Economics, PhD
Business, approved for STEM-OPT extension, government, investment, markets, money
Enjoy close contact with faculty and fellow classmates and many opportunities to actively participate in department activities and to discuss your ongoing research with visitors. Financial support for five years is offered through teaching and research assistantships with highly competitive stipends.
In the Doctor of Philosophy program in economics, students receive rigorous training in microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, applied economics and econometrics. Additionally, students may select a primary area of specialization for study:
- applied microeconomics
- econometrics
- economic theory
- environmental and resource economics
- financial economics
- macroeconomics
This full-time doctoral program prepares students for teaching and research positions at four-year institutions of higher education and for research positions in public agencies or private business organizations.
The program is relatively small, with about 45 doctoral students in residence at any time. The low student-to-faculty ratio affords students greater faculty attention and mentoring than larger programs. Students become valued members of the department, involved in teaching, research and seminar activities.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
W. P. Carey School of Business
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
In addition to completing 60 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree (30 credit hours beyond the master's degree) and 24 credit hours of research and dissertation, the doctoral student must accomplish five tasks:
- Meet the qualifying examination requirement.
- Present at least one area of emphasis.
- Pass the comprehensive examination (both written and oral components).
- Pass the dissertation proposal defense.
- Complete a dissertation with an oral defense.
Students should see the Department of Economics graduate student handbook for details concerning these tasks.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the W. P. Carey School of Business.
Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- GRE scores
- three letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
The Department of Economics requires applicants to send official GRE scores from their ETS account directly to Graduate Admission Services. Applications are not reviewed until GRE scores are received. ASU does not accept the GRE® General Test at home edition.
The admission policy weighs several factors, including letters of reference, overall GPA, GRE scores, and performance in selected mathematics and economics courses. There are no absolute standards for any of the factors, but performance on each should clearly suggest academic potential that is far above that of the average undergraduate student.
Admission guidelines are available on the Graduate Admission Services website. Applicants should see the program website for application deadlines and admission terms.
Graduates with a W. P. Carey School of Business doctorate in economics embark on careers in research and academia, learning from thought leaders in their respective fields and gaining the resources of one of the largest universities in the U.S.
Career opportunities include:
- assistant professor
- economist
- research associate
Department of Economics
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CPCOM 412
econ.phd@asu.edu
480-965-3531
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
