Graduate Program
The Economics Department at Emory University offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Economics, which is the highest degree awarded by universities. Students undertake an extensive program of study and research in economics. Ph.D. study culminates with a doctoral thesis, which is an original and thorough contribution to the subject. Successful students demonstrate original thinking and an inclination towards intensive research work.
Our program has been ranked in a new article published in the Southern Economic Journal examining Ph.D. granting institutions for areas of expertise. Emory Economics ranked #13 in Law and Economics and #21 in General Economics and Teaching. See Grijalva, Therese and Clifford Nowell. 2008. A Guide to Graduate Study in Economics: Ranking Economics Departments by Fields of Expertise. Southern Economic Journal 74(4): 971-996.
The Emory Ph.D. program in Economics prepares students to become productive scholars and effective teachers in colleges and universities. Our graduates are also well prepared for research positions in private research organizations, industry, and government. Students first master the core areas of microeconomics, macroeconomics and probability/statistics/econometrics. They demonstrate their command of these subjects by passing comprehensive core examinations. The program also provides students with an understanding of research methodology and research methods and techniques, including econometrics and qualitative methods. During the second and third years, students focus their studies in specialized fields offered by the Department itself and interdisciplinary areas offered in cooperation with other departments and schools in the University.
We provide the student with the research training and tools necessary to contribute to the expansion of knowledge in economics. Our department has an intellectually challenging atmosphere of collegial scholarship. It provides the opportunity to study topics in the core fields of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, in established fields of law and economics, health economics, public economics, international trade, and industrial organization, as well as topics beyond the traditional boundaries of economics such as neuroeconomics, social economics, and experimental economics.
The Ph.D. program in economics at Emory is a full-time program. While some students may earn their Ph.D. in four years, most will finish in five years. Graduate students are expected to reside in Atlanta area and take classes and conduct research at Emory. With rare exception, all graduate students receive a tuition waiver, a competitive stipend, and other benefits available to Emory students, provided they are in good standing in the program.
To learn more about our program, please browse our website. You may also contact us through email (econgrad AT emory.edu) or phone (404-727-6385).