gre for economics phd

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DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS

• Prospective Ph.D.s

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

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

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

Before You Apply

Degrees offered.

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

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

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

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

Prerequisites

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

Application Steps

Step 1: complete the university's application form.

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

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

Application Fee:  The fee is $95.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Step 2: Complete the GRE

The institution code for Northwestern University is 1565.

Step 3: Certify English Proficiency

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

You can demonstrate English proficiency in only three ways:

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

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

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

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

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

Step 4: The Decision Process

Step 5: visas for international applicants.

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

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Frequently asked questions, what are the suggested gre and toefl requirements for the phd economics program.

The minimum suggested GRE score for the Quantitative section is 164 or higher. The Admissions Committee is a little more lenient regarding Verbal scores from international applicants.  We are looking for scores of 154 or higher.

The Admissions Committee is looking for a score of 24 in the speak section of the TOEFL test. We will nonetheless consider the speak test scores of 20 or above, and an overall total score of 100 or above.  

Can I submit multiple sets of GRE or TOEFL scores?

An applicant is only required to submit one set of test scores, but if you have taken them more than one time, you may submit a second set of scores as long as they are not expired. The Admissions Committee will give consideration to the highest test scores submitted.

Can I receive a TOEFL waiver?

International students must submit a TOEFL score unless they have or will receive an undergraduate degree from a college/university in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, or Ireland or they have completed, at the time of application, four semesters of graduate study at an institution in the above mentioned countries.

Pennsylvania State law, all graduate students must be certified in English before teaching undergraduate students. If you are accepted and choose to enroll in our program, you will either be required to attend the Summer English Language Program or you can take a test through our English Language Program Office (at your expense) before the summer program to become certified in English. A 27 on the speak score of the TOEFL exam will certify you in English.

Does Penn Econ accept IELTS test scores in place of TOEFL?  How should I submit IELTS scores?

Yes, we accept the IELTS test scores in place of TOEFL and a score of 7.0 and above is acceptable. However, you cannot upload them with your application. Results should be forwarded directly by the testing agency to my office.

Gina Conway University of Pennsylvania Ronald O. Perelman Center for Political Science and Economics 133 South 36th Street, Suite 150 Philadelphia, PA 19104-6297

Is it possible for me to obtain a waiver of the application fee?

We regret that we cannot waive the application fee for international applicants. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may request a waiver in cases of documented financial hardship. To request a waiver, please email the Graduate Division at [email protected] with an explanation of your situation  prior to submitting  your application. S/he may ask for additional documentation.

Does the Department of Economics Doctoral program allow students to transfer into the program?

We do not allow students to transfer into the program. All students must start with the first year PhD courses.  All students who have successfully passed the first year PhD courses can request to transfer up to 8 credits if they have previously matriculated in a graduate program.

What other materials do I need to submit with my application?

A complete application consists of:

• Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Transcripts uploaded to CollegeNet
• Official test scores (GRE / TOEFL / IELTS)
• Application Fee ($90)
• Writing Sample is optional  

Can I have more than 3 letters of recommendation?

The admissions committee requires 3 letters of recommendation, but you may submit a fourth letter if you wish.

Should I contact an Economic Faculty member before I apply?

No. There is no need to contact the faculty during the application process. 

Do you accept recommendation letter submission through Interfolio?

No, we are not able to accept Interfolio documents. Letters should be uploaded directly into your application by your recommenders. If your recommender is experiencing any issues they may email their letter directly to our Graduate Coordinator, Gina Conway ( [email protected] ).

Are there requirements for the Statement of Purpose (aka Personal Statement)?

The Admissions Committee does not instruct applicants on what to write in their Personal Statement. We suggest that you discuss your academic and career objectives. Be as specific as you can about your program of study and your reasons for wishing to study at the University of Pennsylvania. (Should be approximately 500 words)  

Can I apply for a Ph.D. in Economics offered by the School of Arts and Sciences in the Department of Economics and another PhD program in the Wharton school?

Yes, you may apply to both programs at the same time. Follow this link to apply on-line: CollegeNet for the School of Arts and Sciences of the Department of Economics Ph.D. program at the University of Pennsylvania. You may look up the Wharton Doctoral programs website for application to the Wharton School.

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• Application and Admission Information

Duke University offers a world-class doctoral program in economics, featuring a vibrant faculty of exceptional scholars and teachers, superior research facilities, and opportunities to interact with leading scholars in related disciplines here at Duke and from around the world. Application information can be found in the menus below, and more information about our program requirements, funding, job market placements, and life in Durham and North Carolina through the menu items on the right. 

Duke Economics does not pre-screen potential applicants. We are unable to evaluate a student's "chances" for admission to our program simply from looking at their self-reported scores and academic history. We judge each applicant's potential against the strength of the entire applicant pool, which varies from year to year. We do not measure students against a set of minimum criteria in order to decide upon admission, but instead gauge them against the overall caliber of all applicants. Students who are viewed as the most competitive for the Ph.D. program will typically demonstrate a solid academic or professional history with mathematics, including multi-variable calculus, linear algebra and real analysis, as they are the cornerstones of the program, which is quite math intensive. While prior experience in the field of economics is preferred, many successful applicants to the Ph.D. program have come from a variety of backgrounds, including public policy, political science, math, computer science, business, accounting, and engineering.

The usual profile of a matriculant who receives financial aid from Duke for study in the first year would be: (1) an undergraduate record strong in economics, mathematics, or physical science; (2) a perfect or near-perfect score on the quantitative section of the GRE; (3) mathematical skills, including multi-variable calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, real analysis, and introductory statistics and probability; (4) a GPA of 3.5 or better; (5) letters from individuals which confirm the intellectual strength of the candidate. Prospective students not presenting qualifying credentials are discouraged from applying for the Ph.D. program. For more information please refer to the Graduate School's  Degree Programs  page.

Applicants interested in pursuing a graduate degree in economics must apply through the Duke University Graduate School. Please refer to The Graduate School's  website   for information about application procedures and requirements. For general admissions questions or questions about the university requirements, you may also contact the Duke Graduate School at  [email protected] .

​ The Economics Department requires Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores from applicants. In order to meet the January application deadline, GRE tests should be taken no later than the preceding November test date. Only the GRE general test is required, not the subject test. The Ph.D. program does not accept, nor will it review, the GRE subject test or the GMAT in lieu of the GRE general test for admissions purposes. The Department of Economics does not eliminate any applicant solely on the basis of the GRE; however, 80 percent of all applicants to the Ph.D. program earn scores in the top 10 percent on the Quantitative section. Scores that are significantly lower and are supported by less-than-impressive grades in mathematics and economics-related courses may result in rejection on the basis that the applicant is not competitive with the rest of the applicant pool.  Please refer to The Graduate School for more information about score requirements and how to submit your score(s).

English Language Proficiency Test Scores 

If your first language is not English, you must submit scores from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the academic modules of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The scores will be a decisive factor during the application review process. Some applicants may be eligible for a TOEFL/IELTS waiver.  Please refer to The Graduate School for more information about score requirements, score submission, and waiver policy.

• Graduate Mentorship Program

Our Graduate Mentorship Program helps applicants from under-represented backgrounds in the field prepare their applications to Economics Ph.D. programs by matching them to mentors in the Duke Econ Ph.D. program. Read about the program.

Application fee information can be found on The Graduate School Application Fee website.

Fee Waivers :

• The Graduate School offers an application fee waiver option to support prospective students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents from various populations, including those who may be experiencing economic stresses. Please refer to the website for more information.
• The Department of Economics does not offer a separate application fee waiver.

After submitting your online application, you can check the status of your application materials via the  Applicant Portal . You should log in to this system periodically to ensure that all required application materials have been received. Incomplete applications will either not be considered or will be rejected on the basis of incompleteness.

After you submit your online application, it will be made available to your department of interest within one to two business days. The actual in-depth review of your file is conducted by an admissions committee. All applications are reviewed with respect to openings in the department and the strength of other applicants. Attention is given to every aspect of an application, with an attempt made to evaluate past achievement as well as scholarly potential. Academic records, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and your statement of purpose are all taken into consideration. Admission to the Duke University Graduate School is a competitive process, and your chances of being admitted will differ from year to year depending on the strength of the applicant pool. Decisions about fall admission are generally made in February and March.

Aid offers are made on a rolling basis, as funds permit, beginning in late February. 

Decision Notification

All applicants are notified of admission decisions via e-mail (we do not mail paper copies of notifications). The notification e-mail will provide instructions for accessing the online decision letter.

If You Are Accepted

If you are offered admission, unless otherwise indicated, you must notify The Graduate School of your enrollment decision through the  Applicant Portal  by April 15 or within 15 days of your receipt of the admission letter, whichever is later. If we do not hear back from you by then, we will assume that you have declined the offer of admission, and your application record will be withdrawn.

Your admission offer is valid only for the term and program indicated in the admission letter. Requests for deferral are rarely approved by The Graduate School. Valid reasons for a deferral include serious health issues, visa issues beyond the student’s control, or military service.

Each year more than 700 people apply to the Ph.D. program in economics. Of those applicants, fewer than 10 percent are offered admission. We do not discriminate against any applicant based on country of origin or previous educational experience in deciding which students receive financial aid. Of the students offered admission to the Ph.D. program, about 23 percent decide to come to Duke, and we matriculate an average of 14 students each year. Approximately 75 percent of the students in our program are from outside of the United States. We pride ourselves on our broad spectrum of academic talent from all over the world.

The Graduate School also provides a statistical summary our graduate programs' past admissions and enrollment. For information on offers of admission and matriculation according to demographics, go to  Admissions and Enrollment Statistics .

More FAQs about the admission process can be found on the Duke Graduate School website . 

If you have questions or need additional assistance, please reach out to us!

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• PhD Program

The PhD Program at UC Santa Barbara is designed for students interested in pursuing advanced study and conducting original research in economics. The PhD is awarded in recognition of the recipient's qualifications as a general economist and of the ability to make scholarly contributions in one or more fields of specialization.

Completing the PhD program will take on average five to six years, although some students will be able to complete the program in less time.

Admission decisions are made by the Department’s Graduate Faculty Admissions Committee, whose goal is identifying students of outstanding promise. The committee will make decisions based on academic achievement, intellectual potential and scholarly promise, programmatic fit, and available space

There is no single criterion for admission, but the most successful candidates will have the following qualities:

• A history of academic success as indicated by coursework in economics and mathematics
• Excellent grades
• Strong scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), particularly in the quantitative section
• Three high-quality letters of recommendation, which speak to the candidate’s ability to excel in academic work and conduct independent research. As a practical matter, this usually means Economics faculty or other economists active in research.

The UC Santa Barbara Department of Economics actively seeks to recruit a diverse set of graduate students. Our program is made up domestic and international students with a wide range of perspectives and experiences. We welcome students from colleges and universities in the United States and abroad. We strongly encourage applications from students who have excelled academically despite economic or social disadvantages.

UCSB is the first university in the prestigious AAU to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution. The University has earned a four-and-a-half star rating for being LGBTQ friendly.

While admission is competitive and based on merit alone, the University may provide extra fellowships to candidates who increase diversity. Criteria for diversity are varied, and applicants should read the information provided on the UC Santa Barbara Graduate Division website and include relevant elements in the personal statement.

Data from Previous Years

For more information on the competitiveness of the program, please refer to the table below. Although the minimum undergraduate grade point average requirement for admission to graduate school at UC Santa Barbara is 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), the average for those admitted and starting the program is normally much higher. Meeting or exceeding the listed information does not guarantee admission to our program.

  PhD Application Deadlines

• Priority Financial Support: December 1, 2023
• Final Deadline: January 2, 2024

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The Doctor of Philosophy is a research degree.  It signifies that the recipient is able to conduct independent research and has both a broad basic knowledge of all areas of economics and a comprehensive knowledge of one area in particular.  The Ph.D. program equips its graduates with modern economic techniques, enabling them to take leadership positions in economic research in the academic, business, and government worlds.

The Department of Economics has risen to prominence in recent years by attracting internationally renowned scholars to its faculty and by carefully selecting its student body.  There are many reasons to believe that we can offer students an outstanding intellectual environment.  Seven members of our department are Fellows of the Econometric Society, and one is a Nobel Laureate.  Many currently serve or have served on the editorial boards of major journals, including the  American Economic Review ,  Econometrica , the  Review of Economic Studies , and the  Journal of Economic Theory .  Perhaps most significantly, the department placed among the top ten in the Tilburg University  ranking  of economics departments.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admission to graduate studies in economics is limited to students of outstanding promise. All applicants must submit scores from Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which is administered by the Educational Testing Service, Princeton, N.J. 08540, to complete their application and be considered for admissions. All international students must take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) examination or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Exceptions to this rule include students who attended English speaking college-level institutions. Students from English speaking countries, such as the U.K. or Ireland are also exempt from taking the TOEFL or IELTS exams.

The Ph.D. program is designed for full-time students only. In evaluating applicants for this program, members of the departmental admissions committee consider the following criteria: previous academic performance, quantitative GRE scores, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and background in economics and mathematics. Because of the diverse nature of such information, we do not adhere to strictly defined cut-off points on grade-point averages or GRE scores. Applicants should also remember that the Ph.D. and the M.A. programs are very different and have different objectives and  admissions criteria. Admission into the M.A. program does not guarantee eventual admission to the Ph.D program. Those interested in the Ph.D. program are encouraged to apply directly to the Ph.D. program, and not to the M.A. program.

DEPARTMENTAL FELLOWSHIPS, PRIZES, AND AWARDS

There are various sources of funding for students in the Ph.D. program. Our top students receive MacCracken fellowship awards. These fellowships guarantee funding for five years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) in the form of payment of the basic tuition fee as well as a living allowance for the year. Many other students work as teaching adjuncts, sometimes assisting a professor and sometimes teaching a course of their own. Many professors also have research grants from a variety of sources (National Science Foundation, C.V. Starr Center, etc) which provide research assistantships (R.A.'s) to graduate students.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A Ph.D.

Program Requirements

Field Requirements

Assessing Progress in the Economics PhD Program

Responsible Conduct of Research

Graduate Handbook

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Department of Economics

We look at applications holistically, evaluating the full range of criteria including GRE scores, grades, personal statements, letters, fields of interest, rank within class, our past experience with students from your program, and personal attributes.  Weaknesses in one or more areas may be compensated by strengths in other areas. We seek evidence of previous academic success, mathematical proficiency,  an understanding of economics as a discipline, curiosity about intellectual and social issues, persistence and creativity in surmounting obstacles, and effective written and verbal communication. We try to build a class that is balanced and diverse in interests and experiences and can contribute importantly to our mission as a department.

That is a decision for the graduate school. Information is here.

While the system permits submission of more than three letters of recommendation we only require three letters and, in our experience, extra letters tend to diminish the impact of the primary letter writers. Thus we would recommend that you pick the three letter from people who know you well and have an understanding of the requirements of an economics graduate program. 

We look at applications holistically, evaluating the full range of criteria including scores, grades, personal statements, letters, fields of interest, rank within class, our past experience with students from your program, and personal attributes. We try to build a balanced, diverse and high quality class, accounting for likelihood of enrolling, that can contribute importantly to our mission as a department.

We thus do not have cutoff scores for considering your application. We also cannot assess your probability of acceptance based on any one or two criteria. We also will not try to do evaluations of more detailed information except as part of the normal application process.

However, to give you some guidance on these issues we present below graphs of the cumulative distribution of GRE scores (quantitative, verbal, and written) among applicants as well as those who are accepted for the class starting in 2020. Overall we had about 750 applications and admitted about 60. So the ratio of the point on green curve to the point on the orange curve at any score X times 60/750 represents the proportion of people below that score who were admitted in the past year.  So that means that overall we admit about 8% of applicants but, for example, for we only admitted about 4% of those with a score below 165.

We discourage this.  First, all decisions are made by the admissions committee. We don’t consult faculty on whether a student is a particular match for him/her. While faculty can submit letters on the side to the committee those letters are likely to be disregarded unless you have a longer-term relationship with the faculty member or he/she has specific knowledge that would not otherwise appear in your application. We also have over 750 applications so if everyone made contact with the faculty member it would create a significant burden on faculty time.

Of course, all our faculty have web pages that contain a lot of information about their projects. The optimal time for you to contact faculty would be if and when you are admitted or wait listed and have a good sense of your choice set. Also it would be most productive if it were during or after our annual “campus visit” (around April 1). During the visit, you will see some presentations by selected faculty and then we will have open office hours that you can schedule and/or drop by. You will also have a chance to visit with some graduate students.

No. We only offer an MA Degree for students in our PhD program. This MA Degree is awarded following successful completion of the first-year sequence of the PhD program.

Applicants to the program should submit the application, 3 letters of recommendation, personal statement, transcripts, and GRE General Aptitude Test scores. We do not look at the GRE subject test score. The TOEFL test is required for foreign applicants, except those who hold (or will receive) a degree from an institution where the language of instruction is English. The TSE test is not required. 

Incoming doctoral students receive six years of guaranteed financial support, including summers, a stipend, tuition remission, a health-services fee, and health and dental insurance (some are funded through external sources).  

Students in the first year receive aid in the form of a fellowship (requiring no work on their part). In years 2+, the support may take the form of a teaching assistantship, research assistantship, or fellowship as long as student remains in good standing.  All such assignments form part of the student’s professional development.

In the first year, there are no teaching or research assistant responsibilities. After the first year, students generally work as a TA or RA. There are also competitive fellowships on campus through PSTC and IBES that substitute for TA or RA work. 

Target size of the incoming class in the PhD program is 16. The admission process is highly selective: in the last years, we have received over 750 applications.

The mean time to completion is between five and six years.  The mode is six years. 

A) Exposure to economics at a high level. We look for students who have taken upper-level courses that exposed them to active areas of research in the field. Students who have written senior or MA theses, or worked as researchers or research assistants have an advantage.  B) Adequate preparation in mathematics. Applications should have at least 2 or 3 semesters of calculus. We also look for coursework in linear algebra, real analysis, probability theory and/or statistics.  C) A good grade record. This is not precise, as standards vary widely among schools. D) Informative letters of recommendation. We are particularly interested in letters from scholars who understand the research environment at a top Ph.D. program, that is, scholars who themselves are actively engaged in research and publication and those who have Ph.D.s from research-oriented institutions. We look for letters that make it clear the applicant knows what doing a Ph.D. is like and which describe how the applicant has been exposed to the research process.  E) The median GRE quantitative percentile among those admitted is 96% with 90 percent of all quantitative scores being above 89 percentile. The median GRE verbal percentile among those admitted is 94% with 90 percent of all scores being above the 76th percentile.

From a demographic perspective, 48% of our admitted students are US citizens, 44% are female, 6% are US citizens from historically underrepresented groups in the US, and 7% are first-generation college students.

Decisions regarding admission and financial aid are made by mid-March. Applicants must make enrollment decisions by mid-April. 

Our University code is 3094. The department code for economics is 1801. 

The Department of Economics does not have the applications. You can apply online or request a paper application from the Graduate School 

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The Harvard Department of Economics has long tried to use scholarship to find answers for some of the world’s most pressing questions including the future of work, ending global poverty, and improving the environment. We believe nothing should limit the economist’s imagination.

You will be part of a program that includes people working in many fields, such as finance, economic history, behavioral economics, political economy, and many more. The program will prepare you for a productive and stimulating career as an economist. You will attend seminars given by top scholars from both domestic and international communities and will have access to over 13 million books and pamphlets from 90 separate library units at Harvard.

Examples of student research include how investor base composition is an important determinant of bond price dynamics and capital allocation outcomes in response to aggregate credit cycle fluctuations, and the long-term effects that temporary upstream steel tariffs on US manufacturing have on downstream industries.

Graduates have secured academic positions at prestigious institutions like MIT, Stanford University, and Yale University. Others have gone on to careers at organizations like the International Monetary Fund, Vanguard, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and Amazon.

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of Economics and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies .

Admissions Requirements

Please review admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of Economics .

Academic Background

Applicants should have an understanding of economics and have taken at least some economics courses beyond the principles level. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their ability to do research by either having done research previously or via experience as a research assistant. In the latter instance, a letter from the supervisor indicating the ability to do research is critical.

Writing Sample

A writing sample is required and must be no less than 15 pages.

Math Preparation

The minimum level of mathematical preparation to be considered for admission includes calculus and linear algebra and demonstration of proficiency with mathematics. Increasingly, successful applicants will have taken more mathematics classes. In particular, most successful applicants now take real analysis, although that is not a requirement.

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Required GRE Subject Test: Optional

Applying to More Than One Program

Harvard has several PhD programs that may also be of interest to students considering applying to the PhD program in economics. These include Business Economics , Public Policy , and Health Policy . Many students in these programs have considerable overlap in their coursework with courses offered to PhD students in economics. Many also have dissertation committees that include faculty members of the economics department.

We encourage those with interest in any of those programs to also apply to those programs. The Department of Economics will make admissions decisions independently, so application to or admission to other programs will not adversely affect admissions decisions within the department. However, please note that if you choose to apply to additional programs, you can only submit three applications to Harvard Griffin GSAS during the course of your academic career.

Campus Visits

The department arranges for campus visits for all admitted students and we cover a portion the costs associated with these visits. We do not encourage visits prior to being admitted. Since the department receives an overwhelming number of applications, it’s simply more efficient to arrange meetings with faculty after students are accepted rather than before.

Theses & Dissertations

Theses & Dissertations for Economics

See list of Economics faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

• College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

Graduate Program

Department of Economics

Front Desk: Teaching Unit 2, Room 104 4104 Martin Luther King Blvd. Houston, Texas 77204-5019 Phone: (713) 743-3800 Fax: (713) 743-3798 Mailing Address: Department of Economics Teaching Unit 2, Room 104 4104 Martin Luther King Blvd. Houston, Texas 77204-5019

Please note the new application deadline for the Ph.D. program is January 15 .

Updated information about the GRE for Fall 2024 applicants on the Admissions and FAQ pages.

Questions and Answers

What are the characteristics of students who have been admitted and funded, how many students are admitted each year, how many students receive funding each year, do you provide partial funding, if i do not receive funding initially, can i be funded later, how much is the stipend, the doctoral program in economics.

The Department of Economics offers a program leading to the Ph.D. degree in Economics designed to provide students rigorous training in economic theory and quantitative skills as well as an intensive exposure to several specialized areas of Economics. The Ph.D. training provides skills needed in academic, government, or business careers.

Graduate students in the University of Houston Department of Economics are subject to all regulations of the Graduate School and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. The rules are found in the University of Houston Graduate Catalog, which can be found online at http://www.uh.edu/grad_catalog/. The requirements discussed below are additional requirements that apply to graduate students in economics.

The new doctoral student begins a year of intensive course work in microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, statistics, and econometrics. During the summer after the first year, the student is required to take the economic theory comprehensive exam. Upon receiving a grade of "superior" in both the micro and macro parts of the exam, the student becomes a candidate for the Ph.D. degree.

More about the program

• Frequently asked questions about graduate programs in Economics
• Graduate Economics course descriptions
• How to apply for a competitive fellowship

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Ph.D. in Economics

The Ph.D. program at Berkeley is designed for students interested in pursuing advanced study and conducting original research in Economics. The Ph.D. degree is awarded in recognition of the recipient's qualifications as a general economist and of the ability to make scholarly contributions in fields of specialization.

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

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

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

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

ECONOMICS GRADUATE STUDENT SERVICES

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

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

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

Graduate Office Address:

Apply for a PhD

Our graduate admissions process is highly selective. However, in keeping with our international character, we recognize that students from different backgrounds demonstrate high potential in a variety of ways.

Any well-qualified individual with a baccalaureate degree from a recognized college or university (or with equivalent education) may apply for admission to graduate Economics programs.

Follow this link to see data on acceptance rates, demographics of our PhD students, and career outcomes.

Students applying for entry into our STEM designated PhD program are normally expected to have passed some advanced undergraduate or graduate courses or seminars in economic theory, and to have had extensive training in mathematics, statistics, and econometrics, as well as a working knowledge of computer programming.

A score above the 90th percentile on the GRE-Quantitative section provides strong evidence of PhD-level ability; this indicator is neither necessary nor sufficient for admission, however, as the candidate’s full dossier is taken into account.

GRE Requirement

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required .  

Applicants must take the GRE General Test at least one month before the application deadline. The GRE Subject Tests are not required. The GRE is a major component in the admission decision. We do not accept the GMAT. Although GRE scores are valid for five years, we prefer to receive scores no older than two years old, if possible. Please note, however, that we do not reject or in any way penalize an applicant for submitting GRE scores up to five years old. The ETS Institution Code for the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences is 3087. You do not need to specify a Department Code when requesting test scores be sent to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

English Proficiency Language Requirement

All international applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English, typically through English proficiency scores.

Accepted standardized tests include Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), TOEFL iBT Home Edition, International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Cambridge English Qualifications, and Duolingo. Please note, t he TOEFL ITP exam will not be accepted as proof of English proficiency.

Minimum English proficiency tes ting requirements:

• TOEFL :   100  Overall Score (25 recommended in each section). Internet-based Test (iBT) only. We do not accept “MyBest Scores.”
• IELTS :    7.0   Overall Band Score
• CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH QUALIFICATIONS :   185   Overall Score on B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency exams
• DUOLINGO :    130   Overall Score

For more information, please click here.

The Graduate School   does not waive   the English proficiency requirement in advance.  The requirement   will be waived   at the time of the   application review   if you meet at least   one   of the following criteria:

• You are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
• You are a citizen of one of the following countries: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Micronesia, Montserrat, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, Zimbabwe.
• You are a citizen of Cameroon or Canada and your post-secondary degree is from a university in which English is the language of instruction.
• You have studied in the United States (or one of the before-mentioned countries) at an accredited college or university for at least  two years .
• You have received, or expect to receive, an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution where the   official language of instruction   is English. If your transcript does not clearly state that the language of instruction is English, then please upload supporting documentation on institutional letterhead along with your transcript.

This waiver  does not apply to students who have earned or are earning undergraduate or graduate degrees  from an institution in a country listed above while enrolled in a “dual degree” program with an institution in another country. Studying as an exchange student in an English-speaking country is not sufficient to waive the English proficiency requirement.

Applicants are urged to take the English Proficiency test at the earliest possible date.

For more information regarding the English Proficiency tests, please click here.

English Language Test Scores Validity Period

The  Cambridge English Qualifications  test does not expire.  All  other  English proficiency tes t scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo) are valid for  two years.  For more information, please visit the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences English Language Testing Proficiency page.

All applications must be submitted and received by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences by December 15.  Letters of recommendation and official GRE scores may follow after this deadline, and will be considered until January 15th.

Please note that we will not review or evaluate incomplete applications, and we will not review or evaluate applications for candidates who did not pay the application fee. Applications must include all components . No component will be waived for any applicant. Such applications will be withdrawn and no admission decision will be made. We do not do pre-evaluations by email. Additionally, we do not accept late applications. There are no exceptions to these policies.

Materials to Submit

Please do not send any application materials directly to the Economics Department.

Application form and application fee

Apply online at the (GRS) Graduate School of Arts & Sciences website . Please use the online application. The online application system requires a payment in the amount of $95 dollars payable by credit card. The Department of Economics does not waive application fees.  However, GRS offers application fee waivers based on different criteria for both US and Non-US applicants. Note that our PhD program counts as “a STEM program in which women are significantly underrepresented” as described on the waiver criteria page. Please visit this link for further information.

2–3 months before application deadline:

• Contact recommenders; inform them that recommendations should be submitted weeks before deadline
• Contact ETS and request an official copy of your GRE results (English language testing reports for international students)
• Contact all previous colleges/universities and request official transcripts

2–3 weeks before application deadline:

• Complete application and prepare to submit before deadline
• Contact any recommender who has not submitted a recommendation and request he/she do so before the deadline.  We will be accepting letters of recommendation until January 15h for this admission cycle.

Official transcripts

Official transcripts are not required as part of the application. All applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts directly to the online application. Transcripts that are sent directly to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences can not be added to your application.

If you are admitted, you will be required to send in official transcripts to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences from all colleges attended prior to matriculation in the Fall.

Three letters of recommendation

We require a minimum of 3 original letters of recommendation. We generally prefer academic letters; however, professional letters of recommendation are acceptable in the case of an applicant who has been away from student status for more than 2 years. Academic recommendation letters should be written by university instructors who have taught the applicant in 1 or more classes, or have another basis for knowing well the applicant’s academic aptitude.

Recommenders must submit an online recommendation. An email request will automatically be sent to your recommenders once you have saved an online recommendation. Please advise your recommender to look for this email in their inbox, as well as their spam or junk-mail folder, as emails do occasionally get filtered out.

Test scores

Standardized test scores (GRE and English Testing Scores Reports) should be sent to BU directly from ETS.

The ETS Institutional Code for the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences is 3087. You do not need to add a department code.

Personal statement/statement of purpose

Applicants to every degree program offered by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences are required to submit a Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose of not fewer than 200 words. This statement must describe your qualifications and the objectives of your intended educational program at the Department of Economics. Additionally, applicants may submit a resume or CV with the personal statement. Writing samples are not required.

Additional forms required for international applicants only

Only if you are recommended for admission:

If you are an international student recommended for admission, you will be notified by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Admissions office to submit the following documents for student visa processing. You cannot be officially admitted until GRS receives and processes these documents.

• A completed, signed International Student Data Form or International Applicant Coversheet ( available with the online application ). Please note that this form cannot be emailed or faxed.
• A copy of the personal information page of your current passport.
• Copies of all current visas, if applicable.
• Financial support documentation ( Sponsorship Certification Form and Bank Statement ).

You must provide a bank statement or other appropriate evidence of financial support adequate to cover travel to and from Boston, and for tuition and living costs for at least 1 full year at Boston University. The estimate of expenses can be found on the International Students & Scholars website . Please note the minimum amount listed may be increased by up to 5% each academic year. Immigration regulations prohibit most international students from accepting any employment except University appointments during the first year of study in the United States.

Submit this documentation promptly to ensure sufficient time to process the student visa. It is strongly recommended that you send this documentation via express mail (DHL, FedEx, etc.) to the GRS Admissions office, as visa processing sometimes requires 2 months or more. It is not the policy of Boston University to send visa documents via express mail. Be sure to submit all required documentation for your visa as soon as reasonably possible so there is sufficient time for your visa documents to reach you through the regular mail. Once GRS processes these documents and notifies you that you have been officially admitted, they will let you know how you can request your visa documents be sent by express mail, but you must pay the cost of postage.

Please do not send any materials directly to the Economics Department. 

Forms should be sent via email at [email protected] or postal mail to:

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Admissions Office Boston University 705 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 112 Boston, MA 02215 USA

All application inquiries should be directed to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences at  [email protected]  or 617-353-2696. A complete GRS Application Checklist can be found here .

To be considered for the Economics doctoral program, all applications must be submitted and received by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences by December 15.  Letters of recommendation and official GRE scores may follow after this deadline, and will be considered until January 15.

Questions? Visit our  PhD Admissions FAQs and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences FAQs

Please be in touch if you have any questions or concerns.

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• Administration
• PhD Program

The Ph.D. Program in the Department of Economics at Harvard is addressed to students of high promise who wish to prepare themselves in teaching and research in academia or for responsible positions in government, research organizations, or business enterprises. Students are expected to devote themselves full-time to their programs of study.

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

• Program Requirements
• Job Placement
• Financial Support

• Programs Overview
• Joint Finance PhD Program

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

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

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

  _______________________________________________________________________

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

_____________________________________________________________________________

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

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

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

Divisional Graduate Resources

Find divisional Graduate Resources here.

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

PhD Admissions Application

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Graduate School

Economics (ph.d.), economics (ph.d.) | graduate.

Our doctoral program in Economics provides rigorous training in applied economic analysis, microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, game theory, and econometrics. Our graduates are at the forefront of applied economics research spanning fields like public finance, household economics, international economics, behavioral economics, and labor economics.

The Ph.D. program in Economics at Howard’s Graduate School provides students with rigorous technical training in applied economic analysis, microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, game theory, and econometrics. Our program prepares students for careers in academia, public policy, and government as leading economists, consultants, statisticians, and senior researchers. You'll benefit from Howard’s premier location at the center of policymaking in Washington, DC, and have access to a network of top-ranked and nationally recognized economic institutions, consulting firms, think tanks, and government agencies, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the Federal Reserve. You may choose from four distinct fields of specialization: growth and development, urban economics, labor economics, and international economics. Our students shape their course of study in a major subfield and in a minor subfield and pursue original policy-relevant research tailored to their individualized program of study. Regularly scheduled graduate seminars and workshops offer a forum for you to present your early-stage research or learn about the latest research in your fields from invited speakers. The Department of Economics is affiliated with research centers like the Center on Race and Wealth, the Center of Excellence in Housing and Urban Research and Policy, and the Center for Urban Progress. You will also benefit from the close mentorship of faculty who are committed to your professional development and are at the forefront of economics research spanning fields including public finance, household economics, environmental economics, international economics, development economics, econometrics, behavioral economics, and labor economics.

Program Snapshot

      ❱  72 credit hours       ❱  Full-time       ❱  On-campus format       ❱  Degree: Ph.D.

Application Deadlines

Spring 2024 entry:         ❱  Nov. 1, 2023  (final deadline)

Fall 2024 entry:         ❱  Dec. 1, 2023  (early deadline)       ❱  Feb. 15, 2024  (priority deadline)       ❱  Apr. 15, 2024  (final deadline)

Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible for earlier consideration of departmental funding opportunities. Applicants have until the final deadline to apply. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle. 

Transfer credits accepted (reviewed by program director; up to 24 approved credits from the student's master's program may be transferred into the Ph.D. program)

Dr. Omari Swinton

Gail pritchett, program details.

• Degree Classification: Graduate
• Related Degrees: Ph.D.

Admission Requirements

Application for admission.

• Online GradCAS  application
• Statement of purpose/ Statement of academic interest ( 500-1,000 words )
• GRE scores not required
• Official transcripts sent to GradCAS
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent 
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Autobiographical statement ( 500-750 words )

GRE Required?

Gre preferred minimums    .

• GRE Verbal Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Quantitative Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Analytical Writing: N/A

GPA Required Minimums    

• Overall GPA minimum: 3.0
• Undergrad GPA minimum: 3.0

Prerequisite Courses 

No expiration date for course prerequisites. Special admission with some conditions will be considered on an individual basis.

• Intermediate Economic Theory (6 semester credit hrs of Intermediate EconomicTheory)
• Economics (12 semester credit hrs of any Economic courses)
• Mathematics for Economists or Differential Calculus (a course or 3 semester credit hrs of Mathematics for Economists or Differential Calculus)
• Statistics (6 semester credit hrs of Statistics)

For students with a master's degree in Economics or a related field:  

Students admitted into the Ph.D. program with a master's degree in Economics or a related field must have a GPA of well over B and a minimum of 24 graduate-level course credits, including at least 6 semester credit hrs in economic theory, 3 semester credit hrs in econometrics, and 3 semester credit hrs in graduate-level statistics. 

Reference Requirements     

Evaluator type accepted:

• Professor (Required)
• Supervisor/Manager

Evaluator type not accepted:

• Family Member

Economics, PhD

Zanvyl krieger school of arts and sciences, admission requirements.

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

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

Program Requirements

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

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

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

Requirements for the M.A. Degree

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

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

PhD 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. 

PhD in Economics

Program Overview

The PhD program in Economics provides in-depth, rigorous training in the theory and application of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. Entering students aim for research and teaching careers in academia or research-oriented positions in government, consulting, or private industry. Faculty members work closely with PhD students, generating a collaborative, stimulating intellectual environment.

Graduate Coordinator

• Associate Professor , John Munro Godfrey, Sr. Department of Economics

Preferred Deadline: January 15

The basic coursework is usually completed in the first two years. During the first year, students take core courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and research methods. The second year is devoted to field courses, and students begin to develop their own research ideas through this coursework. Students’ independent research begins in the summer after the second year when they begin working on their “second-year” paper, which is typically the first step in building a dissertation. After the second year, students also have the opportunity to teach their own class, building additional core knowledge and developing important classroom skills.

Beyond the second year, students are strongly encouraged to attend our weekly seminar series and participate in brown bag lunch and reading groups. There is ample opportunity to present ongoing research both to obtain critical feedback and develop important presentation skills.

Students are required to complete three fields of specialization, one of which must be econometrics. The department offers fields in advanced macroeconomics, industrial organization, health economics, and labor economics. Please visit our faculty directory for additional insight into the research focus within our department.

Program Structure

To earn a PhD a student must:

• Complete a minimum of 54 semester hours of course work, including required courses in micro and macroeconomic theory, econometrics and research skills.
• Pass two out of three written comprehensive (core) exams in microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, and econometrics in their first summer (at the end of their first year).
• Complete three fields of specialization, including one in econometrics.
• Complete a second-year paper assignment.
• Complete a Thesis Committee Form, which is typically done by the fall of your third year and must be done before your oral examination.
• Complete a Final Program of Study Form. This is typically done by the fall of your third year and must be done before your oral examination.
• Pass the Oral Examination by the end of your third year. Once you pass your oral examination and complete the Admission to Candidacy Form you will be formally admitted into candidacy.
• Present your research in the department’s seminar series.
• Write and defend an acceptable dissertation.

Course Work

Students enrolled in the PhD program in Economics are required to complete a set of core and selected field courses of specialization. The core curriculum consists of courses in mathematical economics ( ECON 8000 ), microeconomic theory ( ECON 8010 and 8020 ), macroeconomic theory ( ECON 8040 and 8050 ), statistical methods ( ECON 8070 ) and introductory econometrics ( ECON 8080 ).

In addition, to satisfy the university’s research skills requirement, students must attend the workshops and seminars sponsored by the department ( ECON 8980 ), and successfully complete Research Methods in Economics ( ECON 8090 ). The research methods course requires students to write a research paper to be presented in the department’s summer workshop series.

Students are required to complete three fields of specialization, one of which must be econometrics. To earn credit for this sequence you must take at least two of three advanced econometrics courses ( ECON 8110 , 8120 , and 8130 ). At least one of the two elective fields must be from courses offered by the John Munro Godfrey, Sr. Department of Economics. Besides econometrics, the department offers fields in advanced macroeconomics, industrial organization, health economics, and labor economics. With permission of the department’s graduate coordinator, students can satisfy one of the elective fields through course work in a related department, such as finance. A field is completed after passing two courses in an area of specialization with a minimum average grade of 3.0.

Written Preliminary Examinations

At the end of the first year, students are expected to have completed the Micro Theory ( ECON 8010 and ECON 8020 ) and Macro Theory ( ECON 8040 and ECON 8050 ) sequences and to take the Micro Theory and Macro Theory core exams. These theory core exams are given in June after the first year. Students who do not pass may retake the exam(s) later in the summer. Students must pass both exams during the summer after their first year in the program to maintain satisfactory academic progress towards their degrees.

Research Focus

An intensive introduction to the process of doing economic research typically begins in the fall of students’ second year when they take the Research Methods Course. The class is designed to help students transition from coursework to research and ultimately to writing their dissertation. The course is designed take students through the process of identifying, developing, and answering a research question. The tools students learned in their first year and are learning in their second are applied to this process under the close supervision of the course instructor.

Students’ development towards becoming independent researchers continues with the second year paper. By the summer after their second year of coursework, students form a second year paper committee and propose a topic for their second year paper. Over the next six months, students work under the supervision of this committee to craft a completed economic research paper. By January of their third year, successful students will have completed a paper having the potential for publication in a scholarly journal.

Progress towards becoming an independent researcher culminates in a student’s dissertation. Students establish a thesis committee during their third year. The completed dissertation must demonstrate original research, independent thinking, scholarly ability and technical mastery. Its conclusions must be logical, its literary form acceptable and its contribution to knowledge should merit publication. Students should establish a thesis committee by the spring of their third year.

Typical Course Sequence

• ECON 8010 Microeconomic Theory I
• ECON 8040 Macroeconomic Theory I
• ECON 8070 Statistics for Econometrics
• ECON 8000 Mathematics for Economists*
• ECON 8020 Microeconomic Theory II
• ECON 8050 Macroeconomic Theory II
• ECON 8080 Introduction to Econometrics
• ECON 8980 Seminar
• Microeconomics Theory Preliminary Exam
• Macroeconomic Theory Preliminary Exam
• Microeconomics Theory Preliminary Exam Retakes
• Macroeconomic Theory Preliminary Exam Retakes
• ECON 8090 Research Methods
• ECON 8110 / 8120 / 8130 Econometrics
• Part one of two field sequences (two courses each) from among the following areas: Health Economics, Industrial Organization, Labor Economics, Macroeconomics.
• GRSC 7770 Graduate Teaching Seminar
• Part two of two field sequences (two courses each) from among the following areas: Health Economics, Industrial Organization, Labor Economics, Macroeconomics.
• Present in Summer Workshop Series
• ECON 8980 Economics Seminar
• ECON 9000 Doctoral Research

Economics PhDs have placed at various prestigious academic institutions.

Placements include tenure-track positions at:

• Baylor University
• Miami (OH) University
• Cleveland State University
• St. Joseph’s University

Post-doctoral positions include:

• Columbia University
• Duke University
• University of North Carolina

Our students have also placed at prominent positions in government and industry, such as:

• the US Food and Drug Administration
• the US Treasury
• The Analysis Group
• PriceWaterhouseCoopers

Admissions and Financial Aid

Individuals holding a four-year baccalaureate degree in any discipline from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale are eligible to apply. Applicants are required to have college credit in differential calculus. Because of the necessary rigor of the curriculum, we also strongly recommend taking courses in integral and multivariable calculus and linear algebra prior to applying.

The General Test of the GRE is required for admission into the program. The GMAT will not be accepted as a substitute for the GRE. All international applicants whose native language is not English and who wish to be considered for financial aid must submit a TOEFL iBT score along with their application, irrespective of their graduating institution. There are no waivers for the TOEFL requirement.

All applicants to the PhD program are automatically considered for financial assistance. The Terry College of Business offers a variety of teaching and research assistantships, scholarships and fellowships. Qualified incoming graduate students are typically offered 9-month (academic-year) teaching or research assistantships from the college, as recommended by the department. The department provides these assistantships to continuing PhD students for five years of study. All assistantships carry a tuition waiver and a stipend.

Application Process

The application process is spelled out in detail on the Terry College’s application process and materials page . All application forms and instructions for completing them are available there. Send the completed application directly to the PhD/MA Program Admission Office of the Terry College:

PhD/MA Admissions Office Terry College of Business University of Georgia Amos Hall 620 S. Lumpkin Street Athens, GA 30602

To ensure that your application receives full consideration for funding, apply no later than  January 15.  Please note that the application must be complete, with all components of the application received by the Graduate School by the deadline. Department and Terry College financial-aid decisions are typically made in late February or early March. The UGA Graduate School only accepts electronic letters of recommendation, which can be submitted through its homepage.

PhD students are admitted for the fall semester only; there are no spring or summer admissions. In addition, the department does not transfer degree credit from other graduate programs. Students already holding a Masters degree from another program are usually asked to take all core and field courses in residence at Terry. Under certain circumstances, the mathematics and statistics preparatory classes may be waived on a case-by-case basis.

Please see the Bursars’s Office for information about tuition and fees.

• Financial Aid

All applicants to the PhD program are automatically considered for financial assistance. The Terry College of Business offers a variety of teaching and research assistantships, scholarships and fellowships. Qualified incoming graduate students are typically offered 9-month (academic-year) teaching or research assistantships from the college, as recommended by the department. The department provides these assistantships to continuing PhD students for four years of study. The total value of these awards is approximately $18,000, depending on the applicant’s qualifications and work assignment. All assistantships carry a tuition waiver. Teaching and research assistants are expected to devote 16 hours per week toward their assistantship duties, which are determined by the faculty member or members to whom the student is assigned.

Departments and Program Offices

• PhD Program Office
• John Munro Godfrey, Sr. Department of Economics

UGA Resources

• Graduate School

Additional Information

• Current PhDs
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• Enroll & Pay
• Prospective Students
• Current Graduate Students

Ph.D. in Economics

Our Ph.D. program serves advanced students of economics with a focus on research. We seek students with a strong math foundation who have completed coursework that covers multi-variable calculus, linear algebra, and introduction to proofs. Our program has several notable features.

Comprehensive Structure

Our program provides a solid foundation in modern economic analysis and develops expertise in two specializations (See Graduate Handbook ). After the first year, students take qualifying exams in June. There are annual milestones and incentives to help students finish in 5 years. This includes dedicated faculty advising and early pairing with research faculty .

Full Funding

Each year we bring in a class of 7-10 fully-funded students. Our five-year financial support package typically includes a full tuition waiver, a paid GTA position, funding for conference travel, and more.

Abundant research possibilities

KU is recognized as a Carnegie R1 Doctoral University , the top designation awarded to universities with very high research activity . Our faculty work in many fields, manage active research centers, and serve as Editors or Associate Editors at top journals.

Dedicated placement support

A placement team committed to supporting job market activities, including portfolio development, job talk coaching, and faculty outreach. We regularly place Ph.D. students in their areas before graduation. See recent placements.

Exceptional quality of life

The KU campus and Lawrence community provide a vibrant downtown adjoining campus, a low cost of living, and many diverse opportunities for entertainment and recreation. Be a part of the proud Jayhawk tradition!

Application Dealine

Fall-admission: January 5

Note: GRE is required.

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• Questions? Contact

Domestic Applicants: You're eligible for a $34,000/year Fellowship. Learn more...

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Lindner College of Business » Programs » Graduate Programs & Certificates

Graduate Programs & Certificates

Learning is a lifelong pursuit. Whether you are seeking to level up your skills, pick up a credential or pivot into a new industry, our offerings can help you achieve your goals.

Lindner's diverse portfolio of graduate degrees help students expand their knowledge, hone their expertise and cultivate their network.

Our engaged, expert faculty craft courses that connect advanced business concepts to the applicable skills top employers demand.

Master's degree options

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Science in Accounting
• Master of Science in Applied Economics
• Master of Science in Business Analytics
• Master of Science in Finance
• Master of Arts in Human Resources
• Master of Science in Information Systems
• Master of Science in Marketing
• Master of Science in Taxation

Graduate certificates

Fast, focused and relevant, our graduate certificates help students gain specialized knowledge of a business function or cross-disciplinary domain in as little as eight months.

Graduate certificates can be completed as standalone programs or in conjunction with the Lindner MBA or master's program.

• As a standalone option , graduate certificates help students effectively weave new skills into their existing knowledge, without the commitment of a degree.
• Graduate certificates can also serve as the preliminary step to starting a master's degree program. All credits taken as part of a graduate certificate may be subsequently applied towards an MBA or relevant MS degree.
• Finally, students can add even more value to their degree * by layering a graduate certificate into their current MBA or MS studies.

Certificate programs are not eligible for federal financial aid and the unversity will not issue an 1-20 for international applicants pursuing a standalone certificate.

Certificate options

• Business Foundations
• Data Analytics
• Data Science
• Enterprise Resource Planning
• Finance (Investment Management)
• Health Care Administration
• Health Care Finance
• Health Care Operations
• Health Care Policy and Regulation
• Human Resources
• Leadership and Management
• Digital Marketing
• Marketing Research
• Professional Selling and Sales Management
• Public Economics
• Real Estate
• Corporate Taxation
• Individual Taxation
• Entrepreneurship
• International Business

*Degree-seeking students must still apply for admission to the desired graduate certificate program. Please contact your academic advisor to apply.

Doctoral programs

For those who are attracted to research or mastering  how to teach business, Lindner's apprentice-style PhD programs consistently help place emerging thought leaders in public and private business schools around the world.

PhD concentrations

• Operations, Business Analytics, and Information Systems (OBAIS)

Jeffrey Franke

Assistant Dean , Graduate Programs

1318 Carl H. Lindner Hall

Ph.D. Student Sungwoo Cho Wins the First Summit Consulting Fellowship

UCLA Department of Economics

8283 Bunche Hall Mail Stop: 147703 Los Angeles, CA 90095

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