PhD in Economics
Producing about 10 graduates each year, the PhD in Economics program is a close community of scholars from around the world. Coursework ranges from microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics to the economics of industry and labor.
PhD students engage in research with faculty as research assistants and publish their own work in respected journals including Economics Letters, Journal of Macroeconomics and European Economic Review.
The PhD in Economics is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security STEM-designated degree program.
Prospective Students:
Current Students:
"I greatly benefitted from the doctoral program at GW, both as an economist and as a researcher. The program played an instrumental role in advancing my understanding of economic theory and empirical methodologies, cultivating my research interests and honing my ability to apply these skills in real-world settings. I now work as a development economist at a multilateral organization, where I conduct research on topics like inequality, unemployment, property rights and social protection and contribute to evidence-based policy making."
Abhilasha Sahay
PhD '20
Program Timeline
The program is divided into two stages:
- Pre-candidacy stage: The student completes coursework and general examinations in microeconomic and macroeconomic theory as well as a research paper proposal.
- Candidacy stage: The student participates in a dissertation seminar, completes the written dissertation and conducts an oral defense.
The PhD program is offered primarily on a full-time basis, and students are expected to complete the degree in five to six years. Occasionally, the department will admit highly qualified part-time doctoral students.
View detailed year-by-year timeline of program rules and requirements (PDF).
Degree Along the Way Options
Students in the PhD program can earn either a Master of Science (MS) in Economics or a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Economics degree while pursuing the PhD degree.
Students in good standing may apply for the MS once they have completed the 30 required credits: ECON 8301, 8305 and 8375; two courses chosen from 8302, 8306 and 8376; and five 8000-level economics courses. Students may apply for the MPhil degree after they have successfully entered Candidacy.