Doctor of Philosophy in Economics
at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies

The Ph.D. in Economics program seeks to develop in the student a high level of competence in conducting basic and applied research and to prepare the student for a career requiring a doctoral degree in economics. To accomplish these objectives, the program provides a rigorous and in-depth course of study emphasizing the latest theoretical knowledge, quantitative techniques, research methodology, and empirical evidence in the student's field of specialization.

The doctoral program requires the student to demonstrate mastery of a large and complex body of knowledge and a high degree of proficiency in the techniques of teaching and research. This is evidenced by the successful completion of coursework and examinations, effective performance in classroom instruction, participation with faculty members in research, presentation of papers and reports, and the writing of a dissertation. Given the substantial commitment of intellectual effort and time required to achieve these competencies, students are expected to enroll on a full-time basis.

The Department of Economics has designated a faculty member to serve as doctoral coordinator for the Ph.D. in Economics program. The doctoral coordinator is charged with oversight of the program. This faculty member also serves as an advisor and liaison for students, and is available to provide assistance in developing a program of study.

Graduate research and teaching assistantships are available for newly accepted and continuing students. For first-year students, the average award for the past two years has been a $16,000 stipend plus a tuition waiver. (Refer to the "Graduate Research and Teaching Assistantships" heading in the "Financial Information" chapter of the doctoral catalog, and the "Doctoral Assistantships and Instructorships" page.)

Recent graduates of the Ph.D. program have found academic jobs at the University of Minnesota-Morris, the Naval Postgraduate School in California, Deakin University in Australia, and Indiana University. Recent non-academic placements include the Environmental Protection Agency, the Congressional Research Service, and the Congressional Budget office, all three in Washington D.C.; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Economic Forecasting Center, both in Atlanta, Ga.; and the Center for Study of Science and Society in Dallas, Texas.

Read more on the Ph.D. in Economics degree requirements page.

Photo above: The George Malanos Scholarship in Economics, honoring Dr. George Malanos, late professor of economics and first chair of the department, is given at Honors Day to the Ph.D. student selected by the faculty as best exemplifying a commitment to the exchange of ideas and the creation of a community of scholars.