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.