phd in economics washington dc

PhD in Economics

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PhD in Economics At a Glance

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

Tailor Your Degree to Your Research Interests

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

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

See complete Admissions and Program Requirements .

Faculty Dedicated to Your Success

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

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

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

Launch Your Career Amongst Top Economists 

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

Internship and employment opportunities:

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

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

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

Read more career information about AU economics alumni.

See the 2017-8 list of job market candidates .

News & Notes

See schedule and abstracts for the 2024  Third Year Paper Conference , April 3 in Kreeger.

IMPA hosts a colloquium on  Inequality and the Macroeconomy: Academic and Policy Challenges   at Kreeger, April 17, noon–3:00.

Research Seminar Series Wednesdays at noon.

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

Student Spotlights

More about Aina

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

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

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

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

Vasudeva Ramaswamy

More about Vasudeva

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

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

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

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

Elissa Cohen

More about Elissa

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

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

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

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

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

Amy Burnett Cross

More about Amy

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

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

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

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

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

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Doctor of Philosophy in the Field of Economics (STEM)

Economics looks at choices under scarcity and how these choices affect production, market prices, national output, unemployment, inflation, economic growth and the use and distribution of resources within and across nations. GW’s graduate economics program involves topics ranging from microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics to subject areas chosen from labor economics, international economics, and the economics of industry. It is part of the social and behavioral sciences program in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences.

The PhD program is divided into two units. The first unit includes completing examinations in microeconomic and macroeconomic theory and two field examinations selected by the student and approved by the doctoral program committee.The second unit includes participation in a dissertation seminar, completion of the written dissertation, and an oral defense. The program is offered primarily on a full-time basis and students are expected to complete their degrees in five to six years. Occasionally, the program admits highly qualified part-time students.

This is a STEM designated program.

Visit the program website for additional information.

Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:

Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Office of Graduate Studies The George Washington University 801 22nd Street NW, Phillips Hall 107 Washington DC 20052

For additional information about the admissions process visit the Columbian College  of Arts and Sciences  Frequently Asked Questions  page.

[email protected] 202-994-6210 (phone)

Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

The general requirements stated under  Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs .

The requirements for the  Doctor of Philosophy Program .

Pre-candidacy requirements

Pre-candidacy requirements include satisfactory completion of 48 credits, including 18 credits in required courses and 30 credits in elective courses. Students must also earn a grade of Pass or Pass with Distinction on each part of the general examination, as outlined below.

General Examination

The general examination has three parts: two preliminary examinations taken in the first year—one in microeconomic theory and one in macroeconomic theory—and a research paper due in the sixth semester. To pass the general examination, students must earn a grade of  Pass  or  Pass with Distinction  on both preliminary examinations and on the research paper.

Students who earn a GPA of 3.0 or above in the microeconomic theory course sequence ( ECON 8301 and ECON 8302 ) are considered to have earned a grade of Pass on the preliminary examination in microeconomic theory; students who earn a GPA of 3.0 or above in the macroeconomic theory course sequence ( ECON 8305 and ECON 8306 ) are considered to have earned a grade of Pass on the preliminary examination in macroeconomic theory. Other students must sit the preliminary examinations at the end of the first year.

Students who do not earn a grade of Pass or Pass with Distinction on both preliminary examinations may, with departmental approval, retake one or both examinations before the start of the following semester. Both preliminary examinations must be passed by the second attempt.

Students are also required to earn a grade of Pass or Pass with Distinction on the research paper, which constitutes the second half of the general examination. Students must submit the research paper and deliver a presentation of the content to at least two faculty members for evaluation by the end of their sixth semester in the program. (Part-time students may submit the research paper later, subject to departmental approval.) Students who do not pass the research paper by the end of the sixth semester will receive an academic warning and must pass it by the end of the following semester.

Post-candidacy requirements

Post-candidacy requirements include successful completion of 24 credits at the 8000 level, the formulation of a dissertation proposal, a formal presentation of the proposal by the student to a prospective dissertation committee for approval (where approval of the proposal formalizes the creation of the dissertation committee), and completion of a dissertation that demonstrates the candidate's ability to do original research as determined by the dissertation committee.

Students should successfully defend the dissertation proposal by the end of the eighth semester in the program. Students who do not successfully defend the dissertation proposal by the deadline will receive an academic warning and must successfully defend the proposal by the end of the following semester. Part-time students may defend later, subject to departmental approval.

The 24 credits must include a minimum of 6 credits in  ECON 8999 Dissertation Research .

Once a student successfully completes the 72 credits required for the program, they must register for 1 credit in  CCAS 0940 Continuing Research - Doctoral each subsequent fall and spring semester until they have successfully defended their dissertation to the dissertation oral examination committee, thereby completing the degree program.

Students may apply for the master of philosophy (MPhil) degree after successfully defending a dissertation proposal.

Time limits

The pre-candidacy stage must be concluded within six semesters of matriculation in the program; part-time students may conclude the pre-candidacy stage within ten semesters of matriculation, subject to departmental approval. Upon successful completion of pre-candidacy, students are considered for admission to candidacy, i.e., the dissertation stage. The dissertation stage must be completed within five years of entry into candidacy, or within eight years of matriculation in the program, whichever comes first.

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About the Programs

Georgetown’s Department of Economics offers three graduate programs: a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Applied Economics, a Master of Science (M.S.) in Economics and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Economics.

The M.A. in Applied Economics  provides students with a solid understanding of the fundamental tools of economic analysis, which can be employed to undertake rigorous analyses of economic issues and economic policies. The focus of this program is in contrast to an alternative professional degree, such as an MBA, which provides the relevant training for a career in business or management. It also is distinct from an M.S. degree in economics, which is frequently considered a stepping stone to a Ph.D. in economics and concentrates on academic contributions.

The M.S. in Economics  is an innovative two-year program, recognized as a STEM degree, emphasizing frontier training in econometrics and quantitative economics.

The Ph.D. in Economics  is a full-time course of study designed for students who seek research careers on the forefront of economic science. The Ph.D. program provides an excellent training environment for future scholars. Located in the nation’s capital, it is ideally situated for both students specializing in pure science and those who wish to study policy informed by the science.

Ph.D. students may choose from among nine fields of specialization:

• Econometrics
• Economic Development
• Economic Theory
• Industrial Organization
• International Macro and Finance
• International Trade
• Labor Economics
• Macroeconomics
• Public Economics and Political Economy

Degrees Offered

M.a. in applied economics, m.s. in economics, ph.d. in economics, admissions requirements.

For general graduate admissions requirements, visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information page. Review the  program’s website  for additional information on program application requirements.

Application Materials required:

• Application Form
• Non-refundable Application Fee
• Statement of Purpose
• Transcripts:  Applicants are required to upload to the application system copies of official  transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Visit our Application Information page for additional details and FAQs.
• WES Evaluation: strongly encouraged (if applicable)
• Official Recommendations (3)
• TOEFL = 100 minimum
• IELTS = 7.0 minimum

Undergraduate training in economics is desirable, but exceptions are made in cases of students with appropriate alternative backgrounds. Undergraduate training in statistics and multivariable calculus is required, plus superior performance on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical aptitude sections of the GRE.

The core courses in typical Ph.D. programs in economics, including Georgetown’s, are highly mathematical. The typical matriculant to the Georgetown Ph.D. program has a strong mathematics background and achieves above the 80th percentile on the quantitative section of the GRE. Ideally, applicants should have completed three semesters of calculus and one semester each of linear algebra and differential equations. Courses in Real Analysis and/or Measure Theory are highly desirable.

Analytical skills and a strong preparation in mathematics are essential for a successful application.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: January 15
• January 15 (priority)
• April 1 (final)

Degree Requirements

For the master’s program, students will be expected to complete the minimum of 30 course credits by taking a combination of core and elective courses. For further information please visit the department’s website .

To attain a Ph.D., a student must complete the Graduate School requirement of 54 credit hours of course work and maintain satisfactory progress in all phases of the course of study. For additional information, please visit the department’s department’s website .

Connect with Us

Program Contacts:

• Ph.D. Program Julius J. Shapiro:  [email protected]
• Master’s Programs Thomas Lewis: [email protected]

Quick Links

Begin your application today!

College of Arts & Sciences

PhD Admissions

Thank you for your interest in the Georgetown University Ph.D. in Economics program. The Ph.D. program in Economics is a full-time program that admits students with outstanding analytical skills; a strong preparation in mathematics is essential for successful application. Undergraduate training in economics is desirable, but exceptions are made in cases of students with appropriate alternative backgrounds. Undergraduate training in statistics and multivariable calculus is required, plus superior performance on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical aptitude sections of the GRE. Students with previous training in economics are encouraged to take the economics achievement section of the GRE. Other admissions requirements include three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, academic statement of purpose, and application fee. An academic writing sample is not required for consideration to the program. The core courses in typical Ph.D. programs in economics, including Georgetown’s, are highly mathematical. The typical matriculate to the Georgetown Ph.D. program has a strong mathematics background and achieves above the 80th percentile on the quantitative section of the GRE. Ideally, applicants should have completed three semesters of calculus and one semester each of linear algebra and differential equations.

The application deadline for admission to the program in the Fall 2024 is January 15, 2024 .  

Application Information

Applications In order to apply to the Economics Program, you will need to complete the Economics Ph.D. Application administered through the Georgetown University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Admissions office.

Unfortunately, the Department will not offer an application fee waiver under any circumstance.

GRE Exam Applicants must take the GRE exam as it is mandatory for your application to be considered. The GRE code for Georgetown University is 5244.

TOEFL / IELTS All applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency to be eligible for admission. Please note that citizenship does not determine English language proficiency.  Proof of English language proficiency can be demonstrated by: 

• the receipt of a bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or from a university where English is the primary language of instruction. The degree does not have to be earned by the time of application but will need to be conferred by the start of the semester to which the applicant is applying. (Please note that applicants receiving degrees at universities in U.S. territories, such as Puerto Rico, are required to submit the TOEFL or IELTS unless the primary language of instruction at the institution is English.)
• submission of an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score report with a minimum score of 550 (paper-based test) or 80 (internet test). Many departments and programs require submission of a TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based test) or 100 (internet test) or higher.
• submission of an official International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Module score report with a minimum score of 7.0. Some departments and programs require submission of an IELTS score of 7.5.

The TOEFL code for Georgetown University is 5244. Transcripts Applicants are required to upload to the application system unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Do not send electronic or paper copies of your transcripts before receiving an offer of admission. Review the unofficial transcript requirements for additional details and FAQs.  

Letters of Recommendation Three letters of recommendation are required. If you would like to submit a fourth letter of recommendation you may send it to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Admissions office via email. The Department can not guarantee the Admissions Committee will review all four letters of recommendation.

Materials Please send all application materials directly to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Admissions Office. Please DO NOT send transcripts, letters of recommendation, copies of your GRE scores, or IELTS/TOEFL documentation to the Economics Department . The Department is not allowed to keep these materials nor are we allowed to forward these materials  to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences on an applicant’s behalf,  unless they are in a sealed envelope.  

Contacts/Questions For any programmatic related questions, please feel free to contact: Julius J. Shapiro, Ph.D. Program Coordinator Email: [email protected] Phone: 202-687-5601

For any application-related questions, please contact the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Admissions Office Phone: 202-687-5568 E mail:  [email protected]  

Please DO NOT send e-mail questions to individual faculty members. If you have any questions for Faculty members, please email Julius J. Shapiro, Ph.D. Program Coordinator instead.  

Once again, thank you for your interest in Georgetown University’s Economics Ph.D. Program. We look forward to receiving your application.

Regards, Julius J. Shapiro,  Ph.D. Program Coordinator

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Graduate Program Overview

Visit our  Graduate Programs  page for more helpful resources.

Doctoral Program

The PhD program in economics consists of three phases:

• One year of core courses, followed by core examinations in microeconomics and macroeconomics.
• Approximately one year of elective courses, followed by examinations in the student’s fields of specialization.
• Successful completion of a dissertation.

There is no foreign-language requirement for the doctorate in economics.

Phase 1: Core Courses and Examinations

All doctoral students regularly complete a set of core courses in microeconomics (Econ 500, 501, and 508), macroeconomics (Econ 502, 503, and 509), and econometrics (Econ 580, 581, and 582). All PhD students are expected to pass core examinations in microeconomics and macroeconomics. The core courses are completed during the first year of the doctoral program and the core examinations are taken two weeks before the second year begins. Although students are not expected to have done course work beyond the core courses before taking these examinations, they are expected to review and integrate material from the first year courses in preparation for the exams.

Phase 2: Field Courses and Examinations

In addition to the core courses, each doctoral student must satisfactorily complete at least eight elective field courses in economics at the graduate level. At least one of these must be in advanced microeconomics or advanced macroeconomics, and at least three must be in applied areas.

Each doctoral student must satisfy the requirements for two fields of specialization. The field requirements can be satisfied either by passing two field examinations or by passing one field examination and receiving an average grade of at least 3.8 in the elective courses corresponding to a second field.

Phase 3: Dissertation Research

The doctoral dissertation is the final major requirement for the PhD degree (for a list of completed dissertations since 2010, see here ). After completing the core and field requirements, the student chooses a dissertation topic and a doctoral supervisory committee is appointed. Students are encouraged to discuss potential dissertation topics with faculty members early in their graduate studies. The Department offers three ongoing workshops in the areas of macro and international economics, labor and development economics, and natural resource economics to assist students in finding and developing dissertation topics. The faculty uses these workshops to present work in progress as well.

After the supervisory committee has been appointed and a dissertation topic has been developed, the student takes the general examination. This examination is an oral defense of the formal dissertation proposal. When the dissertation is completed, the student takes the final examination, which is an oral defense of the completed dissertation.

The doctoral program may be completed in four years, although most students take longer. During the last few years, the average length of time to completion of the PhD was approximately six years.

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Economics and Econometrics Graduate Programs in the Washington, D.C. Area

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Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - Georgetown University

Nw Washington, DC •

Georgetown University •

Graduate School

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: The program is highly practical. The professors explain concepts in class and give us home works to submit on each topic discussed on a weekly basis. This enables us to grasp the concepts more. We are informed of the professors office time and so we can email them to make inquiries and get assistance when needed. We make presentations during class which train us to become more bold and be able to communicate the concepts easily. We are able to discuss and critic writings independently. We work on projects in groups of about 3-4 and discuss findings to the entire class and professor. We review research papers and make meta-analyses inform of class projects. The program is well structured and i am gaining skills. My worst experience is having to worry about Tuition and other related school bills. ... Read 2 reviews

Georgetown University ,

Graduate School ,

NW WASHINGTON, DC ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The program is highly practical. The professors explain concepts in class and give us home works to submit on each topic discussed on a weekly basis. This enables us to grasp the concepts more. We... .

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College of Behavioral and Social Sciences - University of Maryland

College Park, MD •

University of Maryland - College Park •

University of Maryland - College Park ,

COLLEGE PARK, MD ,

Columbian College of Arts & Sciences

Washington, DC •

George Washington University •

Master's Student: The course work here is rigorous and exciting and will push you to become the best professional that you can be. Client interactions especially for the speech language pathology graduate program is top notch and they get you working hands on within the first couple weeks of starting the program. The support given by the professors and school are outstanding and I have had nothing but great interactions, even when I've needed help figuring things out. ... Read 2 reviews

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George Washington University ,

WASHINGTON, DC ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says The course work here is rigorous and exciting and will push you to become the best professional that you can be. Client interactions especially for the speech language pathology graduate program is... .

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• • Rating 4.56 out of 5   25

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WASHINGTON, DC

• • Rating 4.54 out of 5   147

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ARLINGTON, VA ,

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Howard University •

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   8 reviews

Master's Student: The Master's in Social Work program is taught from the perspective of the African American experience. As an African American, I have seen both sides of the coin (I have worked as a case manager assisting fractured families and I have advocated for my medically fragile son by successfully defending against false charges of medical neglect). The academics at Howard are fully equipping me to face my next career. ... Read 8 reviews

Howard University ,

8 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The Master's in Social Work program is taught from the perspective of the African American experience. As an African American, I have seen both sides of the coin (I have worked as a case manager... .

Read 8 reviews.

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Howard University Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts

Howard university graduate school.

Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences

University of Pittsburgh •

PITTSBURGH, PA

Suffolk University

• • Rating 4.56 out of 5   16

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Spartan Alert

Phd in economics, on campus and online options, a focus on policy research.

Our innovative Ph.D. program provides you with the advanced theoretical, quantitative, and statistical skills required to perform and interpret economic analyses in a wide range of policy-oriented areas. Graduates of the PhD in Economics program work in a broad range of in-demand fields including economic consulting and research, policy analysis and evaluation, forecasting, data science, risk analysis, and academia.

Our program focuses on producing top-quality policy-oriented researchers through rigorous training in advanced empirical analysis and economic modeling. You will be prepared to perform and interpret cutting-edge economic analyses in a wide range of areas including education, environmental policy, health, labor, public economics, macroeconomics and banking, and technology and innovation.

Collaborative research experiences with invested instructors sharing a deep commitment to teaching and scholarship

45-72 Hour Program

Earn a PhD in Economics in as little as three years

Customizable

Select a focus on: Public, labor, health, environmental economics, economics of technology and entrepreneurship, macroeconomics

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Ph.D. program requires the submission of a completed application including Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores and a completed bachelor’s degree with coursework in the following:

• Intermediate microeconomics
• Intermediate macroeconomics
• Regression analysis
• Mathematical economics or equivalent

Students who enter the program with a master’s degree in economics may be eligible to waive up to 15 credit hours, depending on their coursework.

General Program Of Study

An established legacy of excellence since 1935, the department of economics has celebrated more than 80 years of service in education and developing researchers., full & part-time program options.

We offer full-time and part-time options for completing the PhD in economics program. For those who wish to pursue the program full-time, this program can be completed in as little as three years. For those who would rather pursue the program part-time, we will sit down and work out your plan of study to fit your needs and desires. The time to complete the PhD degree part-time will depend on the specifics of that plan of study, but a common plan results in completion in five or six years.

Check Out Our Program Fact Sheet

Program costs.

Estimated program costs are based on completing 45 credit hours calculated by 2021-2022 rates. Costs exclude textbooks and student health insurance. If you would like to view a complete schedule of tuition, fees, meal plans and financial aid opportunities, visit the Spartan Central website .

The Department typically provides tuition waivers to well-qualified doctoral applicants along with a stipend, fellowship, or scholarship to reimburse student fees and the majority of cost of living expenses. Additionally, information on financial assistance is available through the Spartan Central website .

February 1st – Priority deadline

Complete applications submitted by this date are given first priority for admission and for financial support through fellowships, scholarships, and assistantships.

May 15th – Standard deadline

Complete applications submitted by this date will be considered for admission and for financial support after applications that were submitted by February 15 have been evaluated.

2021 Class Profile

Female Students

International Students

Minority Students

Average Class Size

Mean Undergraduate GPA

The Student Experience

Close collaboration with faculty.

Our PhD students work under the guidance of faculty who conduct nationally and internationally recognized research that promotes economic understanding, policy improvements, and economic development. Whether it is classroom interactions or one-on-one discussions, you’ll find our faculty always have time to support you as you make your way through the PhD program.

Classes at the doctoral level are small, and students benefit from direct and frequent interactions with faculty.  Students begin working in applied research early in their programs and are encouraged to work with faculty to identify policy problems they want to investigate through their dissertations.  They frequently work with faculty on grant-funded research, and co-author papers with faculty for presentation at regional and national professional meetings.

Students Who Work (and Play) Together

Because our PhD program is small, you’ll also find that it’s easy to get to know your fellow students. PhD work can be a daunting process, but it’s made easier and more rewarding when students work together. We strongly encourage our students to work together, to help each other out, and share in their successes.

Whether it is work in the classroom, as a graduate assistant, or on a dissertation, you’ll find our students accessible and willing to pitch in to help. That help sometimes extends beyond the formal boundaries of the program; sometimes the best thing you can do for someone is to help them relax!

Opportunities to Share Your Work

Part of being an economist is sharing one’s work, getting feedback, and, yes, sometimes engaging in discussions over contentious issues. As a result, we strongly encourage our PhD students to share their work at all stages of the research process. This can take place informally through one-on-one conversations with faculty or fellow students, casual group conversations at the end of the day, or even by exchanging written work and asking for feedback. But formal interactions are also an important part of the world of the economists, so the Department also strongly encourages PhD students to participate in our informal Brown Bag Presentations intended for work still in the early stages and in our more formal Seminar Series where more complete, polished work can be shared.

Recent job placements of our graduates

• Lead Economist, The MITRE Corporation Washington, DC Area
• Assistant Professor, University of Maine
• Lead Data Scientist , ADP
• Senior Research Economist , RTI International Durham, NC
• Lecturer (U.K. AP equivalent) , University of Strathclyde Glasgow, Scotland
• Consultant , The Lewin Group Washington, DC Area
• Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Northeastern University
• Economist, Amazon
• Research Fellow , Ankara University Ankara, Turkey
• Economist, U.S. Department of Agriculture Washington, DC Area

Have Questions?

To learn more about the PhD in Economics program please contact Dr. Dora Gicheva at [email protected] .

Dr. Dora GiCheva

Bryan 459 [email protected]

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Exciting PhD Software Engineering Opportunities at Google!

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Hey SEAS Community!

Great news for those nearing the completion of their PhD journey in Software Engineering — Google has opened applications for full-time roles that could be the perfect stepping stone into an illustrious career. If you’ve been looking to apply your deep academic knowledge and research experience in a dynamic and impactful way, this is your moment!

Open Roles Just for You:

• Software Engineer, Systems and Infrastructure, PhD University Graduate : An opportunity to delve into designing and implementing the core systems and infrastructure that powers Google’s vast ecosystem. Apply Now
• Software Engineer, Embedded Systems and Firmware, PhD University Graduate : Perfect for those passionate about bringing hardware to life through innovative firmware and embedded solutions. Apply Here

These roles are not just jobs but a chance to make significant contributions to the tech world, leveraging Google’s resources and your expertise. If you’re interested, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Don’t miss out on the chance to kickstart your career at one of the world’s leading tech companies.

Best of luck, SEAS Career Services

W. Scott Amey Career Services Center

800 22nd St. NW Suite 2730 Washington, DC 20052

Phone: (202) 994-4205 seascareers@gwu.edu

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School of Economics

SOE Graduate Students Kathryn Bowen and Elinor Hunt present research at Regional Science Meetings

SOE Graduate Students Kathryn Bowen and Elinor Hunt recently presented their research at the Southern Regional Science Meetings in Washington, DC. Kathryn Bowen presented her research paper, A Reinvestigation of Biotechnology and Regional Labor Markets: Have industrial shifts altered labor demand. Elinor Hunt presented her research paper, How has AI impacted the manufacturing sector in the US? Insights from a new primary Investigation.  Both students are working with Dr. Andrew Crawley on their NSF-funded research projects. Congratulations Kathryn and Elinor!

Metropolitan School of Professional Studies

Scholarship program supports undergraduate study by dc residents.

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Remembering Fr. William J. Byron, S.J.: A Tribute to a Visionary Leader

The following message was sent to The Catholic University of America community today.

It is with great sadness that I write to our Catholic University community about the death of Fr. William J. Byron, S.J., who served as the twelfth President of The Catholic University of America from 1982-1992. He was 96.

Father Byron was an exceptional leader in Catholic higher education, having served as president at both Catholic University and the University of Scranton (1975-1982). He also served as interim president at Loyola University New Orleans (2003-2004). A Jesuit, he was the first member of a religious order to lead Catholic University. 

Father Byron was known for being an inspiring intellectual who had an ability to connect powerfully with people and with ideas. Alumni remember him fondly for his close relationships with students, and for his leadership. He wrote more than 20 books and received more than 30 honorary degrees. 

Here at Catholic University his legacy is all around us. He completed the first $50 million fundraising campaign that led to expanding undergraduate housing with the construction of Centennial Village. He also led the fundraising for the Pryzbyla Center, the naming of the Benjamin T. Rome School, and the new building for the Columbus School of Law. He also tripled the endowment and led the 100-year anniversary celebration of Catholic University.

The main 238-seat dining area in Garvey Hall is named Byron Dining Room in honor of Fr. Byron. Van Smith, who was a University trustee during Fr. Byron’s tenure, together with his son, Victor Smith, J.D. 1996, chairman of our University’s Board of Trustees, and his daughter, Susan Smith Newell, J.D. 1993, M.A. 1994, the Columbus School of Law's school's assistant dean for admissions and dean of students for first-year students, donated to the dining commons project to honor Father Byron’s important role in the history of Catholic University.

William Byron was an Army paratrooper before he attended St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. He was ordained a priest of the Society of Jesus in 1961. Father Byron earned a doctorate in economics from the University of Maryland, two theology degrees from Woodstock College, and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a master’s in economics from Saint Louis University.

He was the 1999 recipient of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities’ Theodore M. Hesburgh Award, and the Council of Independent Colleges’ Academic Leadership Award. In his last years he served as a professor of Business and Society at St. Joseph’s University.

Information about funeral services and a campus memorial is forthcoming.

Please join me in praying for the repose of the soul of Fr. William J. Byron, S.J. May he rest in peace.

Peter Kilpatrick

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Isabel Tecu wins Best Business Article (General Economics) in Antitrust Writing Awards 2024

Isabel Tecu of CRA’s Antitrust & Competition Practice and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP’s Ken Schwartz and Michael Singer have won Best Business Article (General Economics) for the Concurrences’ 2024 Antitrust Writing Awards.

In this article titled Private Equity and Competition—Comparing U.S. Agency Views to Recent Policy and Empirical Evidence, the authors summarize recent statements by FTC and DOJ leadership that suggest that private equity investment is harmful to competition and show that these statements conflict with previous agency policy and leadership opinion. It highlights empirical economic evidence suggesting that a blanket negative view of private equity in the competition context is misplaced.

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CRA engagements win in 2024 GCR Awards

The high-profile acquisition of Activision by Microsoft, which CRA Competition’s teams advised on was named overall Matter of the Year, as well as Matter of...

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CRA expands its Competition team in Canada

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Renée Duplantis, Mr. Ian Cass, and Dr. Dimitri Dimitropoulos have joined CRA’s Competition Practice in Toronto. Dr....

Upcoming events

• Speaking Engagement
• April 10-12, 2024

ABA 72nd Annual Spring Meeting

Fei Deng is a speaker during the session titled “Fundamentals – Economics.” Wednesday, April 10 1:45–3:15 PM Session Description: Back-to-basics without being...

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• April 18, 2024

ThoughtLeaders4 Competition Merger Control Forum 2024

CRA is a proud sponsor of the event. Oliver Latham is a panelist during the session titled “Examining Recent Cases in Big Tech and Digital Markets”...