PhD program overview
The STEM-designated PhD program in economics from W. P. Carey is relatively small — ensuring students are in close contact with faculty and each other, actively participate in department workshops, and discuss their ongoing research with visitors.
Economics PhD students are financially supported through teaching and research assistantships for five years. Stipends are highly competitive with any graduate program in the world. For eligible graduates, STEM designation provides access to an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This longer work authorization term may help international students gain additional skills and experience in the U.S.
Our website has information about our faculty and their research. Macroeconomics is a traditional strength of the department, with several researchers in the area. Over the last several years, the department has recruited a research group in empirical microeconomics, and now have strong faculty in that area, as well as in environmental economics, economic theory, financial economics, and econometrics.
Recent students hold tenure track positions at the University of Pennsylvania, Yale (School of Management), NYU Stern, The University of Queensland, The University of Miami, Utah State, the Stockholm School of Economics, the University of New Hampshire, West Virginia University, Virginia Commonwealth University, ITAM, and Fudan University; and research positions at the World Bank, the US Census Bureau, Blackrock, and IMPAQ. Our recent graduates have published in the American Economic Review and Econometrica, as well as other leading journals. Stipends are competitive with top graduate programs. We are eager to build on the successes of our alumni.
Fields of study
The PhD program provides rigorous training in microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, applied economics and econometrics. Additionally, you have the opportunity to select a primary area of specialization for study:
- Macroeconomics
- Economic Theory
- Applied Microeconomics
- Environmental and Resource Economics
- Financial Economics
- Econometrics
Program timeline
Year 1
Semester 1
*Math Bootcamp
*Macroeconomic Analysis I
*Microeconomic Analysis I
*Mathematics for Economists
*Econometrics I
Semester 2
*Macroeconomic Analysis II
*Microeconomic Analysis II
*Econometrics II
Summer 1
Qualifying Exams Given
Year 2
Semester 3
*ECN Elective 1
*ECN Elective 2
*ECN Elective 3
Required PhD Seminar
Workshop — Student/Faculty Speakers
Seminar — Visiting Speakers
Semester 4
*ECN Elective 4
*ECN Elective 5
*ECN Elective 6
Required PhD Seminar
Workshop — Student/Faculty Speakers
Seminar — Visiting Speakers
Summer 2
Prepare for Comprehensive Exam (written)
Possible summer work position
Year 3
Semester 5
Required PhD Seminar
Workshop — Student/Faculty Speakers
Seminar — Visiting Speakers
Research
Third year paper - written comprehensive exam
Semester 6
Required PhD Seminar
Workshop — Student/Faculty Speakers
Seminar — Visiting Speakers
Research
Third year presentation - oral comprehensive exam
Summer 3
Possible RA
Possible Fed Summer
Possible Summer Teaching
Conference Travel (pre-approved for funding)
Year 4
Semester 7
Required PhD Seminar
Workshop — Student/Faculty Speakers
Seminar — Visiting Speakers
Research
Dissertation Prospectus
Possible Teaching
Semester 8
Required PhD Seminar
Workshop — Student/Faculty Speakers
Seminar — Visiting Speakers
Research
Dissertation Prospectus
Possible Teaching
Summer 4
Prepare for Job Market Paper
Conference Travel
Possible RA
Possible Summer Teaching
Year 5
Semester 9
Job Market Preparation
Dissertation
Research
Semester 10
Interviews and Fly-outs
Dissertation Defense
Summer 5
Graduation or Sixth year funding (must be pre-approved)
Summer teaching
*Required Core Course for the PhD Program. Grades must be a B (3.0) or better to stay academically eligible to continue in the program.
Director of Graduate Studies
Professor Eddie Schlee
PhD Program
Econ.PhD@asu.edu
If you are interested in the MS Economics program please click here.