Doctorate in Economics Programs
Doctorate in Economics programs are designed for graduate students who are interested in pursuing advanced study of economic theory as well as conducting original empirical research in the field of Economics. PhD in Economics programs offer both theoretical perspectives as well as technical education, and may focus on current economic policies or trends. Some programs encompass development economics, international economics, labor economics, monetary economics or econometrics. At the doctoral level, students are expected to focus on a particular area in economics, both to help fine-tune their prospective career as well as to help focus their in-depth research.
How Long Does It Take To Earn a PhD in Economics?
The entire PhD in economics program may take 4 to 6 years. Students are advised to contact the school they are interested in attending.
The first few years are generally devoted to achieving competence in core courses, such as econometric methods, fundamentals of microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, as well as economic history. Following this, students prepare for an examination in their chosen field of Economics, prepare a proposal for their dissertation, then they take an oral examination. Once this procedure is completed, students may advance to candidacy and complete a dissertation based on original research and findings.
How to Select a PhD in Economics Program?
Compare PhD programs by requesting info from the schools you are considering. Ask questions. Find out who the faculty is, what the emphasis of the program is, tuition costs, and admissions requirements. You may see several listings for Economics at the Doctorate level, however, the curriculum may vary between schools.
GradSchools.com has easy to use search tools to help you find the right PhD in Economics program. If location is important, you might begin with a location search; use the city, state or country tabs to browse results.
Narrow your search by deciding on program format. Campus programs are available, and offer prospective students the opportunity to interact, use the libraries to research, and take advantage of career counseling and other services. Currently working professionals might find that earning a PhD in Economics is more convenient, as distance-learning allows more of an independent pace and convenient scheduling process. Hybrid programs combine low residency on campus coursework with online courses.
Popular Schools with Doctorate in Economics Programs
Potential Career Outcomes For PhD in Economics Graduates
Students in Economics PhD programs are prepared for scholarly research, academic careers, as well as for high-level statistician and economist jobs. With the increasingly competitive global business environment, candidates with experience and advanced education, such as a PhD, may have better prospects.
What is the salary of a Doctor in Economics Graduate?
While it is hard to determine whether PhD candidates earned more than those with Masters degrees, one might still compare the median 2021 wages in these professions. Per the BLS, the top 10% of Economists earned more than $193,690 compared to the top 10% of Statisticians who earned more than $169,500 (BLS), and postsecondary teachers, $104,940 (BLS).
PhD in Economics Job Forecast
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, statisticians lead the forecast for positive employment growth at 31% between 2021 and 2031, compared with Economists at 6% (BLS) and Postsecondary Economics Teachers at 8% (BLS) growth during the same time period.
| State | Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 7,680 | $116,910 |
| California | 1,470 | $112,670 |
| Virginia | 1,350 | $119,600 |
| New York | 700 | $103,510 |
| Texas | 670 | $97,550 |
| Metro Area | Annual Mean Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $139,790 | 110 |
| Cleveland-Elyria, OH | $134,630 | 70 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $129,500 | 460 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $118,160 | 9,380 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $112,590 | 380 |
| Occupation | Average Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Managers | $154,600 | 370 |
| Lawyers | $114,700 | 130 |
| General and Operations Managers | $101,190 | 320 |
| Financial Analysts | $96,010 | 660 |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $87,000 | |
| Loan Officers | $80,450 | |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $73,310 | 30 |
Ready to Pursue a Doctorate in Economics ?
For someone with exceptional mathematics skills, an ability to think critically and analyze data to forecast trends and determine economic patterns, earning a PhD in Economics may lead to a variety of potentially lucrative jobs in some fast-growing fields. The global economy is highly regulated, competitive and in need of professionals who are able to navigate it. Why not use the search tools on GradSchools.com to find the doctorate level degree in Economics to suit your goals!
GradSchools.com Offers 147 Doctorate in Economics Programs
Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies
Carnegie Mellon University
University of Pittsburgh
University of Illinois at Chicago
Emory University
Syracuse University
University of Maryland Baltimore County
University of Oregon
University of Nottingham
University of New Hampshire
Duke University
Washington State University