Economics PhD

Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)
Minimum Required Credits: 60.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 45.0603
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-3011

About the Program

Drexel's PhD in Economics prepares economists for careers in academia as well as careers in government or industry by providing a solid background in economic theory, quantitative analysis, and analytical tools at the advanced level. The PhD program in Economics offers three fields of study, namely industrial organization, international trade, and open economy macroeconomics. The program is also particularly strong in applied microeconometrics.

During their time in our program, students are expected to become subject matter experts in their chosen field, become proficient in quantitative methods, and use their obtained field-specific knowledge and quantitative knowledge to conduct sound research projects. Students are also expected to learn to become effective teachers by gaining field-specific knowledge, but also through opportunities to work as teaching assistants for our faculty, teach standalone courses, and attend teaching workshops hosted by our faculty.

Our doctoral program is a full-time, on-campus program that typically requires five years to complete. Students are first required to complete two years of coursework, and then, their dissertations take approximately three years to complete. They also are required to pass first year and second year (i.e., candidacy) exams to continue in the program. Their courses are taught by research-active faculty who are experts in the content area, and all research-active LeBow faculty take a hands-on approach to mentoring our doctoral students on a daily basis. Each year, we accept a relatively small number of PhD students into our program, which allows for a collegial, supportive program culture, where PhD students interact regularly with faculty and with each other and feel supported both by our faculty and their classmates. In addition, LeBow’s collaborative, collegial research environment provides doctoral students with ample opportunities to engage with experts in their chosen field and to learn how to conduct high-quality research. Students work as research assistants for our faculty, but are also strongly encouraged to work with all faculty, regardless of research assistantship assignments. Their work with faculty typically results in publishable research projects.

Upon graduation, students are expected to attain a tenure-track faculty position at a high-caliber academic institution or chose a career in government or industry. In that regard, our program is structured in ways that work to train students to become highly-research active scholars and effective teachers, with the intention of giving students the skills and capabilities that they need to achieve success in their chosen careers.
 

Additional Information

For more information please contact the School of Economics

Admission Requirements

Same as Drexel admission requirements.

Degree Requirements

¹

Concentration credits include elective courses in Economics (ECON) with a course number range between 9000-9999 or other approved course at the PhD level.

²

Dissertation Research credits include courses in Accounting (ACCT), Statistics (STAT), Economics (ECON), Finance (FIN), Management (MGMT), Marketing (MKTG), Operations Research (OPR), Organizational Behavior (ORGB), or Production Operations Management (POM).

Program Learning Outcomes