The PhD in Economics is a small and focused program, with students concentrating in one of two areas of specialization: Industrial Organization, Competition Policy, and Regulatory Economics and Labor Economics. The program is applied in nature and is designed for students who are considering work in the government and private sectors as well as academic jobs.
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Fewer than ten students enter the PhD in Economics program each year. Students may concentrate in either Industrial Organization, Competition Policy, and Regulatory Economics; or Labor Economics. Each field is covered in two semester courses at the PhD level. Admission from the Bachelor’s level requires taking the MA core courses and two additional elective courses plus the PhD requirements.
The field of Industrial Organization, Competition Policy, and Regulatory Economics analyzes and evaluates the performance of markets and devises appropriate policy responses when markets are not performing well. By developing techniques for examining the structure, conduct, and performance of markets, it bridges economic theory and the real world. In addition, it helps to develop and implement antitrust and regulatory policies to remedy failures of those markets.
The field of Labor Economics analyzes the neoclassical labor market, covering such topics as the supply of labor from the perspective of the individual and the family, human capital, the demand for labor, market equilibrium, and the determination and distribution of wages and earnings. Theoretical and empirical issues surrounding current topics in labor economics are examined, and may include discrimination, efficiency wage theory, labor legislation, life cycle analysis and the use of microdata (panel studies), search behavior, intergenerational earnings mobility, and employment and training policies.
In addition to industrial organization and labor, students take field courses, when available, in other research areas. Development economics is an example of one such area.
Learn more about the PhD program in Economics from the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.
The Economics department faculty engage in research in a wide range of academic and applied areas including industrial organization, competition policy, labor economics, development economics, network science, innovation policy, health, applied game theory, monetary policy, banking, technological change, law and economics, and education. They serve as mentors and advisors, and collaborate alongside students to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.
- Financial Security: Students enjoy a guaranteed five-year funding package, covering Fall, Spring, and Summer terms
- Small & Focused: Fewer than ten students are accepted yearly
- In-Depth Specialization: Achieve expertise with two PhD-level courses per specialization over two semesters.
- Advanced Economic Analysis: Apply advanced economic theory and methodologies to address real-world economic, social, and environmental challenges in diverse policy settings.
- Expertise in Quantitative Methods: Gain proficiency in applied econometrics and statistical learning, utilizing cutting-edge techniques to analyze big data, test economic hypotheses, forecast trends, and establish causality.
- Research Excellence: Develop and execute impactful research agendas, culminating in a publication-quality doctoral dissertation that showcases your ability to contribute original insights to the field.
- Career-Ready Skills: Acquire the expertise needed to secure professional roles in academia, research, consulting, management, and policy making, leveraging the skills honed during your graduate studies.
- Versatile Application of Economics: Utilize formal economic tools to tackle pressing issues such as inequality, social and racial justice, and competitive markets across various policy areas and career contexts.
- Effective Communication: Enhance your ability to communicate economic knowledge clearly and persuasively in academic, professional, and public forums, including classrooms, conferences, and professional meetings.
Our graduates pursue careers within academia and beyond.
- Amazon
- Analysis Group
- Charles River Associates
- City University of New York (CUNY), Queen’s College
- The Brattle Group
- Ernst and Young
- Federal Trade Commission
- Federal Reserve Bank
- Moody’s Analytics
- Nera, Inc.
- World Bank
Application Materials
- Application
- Application fee – US $100
- Personal statement
- Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
- English proficiency for international applicants
- Three letters of recommendation
- Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) – Optional
- Resumé