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PhD in Economics

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PhD in Economics At a Glance

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

Tailor Your Degree to Your Research Interests

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

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

See complete Admissions and Program Requirements .

Faculty Dedicated to Your Success

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

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

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

Launch Your Career Amongst Top Economists 

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

Internship and employment opportunities:

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

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

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

Read more career information about AU economics alumni.

See the 2017-8 list of job market candidates .

News & Notes

See abstracts from the 2024  Third Year Paper Conference .

Research Seminar Series Wednesdays at noon.

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

Student Spotlights

More about Aina

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

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

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

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

Vasudeva Ramaswamy

More about Vasudeva

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

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

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

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

Elissa Cohen

More about Elissa

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

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

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

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

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

Amy Burnett Cross

More about Amy

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

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

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

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

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

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The complete guide to getting into an economics PhD program

Back in May, Noah wrote about the amazingly good deal that is the PhD in economics. Why? Because:

• You get a job.
• You get autonomy.
• You get intellectual fulfillment.
• The risk is low.
• Unlike an MBA, law, or medical degree, you don’t have to worry about paying the sticker price for an econ PhD:  After the first year, most schools will give you teaching assistant positions that will pay for the next several years of graduate study, and some schools will take care of your tuition and expenses even in the first year. (See Miles’s companion post  for more about costs of graduate study and how econ PhD’s future earnings makes it worthwhile, even if you can’t get a full ride.)

Of course, such a good deal won’t last long now that the story is out, so you need to act fast! Since he wrote his post , Noah has received a large number of emails asking the obvious follow-up question: “How do I get into an econ PhD program?” And Miles has been asked the same thing many times by undergraduates and other students at the University of Michigan. So here, we present together our guide for how to break into the academic Elysium called Econ PhD Land:

(Note: This guide is mainly directed toward native English speakers, or those from countries whose graduate students are typically fluent in English, such as India and most European countries. Almost all highly-ranked graduate programs teach economics in English, and we find that students learn the subtle non-mathematical skills in economics better if English is second nature. If your nationality will make admissions committees wonder about your English skills, you can either get your bachelor’s degree at a—possibly foreign—college or university where almost all classes are taught in English, or you will have to compensate by being better on other dimensions. On the bright side, if you are a native English speaker, or from a country whose graduate students are typically fluent in English, you are already ahead in your quest to get into an economics PhD.)

Here is the not-very-surprising list of things that will help you get into a good econ PhD program:

• good grades, especially in whatever math and economics classes you take,
• a good score on the math GRE,
• some math classes and a statistics class on your transcript,
• research experience, and definitely at least one letter of recommendation from a researcher,
• a demonstrable interest in the field of economics.

Chances are, if you’re asking for advice, you probably feel unprepared in one of two ways. Either you don’t have a sterling math background, or you have quantitative skills but are new to the field of econ. Fortunately, we have advice for both types of applicant.

If you’re weak in math…

Fortunately, if you’re weak in math, we have good news:  Math is something you can learn . That may sound like a crazy claim to most Americans, who are raised to believe that math ability is in the genes. It may even sound like arrogance coming from two people who have never had to struggle with math. But we’ve both taught people math for many years, and we really believe that it’s true. Genes help a bit, but math is like a foreign language or a sport: effort will result in skill.

Here are the math classes you absolutely should take to get into a good econ program:

• Linear algebra
• Multivariable calculus

Here are the classes you should take, but can probably get away with studying on your own:

• Ordinary differential equations
• Real analysis

Linear algebra (matrices, vectors, and all that) is something that you’ll use all the time in econ, especially when doing work on a computer. Multivariable calculus also will be used a lot. And stats of course is absolutely key to almost everything economists do. Differential equations are something you will use once in a while. And real analysis—by far the hardest subject of the five—is something that you will probably never use in real econ research, but which the economics field has decided to use as a sort of general intelligence signaling device.

If you took some math classes but didn’t do very well, don’t worry.  Retake the classes . If you are worried about how that will look on your transcript, take the class the first time “off the books” at a different college (many community colleges have calculus classes) or online. Or if you have already gotten a bad grade, take it a second time off the books and then a third time for your transcript. If you work hard, every time you take the class you’ll do better. You will learn the math and be able to prove it by the grade you get. Not only will this help you get into an econ PhD program, once you get in, you’ll breeze through parts of grad school that would otherwise be agony.

Here’s another useful tip:  Get a book and study math on your own before taking the corresponding class for a grade. Reading math on your own is something you’re going to have to get used to doing in grad school anyway (especially during your dissertation!), so it’s good to get used to it now. Beyond course-related books, you can either pick up a subject-specific book (Miles learned much of his math from studying books in the Schaum’s outline series ), or get a “math for economists” book; regarding the latter, Miles recommends Mathematics for Economists  by Simon and Blume, while Noah swears by Mathematical Methods and Models for Economists  by de la Fuente. When you study on your own, the most important thing is to  work through a bunch of problems . That will give you practice for test-taking, and will be more interesting than just reading through derivations.

This will take some time, of course. That’s OK. That’s what summer is for (right?). If you’re late in your college career, you can always take a fifth year, do a gap year, etc.

When you get to grad school, you will have to take an intensive math course called “math camp” that will take up a good part of your summer. For how to get through math camp itself, see this guide by Jérémie Cohen-Setton .

One more piece of advice for the math-challenged:  Be a research assistant on something non-mathy . There are lots of economists doing relatively simple empirical work that requires only some basic statistics knowledge and the ability to use software like Stata. There are more and more experimental economists around, who are always looking for research assistants. Go find a prof and get involved! (If you are still in high school or otherwise haven’t yet chosen a college, you might want to choose one where some of the professors do experiments and so need research assistants—something that is easy to figure out by studying professors’ websites carefully, or by asking about it when you visit the college.)

If you’re new to econ…

If you’re a disillusioned physicist, a bored biostatistician, or a neuroscientist looking to escape that evil  Principal Investigator, don’t worry:  An econ background is not necessary . A lot of the best economists started out in other fields, while a lot of undergrad econ majors are headed for MBAs or jobs in banks. Econ PhD programs know this. They will probably not mind if you have never taken an econ class.

That said, you may still want to  take an econ class , just to verify that you actually like the subject, to start thinking about econ, and to prepare yourself for the concepts you’ll encounter. If you feel like doing this, you can probably skip Econ 101 and 102, and head straight for an Intermediate Micro or Intermediate Macro class.

Another good thing is to  read through an econ textbook . Although economics at the PhD level is mostly about the math and statistics and computer modeling (hopefully getting back to the real world somewhere along the way when you do your own research), you may also want to get the flavor of the less mathy parts of economics from one of the well-written lower-level textbooks (either one by Paul Krugman and Robin Wells , Greg Mankiw , or Tyler Cowen and Alex Tabarrok ) and maybe one at a bit higher level as well, such as David Weil’s excellent book on economic growth ) or Varian’s Intermediate Microeconomics .

Remember to take a statistics class , if you haven’t already. Some technical fields don’t require statistics, so you may have missed this one. But to econ PhD programs, this will be a gaping hole in your resume. Go take stats!

One more thing you can do is research with an economist . Fortunately, economists are generally extremely welcoming to undergrad RAs from outside econ, who often bring extra skills. You’ll get great experience working with data if you don’t have it already. It’ll help you come up with some research ideas to put in your application essays. And of course you’ll get another all-important letter of recommendation.

And now for…

General tips for everyone

Here is the most important tip for everyone:  Don’t just apply to “top” schools . For some degrees—an MBA for example—people question whether it’s worthwhile to go to a non-top school. But for econ departments, there’s no question. Both Miles and Noah have marveled at the number of smart people working at non-top schools. That includes some well-known bloggers, by the way—Tyler Cowen teaches at George Mason University (ranked 64th ), Mark Thoma teaches at the University of Oregon (ranked 56th ), and Scott Sumner teaches at Bentley, for example. Additionally, a flood of new international students is expanding the supply of quality students. That means that the number of high-quality schools is increasing; tomorrow’s top 20 will be like today’s top 10, and tomorrow’s top 100 will be like today’s top 50.

Apply to schools outside of the top 20—any school in the top 100 is worth considering, especially if it is strong in areas you are interested in. If your classmates aren’t as elite as you would like, that just means that you will get more attention from the professors, who almost all came out of top programs themselves. When Noah said in his earlier post that econ PhD students are virtually guaranteed to get jobs in an econ-related field, that applied to schools far down in the ranking. Everyone participates in the legendary centrally managed econ job market . Very few people ever fall through the cracks.

Next—and this should go without saying— don’t be afraid to retake the GRE . If you want to get into a top 10 school, you probably need a perfect or near-perfect score on the math portion of the GRE. For schools lower down the rankings, a good GRE math score is still important. Fortunately, the GRE math section is relatively simple to study for—there are only a finite number of topics covered, and with a little work you can “overlearn” all of them, so you can do them even under time pressure and when you are nervous. In any case, you can keep retaking the test until you get a good score (especially if the early tries are practice tests from the GRE prep books and prep software), and then you’re OK!

Here’s one thing that may surprise you: Getting an econ master’s degree alone won’t help . Although master’s degrees in economics are common among international students who apply to econ PhD programs, American applicants do just fine without a master’s degree on their record. If you want that extra diploma, realize that once you are in a PhD program, you will get a master’s degree automatically after two years. And if you end up dropping out of the PhD program, that master’s degree will be worth more than a stand-alone master’s would. The one reason to get a master’s degree is if it can help you remedy a big deficiency in your record, say not having taken enough math or stats classes, not having taken any econ classes, or not having been able to get anyone whose name admissions committees would recognize to write you a letter of recommendation.

For getting into grad school, much more valuable than a master’s is a stint as a research assistant in the Federal Reserve System or at a think tank —though these days, such positions can often be as hard to get into as a PhD program!

Finally—and if you’re reading this, chances are you’re already doing this— read some econ blogs . (See Miles’s speculations about the future of the econ blogosphere here .) Econ blogs are no substitute for econ classes, but they’re a great complement. Blogs are good for picking up the lingo of academic economists, and learning to think like an economist. Don’t be afraid to  write  a blog either, even if no one ever reads it (you don’t have to be writing at the same level as Evan Soltas or Yichuan Wang );  you can still put it on your CV, or just practice writing down your thoughts. And when you write your dissertation, and do research later on in your career, you are going to have to think for yourself outside the context of a class . One way to practice thinking critically is by critiquing others’ blog posts, at least in your head.

Anyway, if you want to have intellectual stimulation and good work-life balance, and a near-guarantee of a well-paying job in your field of interest, an econ PhD could be just the thing for you. Don’t be scared of the math and the jargon. We’d love to have you.

Update:  Miles’s colleague Jeff Smith at the University of Michigan amplifies many of the things we say on his blog.  For a  complete  guide, be sure to see what Jeff has to say, too.

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• Harvard Business School →
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PhD Programs

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

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

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

How do I know which program is right for me?

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

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

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

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

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

Accounting & Management  

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

PhD Program

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

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

How to apply

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

Meet our students

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

About the Ph.D. Program

The Ph.D. Program in Economics at UCLA prepares students for careers as economists in academia, business and government. The program combines rigorous work in economic theory and careful study of real-world problems and institutions. Graduates from this program work at major universities around the world, national and international government agencies, banks, research centers and in private businesses. Some of our graduates have achieved great prominence, such as William Sharpe , who earned both his B.A. and Ph.D. degrees at UCLA, and was co-recipient of the 1990 Nobel Prize in Economics for his work on the capital asset pricing model.

The department includes internationally recognized scholars in economic theory, econometrics, and all the major applied fields. These outstanding scholars form one of the foremost departments of economics in the world.

The Economics Department is situated within one of the world’s most youthful and vibrant universities. Founded in 1919, UCLA first developed into a major university in the 1950’s. After so short a history, the university was ranked second in the United States among public research universities by the Conference Board of Associated Research Councils in 1982. Thirty-one of its Ph.D. programs are currently ranked in the top 20 in their field–third best in the nation.

The Ph.D. is the degree objective of the graduate program. This degree is awarded to students who demonstrate professional competence by passing written qualifying exams and by completing a major piece of individual research (the Ph.D. dissertation).

Preparation for the qualifying exams through coursework and independent study occupies most student time for the first two years. Thereafter the focus shifts to independent research and finally to the writing of a Ph.D. dissertation. Research in progress by our graduate students as well as our faculty is presented at workshops that meet weekly throughout the academic year. Currently, the Dept. has workshops in Theory and Mathematical Economics, International and Development Economics, Labor and Population Economics, Business Organization and Regulation Economics, Economic History, Econometrics, and Monetary Theory. In addition, many graduate students work as research or teaching assistants for faculty members. The normal time to degree is six years.

This degree program classifies as STEM (CIP Code 45.0603: Econometrics and Quantitative Economics).

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Economic Analysis & Policy

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

Low Student-to-Faculty Ratio

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

Flexible and Innovative Program

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

A Top-Ranked School

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

Preparation and Qualifications

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

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

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

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

Economic Analysis & Policy Faculty

Mohammad akbarpour, claudia allende santa cruz, susan athey, lanier benkard, jeremy i. bulow, modibo khane camara, sebastian di tella, rebecca diamond, yossi feinberg, guido w. imbens, charles i. jones, michael ostrovsky, garth saloner, yuliy sannikov, kathryn shaw, andrzej skrzypacz, paulo somaini, juan carlos suárez serrato, takuo sugaya, christopher tonetti, shoshana vasserman, ali yurukoglu, weijie zhong, emeriti faculty, alain c. enthoven, robert j. flanagan, david m. kreps, peter c. reiss, john roberts, a. michael spence, robert wilson, recent publications in economic analysis & policy, adaptive novelty detection with false discovery rate guarantee, an economic framework for vaccine prioritization, pricing power in advertising markets: theory and evidence, recent insights by stanford business, nine stories to get you through tax season, a.i. can help “personalize” policies to reach the right people, stanford gsb faculty share their holiday reading lists, placement director.

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

Harvard University and the Department of Economics are regularly ranked amongst the top programs in the world, and the consistency of success among our graduates is inspiring. We have educated several foreign heads of state, Nobel Prize Winners, Clark Medal Winners, MacArthur Fellowship Recipients - many of whom have returned to Harvard to offer their expertise and brilliance in shaping and nurturing our students.  Learn more about where we place our  graduates  and explore our  Program  to find out if a PhD in Economics is a good fit for you. 

Program Requirements

As a PhD student in the Economics program, students will spend the first two years in the program engaged in rigorous coursework designed to develop a foundational understanding of economics. In the following years, students transition to research under the guidance of strong faculty mentorship and participate in field workshops. In the final year, students conduct independent research and complete a dissertation.

The department of Economics at Harvard University is committed to seeking out and mentoring scholars who wish to pursue a rigorous and rewarding career in economic research. Our graduates are trailblazers in their fields and contribute to a diverse alumni community in both the academic and non-academic sectors. We invite you to learn more and apply to the PhD program in Economics. 

Financial Support

Students have access to a variety of funding and financial support opportunities.

• Research Funding
• Teaching Fellowships and assistants
• Additional external and internal resources

Learn more about financial support

Upcoming Events

Seminar in economic theory, location: .

Joseph Root (University of Chicago)... Read more about Seminar in Economic Theory

ECON 3002 Graduate Student Workshop in Theory

James Stratton (Harvard University)... Read more about ECON 3002 Graduate Student Workshop in Theory

EC 3011 Graduate Student Workshop in Financial Economics

Justin Katz Beatrice Ferrario... Read more about EC 3011 Graduate Student Workshop in Financial Economics

View all Workshops

View all Seminars

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• Resources for Students
• Careers in economics

The economics profession

Becoming a professor, researcher, or educator.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) in economics is necessary for a faculty position in economics at most four-year colleges in the US. A masters degree is the typical credential for faculty at two-year colleges. Although some students complete masters programs before entering PhD programs, many go directly from BA programs into PhD programs. Completion of a PhD requires about six years of full-time study. Holders of the PhD often also choose research careers outside of academics, including roles at the Federal Reserve, international agencies, and government policy and evaluation departments as well as in private banks, investment houses, and other for-profit ventures.

The AEA's Universal Academic Questionnaire Summary Statistics reports that average starting salaries for assistant professors at PhD granting institutions was $149,946 in 2022-2023. The table below reports the average salary of economists at each academic rank by type of institution.

Average Academic Salaries for Tenured or Tenure-Track Economists by Rank and Type of Institution, 2022-2023

Source: American Economic Association 2022–2023 Universal Academic Questionnaire Summary Statistics , AEA Papers and Proceedings 2023, 113: 688–691.

Academic economists at PhD granting institutions play leading roles in the development of new ideas in economics and publish their work in journals like those published by the AEA . As teachers, economists play an important role in supporting the undergraduate major in economics and the various graduate programs.

A number of PhD economists hold faculty positions in MBA programs, law and medical schools, public policy programs, and in a number of other fields. Economists on the faculty of leading professional schools often earn premium salaries.

A number of for-profit and not-for-profit enterprises hire research economists as do many government and international agencies. The National Association of Business Economics provides information about business careers for economists. The career sites for government and not-for-profits mentioned above also point to opportunities for researchers.

Current job openings for economists in academia and with some other employers appears in the American Economic Association's network for job seekers called  Job Openings in Economics (JOE) .

Preparing for graduate school

Funding opportunities for graduate school, universal academic questionnaire (uaq).

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Economics PhD

Becoming an Economist

With a PhD in economics, you can choose to become a college professor or work at the Federal Reserve, international agencies, consulting firms, private banks, or other for-profit ventures. Learn more about the economics profession here . 

If you are interested in earning a PhD in economics, talk to your academic advisor early in your career. Competitive applicants have strong grades in their intermediate economics and advanced mathematics courses (see Choosing Electives guide for details), as well as research experience. For additional advice, read the following resources: 

• Masayuki Kudamatsu’s  Tips 4 Economists  links to a wide range of excellent resources with tips for applying to graduate school (and beyond).
• Professor Wong's advice for those thinking about a PhD in economics or other quantitative social sciences
• Former Oxy Professor Slavov's tips for applying to PhD Programs in economics
• American Economic Association's resources for preparing for graduate school

You may also want to consider attending one of several summer programs for aspiring PhD Students. These programs are designed to help you prepare for graduate school, to connect you with peers and mentors, and to help you decide if graduate school is right for you. These programs include:

The AEA Summer Training Program & Scholarship Program . This 8-week intensive residential program "prepares talented undergraduates from under-represented groups for doctoral programs in Economics and related disciplines." The application deadline is often in January.

The Becker Friedman Institute Summer Institute . This 3-week program aims to increase the diversity of the economics profession by attracting “extraordinary students from colleges and universities around the country who would not otherwise consider studying economics — and to get them excited about this important area of study through exposure to some of the most innovative faculty in the field.” This program is ideal for college students early in their undergraduate educations. The application typically opens in December.

PREDOC is a consortium of universities and research institutions providing a pathway into PhDs in the social sciences. In addition to running a summer program, PREDOC also acts as a clearinghouse for research and job opportunities.

Note that most students do not begin PhD programs in economics directly after their undergraduate career. Instead, students often develop their skills (and learn if a PhD is the right choice for them) by first working as an economics research assistant or analyst, or by participating in a one-year pre-doctoral master's program designed to enrich students' quantitative skills. Common pre-doctoral opportunities include:

• Economic Consulting Firms: Analysis Group, Bates White, Brattle Group, Charles River Associates, Compass Lexecon, Cornerstone Research, EconOne, Edgeworth Economics, NERA, Quant Economics
• Policy Organizations: RAND Corporation, The Brookings Institution, International Monetary Fund, Peterson Institute for International Economics
• Federal Reserve Board and Regional Banks 
• Research Assistant Positions:  Many academic economists hire pre-doctoral researchers for full time employment. Available jobs are posted on the NBER Jobs site  and on the Econ RA Twitter Feed .
• One-year Master's in Economics: University of Wisconsin, University of Texas at Austin, Duke University, Tufts University, UCLA, Washington University, and Vanderbilt University

Recent Oxy Econ Alumni Pursuing PhDs:

• Eva (Yiyun) Wang '18: University of Michigan, Economics
• Trevor Osaki '17: UC Santa Barbara, Economics
• Emily Fallick '16: UC San Diego, Economics
• Daniel Perez '16: UC Los Angeles, Economics
• Christina Seyfried '15: Yale, Political Science
• Cullen Cohane '15: University of Wisconsin, Sociology
• Tyler Radler  '14: University of Michigan, Economics
• Aliza Husain '13: University of Virginia, Education Policy
• Megan Lang '13: UC Berkeley, Economics
• Joseph Wyer '10: University of Oregon, Economics
• Jimmy Gillan '08: UC Berkeley, Economics

Bevin Ashenmiller Department Chair [email protected]

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Executive phd.

• Diploma Doctor of Philosophy
• Mode Part-time (blended)
• Course date May 2025
• Duration 4 years

The part-time Executive PhD programme in Private Sector Development (preferably for Emerging Economies) allows working professionals and researchers with full-time or part-time jobs to combine their careers with obtaining a PhD. The programme provides advanced training in the theory and skills crucial to private sector development, design and research. As the highest academic qualification, obtaining a PhD will improve your career prospects both in academia and in business. In addition, you will make an original contribution to your field of interest that will add to previous research. During the programme, you will benefit from the extensive knowledge and expertise of the key lecturers and supervisors in the programme, who are leading scholars in the fields of the research themes. By joining the programme, you will become part of the stimulating and challenging research community of Maastricht University School of Business and Economics (SBE) and Maastricht School of Management (MSM). Research focus Within the Executive PhD programme, the PhD candidate’s research should focus on Private Sector Development, ideally within the context of emerging markets. Within this area topics may relate to the following themes: 

• Private sector development (in general)
• Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Digitisation
• Educational Development
• Globalisation, Value Chains and Industrial Policy
• Inclusive and Sustainable Development
• Leadership, Change and Organisational Development

Accreditation

Maastricht School of Management (MSM) is part of the Maastricht University School of Business and Economics (SBE). SBE has been awarded three prestigious accreditations, AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA, resulting in what is known as the Triple Crown accreditation. Only 1% of business schools worldwide can boast this honour, many of which are SBE partner institutes.

Reasons to follow this programme

• Advance the current state-of-the-art and produce new knowledge
• Combine your current career with obtaining a PhD
• Improve your career prospects
• Receive coaching from leading scholars

Ask Iris Weijenberg PhD Admissions Team

Smart. Open. Grounded. Inventive. Read our Ideas Made to Matter.

Which program is right for you?

Through intellectual rigor and experiential learning, this full-time, two-year MBA program develops leaders who make a difference in the world.

A rigorous, hands-on program that prepares adaptive problem solvers for premier finance careers.

A 12-month program focused on applying the tools of modern data science, optimization and machine learning to solve real-world business problems.

Earn your MBA and SM in engineering with this transformative two-year program.

Combine an international MBA with a deep dive into management science. A special opportunity for partner and affiliate schools only.

A doctoral program that produces outstanding scholars who are leading in their fields of research.

Bring a business perspective to your technical and quantitative expertise with a bachelor’s degree in management, business analytics, or finance.

A joint program for mid-career professionals that integrates engineering and systems thinking. Earn your master’s degree in engineering and management.

An interdisciplinary program that combines engineering, management, and design, leading to a master’s degree in engineering and management.

Executive Programs

A full-time MBA program for mid-career leaders eager to dedicate one year of discovery for a lifetime of impact.

This 20-month MBA program equips experienced executives to enhance their impact on their organizations and the world.

Non-degree programs for senior executives and high-potential managers.

A non-degree, customizable program for mid-career professionals.

PhD Program

Program overview.

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Rigorous, discipline-based research is the hallmark of the MIT Sloan PhD Program. The program is committed to educating scholars who will lead in their fields of research—those with outstanding intellectual skills who will carry forward productive research on the complex organizational, financial, and technological issues that characterize an increasingly competitive and challenging business world.

Start here.

Learn more about the program, how to apply, and find answers to common questions.

Admissions Events

Check out our event schedule, and learn when you can chat with us in person or online.

Start Your Application

Visit this section to find important admissions deadlines, along with a link to our application.

Click here for answers to many of the most frequently asked questions.

PhD studies at MIT Sloan are intense and individual in nature, demanding a great deal of time, initiative, and discipline from every candidate. But the rewards of such rigor are tremendous:  MIT Sloan PhD graduates go on to teach and conduct research at the world's most prestigious universities.

PhD Program curriculum at MIT Sloan is organized under the following three academic areas: Behavior & Policy Sciences; Economics, Finance & Accounting; and Management Science. Our nine research groups correspond with one of the academic areas, as noted below.

MIT Sloan PhD Research Groups

Behavioral & policy sciences.

Economic Sociology

Institute for Work & Employment Research

Organization Studies

Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Strategic Management

Economics, Finance & Accounting

Accounting  

Management Science

Information Technology

System Dynamics  

Those interested in a PhD in Operations Research should visit the Operations Research Center .  

PhD Program Structure

Additional information including coursework and thesis requirements.

MIT Sloan Predoctoral Opportunities

MIT Sloan is eager to provide a diverse group of talented students with early-career exposure to research techniques as well as support in considering research career paths.

Rising Scholars Conference

The fourth annual Rising Scholars Conference on October 25 and 26 gathers diverse PhD students from across the country to present their research.

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The goal of the MIT Sloan PhD Program's admissions process is to select a small number of people who are most likely to successfully complete our rigorous and demanding program and then thrive in academic research careers. The admission selection process is highly competitive; we aim for a class size of nineteen students, admitted from a pool of hundreds of applicants.

What We Seek

• Outstanding intellectual ability
• Excellent academic records
• Previous work in disciplines related to the intended area of concentration
• Strong commitment to a career in research

MIT Sloan PhD Program Admissions Requirements Common Questions

Dates and Deadlines

Admissions for 2024 is closed. The next opportunity to apply will be for 2025 admission. The 2025 application will open in September 2024. 

More information on program requirements and application components

Students in good academic standing in our program receive a funding package that includes tuition, medical insurance, and a fellowship stipend and/or TA/RA salary. We also provide a new laptop computer and a conference travel/research budget.

Funding Information

Throughout the year, we organize events that give you a chance to learn more about the program and determine if a PhD in Management is right for you.

PhD Program Events

May phd program overview.

During this webinar, you will hear from the PhD Program team and have the chance to ask questions about the application and admissions process.

June PhD Program Overview

July phd program overview, august phd program overview.

Complete PhD Admissions Event Calendar

Unlike formulaic approaches to training scholars, the PhD Program at MIT Sloan allows students to choose their own adventure and develop a unique scholarly identity. This can be daunting, but students are given a wide range of support along the way - most notably having access to world class faculty and coursework both at MIT and in the broader academic community around Boston.

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Profiles of our current students

MIT Sloan produces top-notch PhDs in management. Immersed in MIT Sloan's distinctive culture, upcoming graduates are poised to innovate in management research and education.

Academic Job Market

Doctoral candidates on the current academic market

Academic Placements

Graduates of the MIT Sloan PhD Program are researching and teaching at top schools around the world.

view recent placements 

MIT Sloan Experience

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The PhD Program is integral to the research of MIT Sloan's world-class faculty. With a reputation as risk-takers who are unafraid to embrace the unconventional, they are engaged in exciting disciplinary and interdisciplinary research that often includes PhD students as key team members.

Research centers across MIT Sloan and MIT provide a rich setting for collaboration and exploration. In addition to exposure to the faculty, PhD students also learn from one another in a creative, supportive research community.

Throughout MIT Sloan's history, our professors have devised theories and fields of study that have had a profound impact on management theory and practice.

From Douglas McGregor's Theory X/Theory Y distinction to Nobel-recognized breakthroughs in finance by Franco Modigliani and in option pricing by Robert Merton and Myron Scholes, MIT Sloan's faculty have been unmatched innovators.

This legacy of innovative thinking and dedication to research impacts every faculty member and filters down to the students who work beside them.

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“MIT Sloan PhD training is a transformative experience. The heart of the process is the student’s transition from being a consumer of knowledge to being a producer of knowledge. This involves learning to ask precise, tractable questions and addressing them with creativity and rigor. Hard work is required, but the reward is the incomparable exhilaration one feels from having solved a puzzle that had bedeviled the sharpest minds in the world!” -Ezra Zuckerman Sivan Alvin J. Siteman (1948) Professor of Entrepreneurship

Sample Dissertation Abstracts - These sample Dissertation Abstracts provide examples of the work that our students have chosen to study while in the MIT Sloan PhD Program.

We believe that our doctoral program is the heart of MIT Sloan's research community and that it develops some of the best management researchers in the world. At our annual Doctoral Research Forum, we celebrate the great research that our doctoral students do, and the research community that supports that development process.

The videos of their presentations below showcase the work of our students and will give you insight into the topics they choose to research in the program.

How Should We Measure the Digital Economy?

2020 PhD Doctoral Research Forum Winner - Avinash Collis

Watch more MIT Sloan PhD Program  Doctoral Forum Videos

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Professional PhD Program (PPP)

Universities are knowledge generators and catalysers. A university culture is a huge part of the knowledge experience offered to its students and PhD candidates. Tilburg School of Economics and Management (TiSEM) contributes to the development and transfer of top level knowledge in all the main fields in business and economics, by way of pre-experience and post-experience education, research and PhD programs, and societal outreach.

The mission of the Professional PhD Program (dubbed PPP) is to offer top-level academic education in the fields of business and economics to professionals. The program is dedicated to enable PhD candidates to become scientific actors invested in understanding and advancing the everchanging society. Hence, we aim at supporting our PhD candidate in developing and disseminating ground-breaking knowledge in the fields of business and economics.

The PPP proposes an academically sound and high-quality program to professionals operating in the fields of economics and business. The PPP gives the opportunity to professionals to write their doctoral dissertation without interrupting their professional career.  The PPP offers to professional PhD candidates the best professional and intellectual match possible with their personal academic interest.

TiSEM’s core priorities are to Excel, Innovate and Connect to achieve its impactful educational mission. The eagerness of the top researchers at TiSEM to transfer their knowledge to the society at large is the cornerstone of the design of the Professional PhD Program (dubbed as PPP). The PPP is part of the CentER Graduate School for Economics and Business which also offers fulltime PhD programs at TiSEM.

The PPP mission is to offer top-level academic education in the fields of business and economics to professionals. The program is dedicated to prop up PhD candidate's interests in becoming scientifically vested players to the knowledge society.

The PPP is part of the CentER Graduate School for Economics and Business at Tilburg School of Economy and Management (TiSEM). TiSEM also offers a fulltime PhD programs . TiSEM is among the best schools in Europe in the selected fields of business and economics. Its aim is to generate academic and societal impact through scientific research and teaching. It provides a work environment where our faculty can belong and thrive. Top researchers at TiSEM are eager to generate impact transferring their knowledge to the society at large. It is the cornerstone of the design of the PPP. TiSEM’s core priorities are Quality, Focus, Enable, and Connect.

You will be interacting with faculty members who connect with each other, with society, with other disciplines and other cultures. They recognize and value each other and the different perspectives they bring. Faculty members stand for the connection between education, research and impact. They are curious and genuinely in search of new fundamental knowledge, insights and free research. The values above foster a creative and innovating environment. Human dignity is the basis for their decisions and actions that are of critical, independent, and decisive nature.

Profile PPP candidates: Quality, Focus, Enable, and Connect

The PPP builds on TiSEM’s priorities to provide education of quality rather than quantity (i.e., Quality and Focus) in the framework of a supportive teaching culture (i.e., Enable) capitalizing on partnerships in research and education (i.e., Connect).

Candidatures will be assessed based on these criteria.

Candidatures will be assessed based on the criteria of Excel, Innovate, and Connect.

Quality:  You have been awarded a Master’s degree from an accredited university and your point grade average for your Bachelor and Master diploma are excellent. You have excellent knowledge of written English.

Focus : You have demonstrated the ability to perform independent research, and show commitment, perseverance and resilience in your professional trajectory. You are eager to learn and have gathered specific academic skills to your research field of interest during your education. You would consider yourself or are considered by your environment as intellectually flexible, excelling at problem-solving, creative and interested to solve economic and societal issues.

Enable : You are aiming at delivering your best contribution in the area of research and positive impact for your organization and our society. Also, you can structurally reserve time to work on your PhD. The norm is situated around 15 hours a week to complete the trajectory within 5 years.

Connect : You have developed your professional career with at least 5 years of professional experience after your MSc degree. You have (written) support from your organization in terms of research time, resources, and access to the data, people, or case studies required to complete a doctoral dissertation. You are well connected at the national and/or international level to other players in your field.

Supervision

The Professional PhD Program team emphasizes the importance of the good "fit" between expectation of PhD candidates and supervisors. This is primarily based on common research interests and goals. This good “fit” increases the PhD candidate’s chance of successfully completing his/her degree within the five year trajectory.

Please consult the non-exhaustive list of full or part-time professors from TiSEM involved in the Professional PhD Program. 

Please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator  of the appropriate research field when you need recommendations regarding potential supervisors.

All PhD dissertations need to comply with the  PhD regulations of Tilburg University.

For further information please see structure , application, admission and tuition fee , and FAQ

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10 Best Online PhD Programs for Working Professionals [2024 Guide]

Online PhD programs are making the pursuit of the highest academic achievements more accessible than ever before. If you’re juggling a demanding career, family responsibilities, or both, these programs are designed with your needs in mind.

Offering the flexibility to study on your terms, they can allow you to pursue advanced degrees without putting your professional life on pause.

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Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise or unlock new career opportunities, an online PhD program may be the key to achieving your goals.

PhD Programs for Working Professionals Online

Pursuing an online PhD can help you attain the highest level of academic achievement while maintaining your busy lifestyle. These programs offer unparalleled flexibility through digital classrooms.

Designed for those balancing careers and family, online PhDs provide access to extensive digital resources, virtual collaboration, and support networks. They’re structured to not only accommodate your schedule but to also foster connections within a global academic community. This makes advanced education and professional growth more accessible and achievable in today’s digital world.

Stepping into an online PhD may:

• Elevate you to expert status in your field
• Pave the way to leadership roles
• Boost your earning potential
• Allow you to conduct meaningful research

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there’s a clear link between higher education and lower unemployment rates and higher earnings. Continued education can help ensure your career flourishes and remains resilient in the face of change.

Advantages of Online Doctoral Programs for Working Professionals

Online PhD programs can offer many advantages, including facilitating career advancement and academic enrichment.

Here are five common advantages of pursuing a PhD online.

• Flexibility to learn on your schedule : You may access your coursework anytime, anywhere. There are even part time PhD programs available.
• Diverse studies : From education to engineering, the academic fields that may be pursued online are more diverse than ever.
• Reduced costs : Without the need for commuting or relocating, online PhD programs are often a more economical choice.
• Networking opportunities : You may broaden your professional network by connecting with professionals, academics, and peers from around the world.
• Access to resources : Most programs offer digital libraries, journals, and databases to ensure you have the necessary research tools at your fingertips.

There are more opportunities than ever to pursue an online doctoral degree and more people than ever are earning their PhDs. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports continued growth of conferred PhD degrees over the next 10 years.

How to Choose the Right Online PhD Program for Working Professionals

Choosing the right online PhD program is crucial for working professionals aiming to elevate their careers without pausing their professional lives. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

• Accreditation : Accreditation helps to ensure that a program offers quality and credible education. More information can be found at the US. Department of Education .
• Financial aid and scholarships : You can start your search at FAFSA .
• Program flexibility : Flexible scheduling options can allow you to balance your studies with work and personal commitments.
• Faculty expertise : It’s important to research the faculty’s experience and qualifications. Engaging with knowledgeable instructors can enhance your learning experience.
• Career services : Programs that offer strong career support and resources can provide aid in your professional growth post-graduation.

Selecting the right online PhD program involves weighing these factors carefully to ensure it aligns with your academic goals and career aspirations.

Overcoming Online PhD Challenges for Professionals

Tackling the challenges of an online PhD program while juggling a professional career can seem daunting, but with the right strategies, it’s achievable. Here are some practical tips for overcoming common hurdles:

• Effective time management : Plan your weeks, allocating specific times for study, work, and personal activities. Tools like digital calendars can help keep you on track.
• Self-discipline : Set clear, achievable goals for each study session. Reward yourself for meeting these targets to stay motivated.
• Virtual interaction : Engage actively in online forums and video calls to bridge the gap of minimal face-to-face contact. These platforms can offer valuable feedback and foster a sense of community.
• Resources : Utilize your institution’s digital library and databases. Don’t hesitate to reach out to instructors or peers for guidance on finding specific materials.
• Network : Join online academic and professional groups related to your field. Webinars and virtual conferences are also great for meeting mentors and collaborators.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau , obtaining advanced degrees is a growing trend. With determination and the right approach, you can navigate the demands of an online PhD program successfully.

Can You Get a PhD Online?

Yes, you can get a PhD online with the right determination. Like traditional, on-campus programs, online PhD programs offer rigorous curriculums and esteemed qualifications.

Whether you’re looking to dive deep into research, enhance your professional skills, or step into academia, there’s likely an online PhD program that fits your goals. These programs are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing you to balance your studies with work and personal commitments.

If you’re aspiring to reach the pinnacle of your field without putting your life on hold, an online PhD may be the perfect path for you.

How Much Does an Online PhD Cost?

The cost of an online PhD can vary widely based on the program and institution. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) , the average graduate tuition and fees range from about $12,600 to $29,900.

The specific costs for your degree will be determined by many factors. These may include your field of study, the university’s reputation, and the resources and materials provided. Additionally, it’s worth exploring options for fully funded online PhD programs , which cover tuition and often provide a stipend, making them an attractive choice for many professionals.

You can check your prospective program’s website for the most accurate and current information.

What Are the Career Outcomes with an Online PhD?

After completing an online PhD, many doors can open across diverse fields, each offering its unique set of opportunities. Here’s a glimpse of potential career paths, along with their annual median salaries according to the BLS :

These are just a few careers that may be pursued after earning a PhD in the field. While these figures highlight the average salaries of these various roles, actual outcomes depend on factors like work experience, geographic location, and industry demand.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD Degree?

Securing a PhD degree is quite the journey, requiring a blend of commitment, hard work, and intellectual curiosity. On average, it takes about 3 to 7 years to earn one, with the exact timeline varying based on your field of study, your attendance, and the specifics of your dissertation.

Some subjects might need a bit more time for in-depth research, while others can be completed faster. While it is rarer, there are some more accelerated programs. In addition to these options, there are universities that offer PhD without a masters degree, allowing for a more direct path to pursuing doctoral studies.

Some of the shortest PhD programs include 1 year PhD programs online and programs that offer 18-month doctorate without dissertation options.

What’s the Difference between Doctorate vs. PhD Degrees?

Understanding the difference between a doctorate and a PhD program can help you choose the path that aligns with your career goals. Here’s a quick comparison:

Choosing between a doctorate and a PhD depends on whether you’re looking to advance in your professional practice or contribute to academic research.

Is an Online PhD for Working Professionals Worth it?

Yes, an online PhD is worth it for many working professionals. Earning a PhD can allow you to enhance your professional capabilities and open avenues for exploration in your field.

While outcomes vary, the BLS highlights the general trend: higher education levels often correlate with improved employment prospects and earning potential. Pursuing an online program may offer the easiest PhD to get because these programs are crafted for flexibility, allowing you to blend learning with life’s other responsibilities.

For those eager to grow and evolve professionally, pursuing an online PhD can be a meaningful step forward.

Best Universities Offering Online PhD Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Andrews University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Hampton University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Taking the Next Step: Enroll in an Online Ph.D. Program

Taking the next step and enrolling in an online PhD program marks the beginning of an exciting educational journey. This commitment to advancing your knowledge and skills can significantly impact your career and personal development.

With the flexibility and accessibility of online learning, you may balance your professional responsibilities while achieving the highest academic qualifications.

Are you ready to embrace the challenge and begin your journey to academic and professional excellence? You can start today by exploring accredited universities that offer programs tailored to your interests and career goals.

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PhD for Working Professionals Admission Policy

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This document summarizes the approach of IIM Jammu to prepare the admission list for its Ph.D. for Working Professionals Program for the AY 2024 intake. IIM Jammu reserves the right to modify any part of this document, including the various criteria and cut-offs mentioned at any time till the actual admission process for the batch is completed.

1. Admission Process

The admission process of IIM Jammu consists of:

• Conducting the written test (for candidates not having valid CAT/ GRE/GMAT/ JRF score card)
• Shortlisting of candidates for Personal Interview (PI) process

Preparing the Merit List based on the Admission Criteria and PI Process

2. Eligibility Criteria

2.1. qualifications.

Candidates must possess one of the following qualifications to apply for IIM Jammu's doctoral program:

• A Master's Degree (Bachelor's degree obtained in 10+2+3 pattern, followed by a master's degree) or a 5-year Integrated Master's Degree (obtained after completing higher secondary schooling in 10+2 pattern) in any discipline, with at least 60*# percent marks in the Bachelor's as well as in the Master's degree.
• A professional qualification like CA, ICWA, CS, with at least 50*# percent marks
• Five-year/four-year Integrated Master's degree program in any discipline, with at least 60 percent marks, obtained after completing higher secondary schooling (10+2) or equivalent.

In addition, the applicant must have obtained a minimum of 50 percent marks in both secondary and higher secondary examination of a Board or equivalent.

* The percentage of marks obtained by the candidate would be calculated based on the practice followed by the respective University/ Institution. In the case of Grades/CGPA, the conversion to percentage of marks would be based on the procedure certified by the respective University/ Institution. If a University/ Institution confirms that there is no scheme for converting CGPA into equivalent percentage, the equivalence would be established by dividing the candidate's CGPA by the maximum possible CGPA and multiplying the result by 100.

* Five percent marks relaxation is given to the applicants from EWS, SC, ST, NC-OBC, and PwD categories.

           $  6.5 CGPA on a 10-point scale or equivalent 65% marks.

2.2. Age Limit and Work Experience:

There is no upper age limit for the candidate. The candidate should have a minimum of 3 years of work experience at the supervisory or above level in Government, autonomous bodies, research centres, PSUs, educational institutes, or private organizations.

2.3. Ph.D. for Working Professionals Intake

IIM Jammu would take scholars under this Ph.D. for Working Professionals program in accordance with Government of India's Reservation Policy.

Reservation Policy:

IIM Jammu will strictly follow the Government of India's Reservation Policy:

To be considered for reservations, the applicable Central Government list as on the last date of submission of applications shall be binding. No subsequent changes will be effective for Doctoral Programme for Working Professionals 2024. The candidates claiming admissions in the reserved categories need to further note the eligibility requirements carefully before applying. It should be noted that while it is the endeavour of IIM Jammu that candidates belonging to SC/ST/PwD/NC-OBC/EWS categories join the program, they have to meet the minimum eligibility criteria and a certain minimum level of performance that IIM Jammu may specify in order to be considered for admission into the program.

3. Selection Process

Candidates who fulfil the eligibility criteria as stated above are required to take the Common Admission Test (CAT) held by the IIMs. Alternatively, those who have qualified GATE, GRE, GMAT examinations can also apply in the relevant area of specialization. Scores of any of these examinations, including CAT taken during the last three years (certificate/award letter should have been obtained within last three years from the last date of application form submission for Ph.D. 2024) will be considered valid. For those candidates who do not possess any of the above test scores (CAT/GMAT/GRE/GATE), they need to appear in the entrance test (IIMJ-RAT) being conducted by IIM Jammu. Admission to the program is open to overseas candidates, including NRIs and foreign nationals.

The candidates short-listed based on their academic record and performance in the competitive examinations mentioned above will be called to IIM Jammu for a personal interview for final selection in May 2024.

Candidates who received the admission offer from IIM Jammu and accepted the offer within the stipulated date need to send a commitment fee (Offer Acceptance Fee) of Rs. 36,000/- (the date of submission will be mentioned in the admission offer letter) along with the Offer Acceptance Form, which will be later adjusted against caution money deposit (Rs. 30,000/- refundable after adjusting dues, if any, at the time of leaving the Institute) and Alumni fee of Rs. 6,000/-. If a candidate subsequently wishes to withdraw the offer within the withdrawal date specified in the Offer Letter, the commitment fees of Rs. 30000/- will be refunded after deducting Rs. 1000/- as processing charges. No refund in case of withdrawal from the Programme after registration.

3.1 CAT/GATE/GMAT/GRE/JRFScore

Candidates who have appeared/are appearing for the CAT/ GMAT/ GRE/ GATE/ JRF (certificate/award letter should have been obtained within the last three years from the last date of application form submission for Ph.D. 2024) will be shortlisted on the basis of the details in the application form and the scores of tests as detailed below. Only the shortlisted candidates will then be called for interview in the Month of May 2024.

• Business Communication: CAT/ GRE/ GMAT/ JRF *
• Business Policy, Strategy & Entrepreneurship: CAT/ GRE/ GMAT JRF *
• Economics & Business Environment: CAT/ GRE/ GMAT JRF *
• Finance and Accounting: CAT/ GRE/ GMAT/ JRF *
• IT Systems & Analytics: CAT/ GRE/ GMAT/ JRF *
• Marketing: CAT/ GRE/ GMAT/ JRF *
• Organizational Behavior & Human Resource Management: CAT/ GRE/ GMAT/ JRF *
• Operations & Supply Chain Management:   CAT/ GRE/ GMAT/ JRF *

*The JRF- scores should be in a discipline relevant to the area being applied to. Candidates residing outside India could take any of the above test/s (depending on the area to which they are applying) or appear for GMAT.

3.2 IIM Jammu Research Admission Test (IIMJ-RAT)

All the candidates have to appear in the IIMJ-Research Admission Test (IIMJ-RAT) while candidates possessing a valid score of (CAT/GMAT/GRE/GATE/JRF) are exempted from appearing in IIMJ-Research Admission Test (IIMJ-RAT). The test will include questions in Quantitative, Reasoning, English Comprehensions, Research, and Teaching Aptitude. Sample questions will be available on the website.

4. Admission Criteria

4.1. test score (cat/gre/gmat/gate/jrf) or iimj-rat cut-off.

The CAT/GRE/GMAT/GATE/JRF or IIMJ-RAT percentile will be used for shortlisting candidates for PI. The tentative category-wise minimum percentile is as follows:

Minimum Percentile of CAT/GRE/GMAT/GATE/JRF

* Verbal and Quantitative sections only.

* Verbal and Quantitative sections only. ** Only Relevant Subjects of GATEwill be considered. *** Criteria will be declared later.

4.2. Personal Interview

Upon being shortlisted as per the entrance test score, the candidate has to appear for a personal interview before a selection panel. The selection panel will assess the suitability of the candidates for research work based on the portfolio of the candidate. The committee will look into a consistently good academic record, professional accomplishments, research interest, etc.

4.3. Preparing the Merit List

Merit List will be prepared based on Personal Interview, Research Aptitude & Publications and Reference Letter, Academic Qualification, and Relevant Work Experience. The applicant is expected to submit the research proposal and two reference letters while applying. The candidate should have relevant work experience, and accordingly, marks will be given by the selection panel.

The composite score calculated based on the weights given below will be used to prepare the final merit list:

• Personal Interview (50%)
• Work Experience (15%):
• 10th Standard: 10%
• 12th Standard: 10%
• Graduation: 10%
• Post-Graduation: 5%

Work Experience marks distribution

5. program fee.

PhD (working professional) candidates will be required to register in each term by paying a registration fee of Rs. 60,000. A Candidate may avail accommodation facilities on campus subject to availability and corresponding room rent as per the type of room availed. Food charges are as per actuals.

6. Changing Research Area

Once a candidate takes admission in a given area, s/he will have to pursue the doctoral work in that area only.

7. Important Dates

• Last Date for Application: 31st March 2024 
• IIMJ- RAT: 21st April 2024  
• Dates for Interview: 4th/5th May 2024 (Tentative)

Classes: Doctoral Scholars need to attend the classes in online/offline mode. However, they need to appear for the final examination on Campus.

This admission process is applicable only for the Doctoral Programme for Working Professional for 2024. IIM Jammu reserves the right to change/modify any part of the process, without any notice, at any stage of the admission process.

IIM Jammu reserves the right to change or update any content at any point of time.

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Institute events.

IMR Doctoral Conference (IMRDC) 2024 on February 2nd & 3rd, 2024

Joint Brown Bag Seminar Series

This is a collective effort of Doctoral students from IIMA, IIMB and IIMC. The seminars will be held online, once a month, on the last Friday of the month, from 3 pm to 4 pm. 

Programme Objectives

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Message from the Chairperson

Doctoral Programme office congratulates the 22 students for successfully defending their thesis.

Testimonials

I really value the opportunity for engaged scholarship provided by IIM Bangalore, where our research questions matter not only for business but also government and society. To be able to place myself at that intersection as a scholar, to engage with questions facing organizations and society, and to build capabilities to impart that knowledge to future managers in classrooms is exciting to me. I truly believe that the PhD programme at IIM Bangalore will shape us into scholars who will contribute to organizations and society through research.

- Anupama Kondayya, Organizational Behaviour & Human Resource Management area of the Doctoral Programme (Ph.D.) at IIMB.

Welcome to the Doctoral Programme in Management at IIM Bangalore.

Srijith Mohanan, PhD Scholar Finance and Accounting area, IIMB

Dhrithi Mahadevan, PhD scholar Marketing area, IIMB

Rajashik Roy Choudhury, PhD Scholar OBHRM area, IIMB

Bibek Bhattacharya, PhD Scholar Strategy area, IIMB

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Eastern Launches 100% Online PhD in Professional Practice

St. Davids, PA: Eastern University is excited to announce it is now offering a PhD in Professional Practice , designed to provide experienced professionals from diverse career paths an opportunity to carefully examine and thoughtfully assess the outcomes and professional contributions of their careers. 

The degree program is 100% online and can be completed in 3-5 years at the affordable cost of $450 per credit, totaling only $27,360 for the entire program. Students with a theology degree may also qualify for Advanced Standing and a lighter credit requirement. The program offers individualized mentorship from a doctoral supervisor, leading students on an intellectually stimulating path that is personalized towards their own professional goals and personal development.

Housed within Eastern’s Palmer College, this unique program focuses on the scholarly analysis of work within current theoretical and theological frameworks, industry best practices, vocational understanding of professional practice, and theological reflection. The combination and integration of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise allows students to dive deeper into sectors that demand a strong sense of purpose. 

“Beyond the confines of professional disciplines, the Ph.D. in Professional Practice is a celebration of your cultivated wisdom and the legacy you're destined to leave,” says Wynand de Kock, Program Director. “Specifically designed for seasoned professionals at the pinnacle of their careers, it invites individuals who aspire to transcend their current professional boundaries and leave an indelible mark on their respective fields.”

A PhD in Professional Practice opens doors to diverse careers, including senior practitioner roles, consulting positions, academic research opportunities, teaching positions, leadership roles, and more. 

Learn more about Eastern’s PhD in Professional Practice .

About Eastern University

Eastern University is a Christian university enrolling approximately 7,500 students in its undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs. The university’s main campus is located in St. Davids, PA, with many programs available online. Eastern’s core values of faith, reason, and justice are woven into all of its educational programs. For more information visit  eastern.edu  or contact Ally Rosario, Director of Marketing & Communications:  [email protected] .

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April 29, 2024 8:46 AM

Nancy Tuchman

Dean, School of Environmental Sustainability

Loyola University Chicago

Scope of work: As founding dean of Loyola's School of Environmental Sustainability, Nancy Tuchman has provided vision and leadership since its inception as an institute in fall 2013. The school includes a biodiesel lab and an urban agriculture program, both student-run.

Biggest professional win: In 2020, the Institute of Environmental Sustainability was promoted to Loyola's 13th school, becoming the School of Environmental Sustainability. The school has grown to offer eight undergraduate degree programs, a Master's in Environmental Science and Sustainability and three graduate certificate programs, and serves over 500 students.

Other contributions: Tuchman's awards include the Society for Freshwater Science Fellows Award and the Leadership in Science & Education Award from the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.

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  Over the last two decades, aquatic ecologist Nancy C. Tuchman, PhD , has spearheaded the vision for sustainability at Loyola University Chicago. Since founding and directing the Center for Urban Environmental Research and Policy in 2005 and the Institute of Environmental Sustainability in 2013, Tuchman has led Loyola’s transformation to become one of the greenest colleges in the nation — shrinking the university’s environmental impact and preparing the next generation of eco-conscious leaders.

  How did your sustainability efforts at Loyola begin, and how has the work progressed?

 As someone who works in conservation, I was concerned about the university’s environmental footprint. So, in the early 2000s, I raised this issue with Loyola’s president. In 2004, the university’s capital improvement plan included a pledge to make our campuses more environmentally sustainable.

 Since then, we’ve cut our water use per square foot by 34%, and we now divert 44% of campus waste from landfills through recycling or composting. Perhaps most importantly, we’ve reduced greenhouse gas emissions from the Lake Shore Campus by nearly 80% and will be carbon neutral by 2025.

How did the School of Environmental Sustainability get started at Loyola?

 We continued to build momentum with our environmental initiatives. In 2013, Loyola established the Institute of Environmental Sustainability (IES) and began to offer undergraduate degree programs. By 2019, IES had around 400 students and a graduate program. In 2020, the university expanded IES to launch the School of Environmental Sustainability.

 Our focus on sustainability differentiates Loyola from our peer universities. When we surveyed incoming students this year, 57% said that commitment to the environment was important in their college decision.

How has SES grown and developed?

We now have more than 500 students, including over 60 graduate students, and undergraduates can choose from seven majors. To support this growth, we’ve nearly tripled our faculty and staff and continue building an interdisciplinary team of outstanding educators and researchers.

Our Urban Agriculture Program is one example of our impact and the engaged learning opportunities we offer. The program gives students hands-on experience with sustainable food production. Since the program started 10 years ago, students have produced more than 20,000 pounds of healthy, sustainably grown food that they donate and sell locally.

How does your work align with business trends in the corporate world?

We’re seeing growing interest in sustainability among corporate leaders and consumers. At SES, we’re equipping students with the expertise to adapt business practices for environmental sustainability.

Last year, we launched a new bachelor’s degree program in environmental economics and sustainability. This program connects environmental problems to business theories and economic analysis, preparing students to become leaders in the new green economy.

What is your vision for the future of sustainability at Loyola?

We’re currently working on our next Carbon Action Plan and intend to go beyond carbon neutrality. We aim to completely decarbonize our campuses, which means eliminating our dependence on fossil fuels and investing in new technologies. We’re already installing new geothermal systems and investigating cutting-edge heat exchange systems.

Another goal is to make Loyola a zero-waste campus. Our athletic events are already zero-waste, and we look forward to expanding on what we’ve learned to reduce and divert waste from all campus operations.

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Mechanism Reform: An Application to Child Welfare

In many market-design applications, a new mechanism is introduced to reform an existing institution. Compared to the design of a mechanism in isolation, the presence of a status-quo system introduces both challenges and opportunities for the designer. We study this problem in the context of reforming the mechanism used to assign Child Protective Services (CPS) investigators to reported cases of child maltreatment in the U.S. CPS investigators make the consequential decision of whether to place a child in foster care when their safety at home is in question. We develop a design framework built on two sets of results: (i) an identification strategy that leverages the status-quo random assignment of investigators—along with administrative data on previous assignments and outcomes—to estimate investigator performance; and (ii) mechanism-design results allowing us to elicit investigators’ preferences and efficiently allocate cases. This alternative mechanism can be implemented by setting personalized non-linear rates at which each investigator can exchange various types of cases. In a policy simulation, we show that this mechanism reduces the number of investigators’ false positives (children placed in foster care who would have been safe in their homes) by 10% while also decreasing false negatives (children left at home who are subsequently maltreated) and overall foster care placements. Importantly, the mechanism is designed so that no investigator is made worse-off relative to the status quo. We show that a naive approach which ignores investigator preference heterogeneity would generate substantial welfare losses for investigators, with potential adverse effects on investigator recruitment and turnover.

We thank Peter Arcidiacono, Pat Bayer, Sylvain Chassang, Michael Dinerstein, Laura Doval, Joseph Doyle, Federico Echenique, Natalia Emanuel, Maria Fitzpatrick, Ezra Goldstein, Peter Hull, Chris Mills, Matt Pecenco, Katherine Rittenhouse, Alex Teytelboym and seminar participants at the 2024 ASSA Annual Meeting, SAET 2024, UC Berkeley, and Duke University for helpful comments and suggestions. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Bureau of Economic Research.

MARC RIS BibTeΧ

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