This fee is charged by the graduate school, and thus cannot be waived by the department.

It is preferable for students interested in pursuing the PhD degree to take calculus, statistics, and intermediate macroeconomics and microeconomics before entering the PhD program.

Second Year

Total: 72 Hours

*Advanced Macroeconomics courses are selected from Economic Growth, Monetary Economics, International Macroeconomics, and Advanced Topics in Macroeconomics. The courses making up the Advanced Macro field for each entering class will be determined by student preferences and by faculty availability and preferences.

**Advanced Microeconomics courses are selected from Industrial Organization, Health Economics, International Trade, Public Finance, Game Theory, and Labor Economics. The courses making up the Applied Micro field for each entering class will be determined by student preferences and by faculty availability and preferences.

Required Courses

The PhD in economics consists of a core of macro- and micro- theory and three fields of specialized study--a macroeconomics field, a microeconomics field, and the econometrics field. The courses and sequencing can be found in the curriculum tab above. 

PhD Qualifying Examination

Qualifying examinations covering macroeconomics and microeconomics are required. Students take both qualifying exams in August, following their first year of coursework. The exams cover all macroeconomics and microeconomics coursework and comprise the general exam required by the Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School. To be eligible for the qualifying exams, a student must have at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA and not more than one C grade or lower in first-year courses. Students who do not meet these requirements will be released from the program.

The qualifying exams are graded as pass or fail. At least one of these qualifying exams must be passed to continue the program. If a student fails both exams, they will be released from the PhD program. If a student fails one exam, they will retake only the exam by the end of the fall semester of their second year. If the student does not pass the exam retake, they will be released from the program. 

Original Research Paper 

Students will finish all required coursework by the end of the second year. At this time, they will choose a faculty advisory committee to approve and ultimately grade an original research paper (third-year paper). The third-year paper is between the general exam (i.e., the qualifying exams described in the previous section) and the dissertation defense (which constitutes the final exam for the PhD). The third-year paper is the final exam for the MS in Economics degree for PhD students. Students will be expected to complete and present the paper in an open department seminar by mid-February of the spring semester of their third year. Students who fail to pass this requirement will be released from the program.

Completion of 36 Hours

A total of 36 hours of coursework must be completed. These hours consist of the core macro- and micro- theory courses, the econometrics courses, and the macro-and micro-field courses. Coursework taken for an outside minor is in addition to the 36 hours of economics courses.

Dissertation

Each candidate must present a satisfactory doctoral dissertation.

Final Examination

The final examination is an oral defense of the dissertation. The Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School regulations state that the final exam cannot be held until at least one academic year has elapsed since the student was admitted to candidacy (i.e., passed the general exams).

No less than one academic year must elapse between passing the general examination and completing all requirements for the PhD. Additionally, the student must complete all PhD requirements within seven calendar years of being classified as a student in the doctoral program. If the seven years are exceeded, the student must retake the general exam (i.e., both the macro-and micro-qualifying exams). This can be allowed only under the discretion of the Economics Graduate Committee.

All PhD students, both domestic and international, including entering graduate students, are eligible to apply for assistantships. A full-time graduate assistant receives a competitive stipend and is also provided a full tuition waiver but must pay university fees. Students holding assistantships are expected to assist the faculty in their research and teaching for a maximum of 20 hours per week. Teaching graduate assistantships, which involve teaching an entire section, are available to those advanced graduate students who have successfully passed the PhD qualifying exam. Summer stipends for teaching or research have been available in the past and will be available in the future, but their number varies annually. 

Beyond the PhD

Our alumni enjoy successful careers in academia and public sector. Organizations that employ our students:

• Auburn University
• Clemson University
• George Mason University
• Mississippi State University
• Oklahoma State University
• Portland State University
• Tulane University
• University of Arkansas
• University of California, Merced
• University of Kentucky
• Capital One
• Federal Communication Commission
• Goldman Sachs
• Guggenheim Partners
• State of Louisiana
• T. Rowe Price
• SAS Corporation
• Wells Fargo

Faculty Feature

Daniel Keniston Associate Professor Daniel Keniston’s research investigates fundamental questions in today’s developing countries and the economic history of the United States. His work has taken him from designing experiments in collaboration with the Police of Rajasthan, India, to coffee farms in Rwanda, to combing through the U.S. National Archives for evidence on the economic outcomes of formerly enslaved persons after the Civil War. But this work is more than purely academic: in each project, Keniston aims to generate usable evidence to improve policies and, ultimately, increase economic welfare.

MEET MORE ECONOMICS FACULTY

2300 Business Education Complex 501 South Quad Drive 225-578-52117 [email protected]

Daniel Keniston

Associate Professor & Director of Graduate Studies, Economics 2325 Business Education Complex 225-578-3807 [email protected]

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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

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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]

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PhD in Economics

The Economics PhD program at Durham offers a rigorous research training program and provides you with the opportunity to become an expert in your chosen field in economics.

Our experts in the Economics Department work on exceptionally diverse areas of economics, and publish in top journals such as The Review of Economic Studies , Economic Journal , Journal of Economic Theory or Science . We, therefore, offer you the opportunity to pursue your PhD research on various economics topics, including (but not limited to) microeconomics, econometrics, experimental economics or climate and environmental economics.

You will spend three years of supervised research (full-time), followed by one additional writing-up year, if needed. You will receive close guidance and mentorship from a team of supervisors who are experts in their field. You will be an integral part of the Department’s research activities, including attending our weekly departmental seminars that attract internationally renowned speakers. We also encourage and support you to present your PhD research at national and international conferences, and submit for journal publications.

Funding opportunities

We offer a range of scholarships for our PhD students. Please regularly check this website as details of new scholarship opportunities will be frequently updated throughout the academic year.

Apply for a fully funded PhD in Economics, Durham University

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) NINE DTP studentships .

The ESRC offers a range of studentships available for a 3-year PhD, or a Masters by Research and PhD (1+3 year), or a 3.5-year PhD plus research training.

Durham-Chinese Scholarships Council (CSC) studentships .

The scholarships are open to applicants from Mainland China wishing to study for a PhD at Durham. There are 20 awards available in all disciplines.

Durham Doctoral Teaching Fellowship (DDTF)

The Economics Department at Durham University Business School is very pleased to offer a Durham Doctoral Teaching Fellowship (DDTF) for those who qualify as home fee paying students. We encourage applications from PhD candidates aspiring an academic career. 

The purpose of the DDTF is to support the successful Fellow in producing a high-quality PhD thesis while at the same time acquiring teaching skills that will enhance the Fellow’s career progression. For more information, please contact our PhD Coordinator at [email protected]  

For further enquiries, please contact us via email at [email protected] . 

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The Economics Area engages in research, teaching, external engagements, and media and policy outreach in a wide range of fields. These include Behavioral Economics, Development Economics, Game Theory, Industrial Organization, International Trade, Labour Economics, Monetary Economics and Public Economics.

Research Overview

IIM Bangalore's PhD program in Economics is widely recognized for its academic excellence. As a part of the PhD program, the Economics area offers a wide range of courses that are of international standards, helping students build a strong foundation in research and teaching.

Research Spotlight

I am Muneer Kalliyil. My research interests include the Economics of Education and Development Economics in general. My current research investigates some crucial and topical issues in education economics. Currently, I am working on various factors affecting the establishment and positioning of new private schools in India. Through this project, I am trying to answer various questions such as how the private schooling market responds to existing government schools and private schools, and whether the timing of private school entry is linked to that of big infrastructure development projects

I am a doctoral student in the Economics area. My research interests lie at the intersection of behavioural and development economics, with a special focus on education outcomes. I am currently working on how civil conflicts affect education outcomes and how post-conflict reconciliatory pogrammes can address the negative impacts of conflict

I study the decision to invest in human capital. I take the case of organisations and propose a flexible approach to measure the inefficiency in one of the human capital assets of an organization, which is its management

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About this Program

The Department of Economics in the College of Liberal Arts offers the Ph.D. in Economics. It is designed for students of exceptional ability who wish to do advanced work in preparation for careers in university teaching and research, or as specialists in business, government, or research organizations. 

The course of study is more expansive in scope and is of greater depth than the master’s program, with programs individualized to fit each student’s interest and background.  

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APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 1

The Department of Economics welcomes student applications with the following materials. Additional details are found on the department website .

• Complete the Graduate School’s Online Application.
• Pay the application fee ($50).
• Submit official transcripts.
• Submit GRE scores.
• International applicants whose first language is not English may be required to submit scores from an acceptable English language proficiency test .
• Upload Supplemental Application materials for the Department of Economics to the online application.
• Statement of purpose. T he two page statement should  describe your background, interest in economics, and interest in the graduate program at UM.
• Three letters of recommendation: provide contact information for three recommenders 

The Graduate School requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. The Department of Economics welcomes students from any academic background, but expects students to be prepared for the rigors of graduate study in economics. When the Admissions Committee reviews an applicant’s transcript, it looks at the overall performance and specific performance in economics or economics-related courses and quantitative courses (math, statistics).

Students in the Ph.D. in Economics complete at least 54 credit hours of graduate courses beyond the bachelor’s degree or at least 30 approved graduate hours beyond the master’s degree.

Students must meet the core requirements for the M.A. degree: 

• Econ 604: Applied Statistical Techniques in Econ (or 629 Statistical Methods for Economics)
• Econ 605: Microeconomics I
• Econ 606: Macroeconomics I
• Econ 609: Mathematics for Economists

Ph.D. students select two subfields chosen from applied microeconomics, applied macroeconomics, and econometrics. They complete the following courses:

• Econ 614: Microeconomics II
• Econ 628: Macroeconomics II
• Econ 629: Statistical Methods for Economics
• Econ 630: Econometrics I
• Econ 631: Econometrics II
• 9 credit hours in subfield 1
• 9 credit hours in subfield 2 or in approved area outside economics

Each student must successfully pass a written examination in macroeconomics, microeconomics, and econometrics.  After passing the comprehensive exams, students must successfully defend a dissertation proposal. After the dissertation is written, a final oral defense culminates the student’s doctoral program at the university.

All our Ph.D. students receive an assistantship which are currently $20,000 for 9 months. Assistantships require the student to work as a teaching/research assistant to departmental faculty, or as a graduate instructor. 

Students with a graduate assistantship receive a scholarship that covers some or all of the tuition and non-residency fee, if applicable, for regular semesters and subsidized health insurance .

In addition, the Lewis Smith Scholarship is awarded annually to a full-time Ph.D. student who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in economics.   

The Graduate School’s financial aid webpage lists a variety of funding possibilities, including summer support and a recruiting fellowship program that promotes academic excellence and access to graduate education to groups who are historically underrepresented.  

The university also has the  Mississippi Center for Supercomputing Research .

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