PhD in Economics | Research, Policy & Economic Systems
Economics

PhD in Economics

What is Economics?

Economics can be defined variably, contingent upon the specific circumstances. The study of limited availability, how individuals use resources and how they react to incentives, as well as decision-making skills, are all aspects of economics. The analysis of the decisions that individuals, businesses, governments, and nations make in order to distribute limited resources is the primary focus of this field. The creation, distribution, and consumption of goods and services are likewise the primary focus of this strategy.

Economics is a broad field that sheds light on historical patterns, enables us to make forecasts about the following year, and provides us with the ability to evaluate the headlines of today.

Different Fields of Study in Economics

Economics
  • Macroeconomic – Macroeconomics is the study of the overall health and growth of economies. Unemployment, GDP, growth rate, and inflation are some of the aggregate economic variables that are the main focus.
  • Microeconomics – Microeconomics is the study of economic decision-makers at the micro level, including people, families, and businesses.
  • Political Economy – Political economy examines the interplay among individuals, government, and public policy. This analysis explores the reciprocal relationship between politics and the economy, examining how political decisions influence economic outcomes and how economic conditions shape political dynamics.
  • Agricultural and Natural resources – Agriculture economics mainly focuses on land use, food delivery networks, and crop yields, while natural economics manages food, water, air, minerals, and the environment.
  • Development Economics – The main objective of development economics is to improve the fiscal, economic, and social conditions of developing countries by considering different factors like health, education, working conditions, domestic and international policies, and market conditions.
  • Econometrics – Evaluate ideas and hypotheses and forecast trends utilizing statistical and mathematical models of economic data.
  • Financial Economics – Financial economics analyzes forex, stock, and other financial markets and how inflation, depression, deflation, recession, price, and other factors affect them. It helps with investment decisions, risk assessment, and asset valuation.
  • Health Economics – Health Economics addresses efficiency, effectiveness, value, and behavior in healthcare production and consumption. It helps to enhance health outcomes and life patterns through interactions between individuals, healthcare professionals, and medical institutions.
  • Industrial Organization Theory – An area of study in economics develops upon the idea of the business by analyzing the composition of enterprises and markets, including their limitations.
  • Labour and Public Economics – Focuses on analyzing the connection between wages and employment opportunities, while Public Economics studies government policies from the perspectives of economic efficiency and fairness.
  • Behavioral Economics – Behavioral economics is an interdisciplinary field that integrates principles from economics and psychology to analyze and explain human behavior in everyday circumstances.
  • Business Economics – This field examines the challenges that companies encounter in the areas of finance, organization, markets, and the environment.
  • Urban, Rural, and Regional Economics – Rural economies have agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. Rural economics mainly emphasizes food systems. Urban economics uses economic tools to explore urban concerns like crime, education, public transit, housing, and local government funding.

All about Ph.D. in Economics

Educational Qualification required to pursue a PhD in Economics

In order to pursue a PhD in economics, candidates require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a closely related subject, such as economics, mathematics, physical science, or a related discipline.

Application Requirements to Pursue Ph.D. in Economics

  • Statement of Purpose: A statement of purpose (SOP) is a written document that outlines your career path by expressing your goals and reasons for pursuing education. It illuminates your background, sources of motivation, and how the selected program corresponds to your aspirations.
  • Personal Statement: The personal statement provides an opportunity to explain the qualities and experiences and also to thoroughly discuss the motivation for pursuing graduate studies, the desired field of study, and any prior research experience.
  • Writing Sample: The writing sample should clearly explain how the candidate might fit into the program.
  • GRE (Graduate Record Examination): When applying for a PhD in Economics, it is typically required to provide standardized test scores, such as the GRE.
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV): The curriculum vitae (CV) covers the candidate’s schooling, research, publications, public speaking, awards, and economic work experience.
  • Letter of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation should come from people who know your academic or professional history, your abilities, and your potential for graduate school.
  • English Language Proficiency: Applicants whose native language is not English may be required to demonstrate their English language proficiency through tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo.
  • English Proficiency Waiver: Certain applicants may be eligible for an exemption from the English language competence requirement, provided they meet specific conditions such as having obtained a degree in a nation where English is the primary language or demonstrating fluency through other means.
  • Academic Transcript: Applicants are usually required to provide an official academic transcript that contains comprehensive information regarding the content and quality of their academic achievement. This includes the titles of the courses taken each year and the corresponding grades received.

US Universities offering PhD in Economics

  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  2. Stanford University
  3. Harvard University
  4. University of Chicago
  5. University of Pennsylvania
  6. Georgia State University
  7. Wayne State University
  8. University of New Mexico
  9. Rutgers University
  10. Clemson University

Careers after Pursuing a PhD in economics

  • Lecturer or Professor
  • Researcher
  • Consultant
  • Banker
  • Government Official
  • Media Analyst
  • Actuarial
  • Economists
  • Econometricians
  • Public Relations Officer
  • Industrial Organization Economists
  • Political Scientists
  • Financial Consultant
  • Advisor and Accountant

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Frequently Asked Questions

It is essential to carefully select universities before applying to a PhD program. It enables you to focus on institutions that share your research interests, faculty competence, resources, and general academic climate. Take into account variables such as the program’s reputation, the level of mentorship provided by the professors, the availability of research opportunities, and the various alternatives for funding.

Multiple scholarships are accessible for individuals seeking to pursue a PhD in economics in the United States. These scholarships are provided by universities, government agencies, private foundations, and corporate sponsors. Several scholarships include:

  • Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA)
  • Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA)
  • Fulbright Scholarships
  • Ford Foundation Fellowship Program
  • Rotary Peace Fellowships

The availability of internship possibilities for PhD candidates in economics is contingent upon their particular research interests and career objectives. There are several internship possibilities to consider, such as research internships at universities, research institutes, or think tanks, internships with economic consulting firms, internships with government agencies or nonprofit organizations, and industry internships with companies in sectors such as finance, accounting, or banking.

Adam Smith is widely acknowledged as the founder of economics due to his pioneering ideas on unregulated economic output and uncontrolled commerce.

A special economic zone is a specifically defined region within a country that is governed by distinct economic regulations, which set it apart from other places within the same country.

Business economics is a branch of applied economics that focuses on analyzing and understanding the financial, organizational, market-related, and environmental challenges faced by organizations.

Economic growth is the increase in an economy’s capacity to produce goods and services, when comparing one period of time to another. The quantification can be done either in nominal terms or in real terms, with the latter being adjusted to consider inflation.

Economics is important as it provides a comprehensive understanding of various global phenomena, such as politics, climate change, poverty, and health care.

Economic development involves several factors and attempts to improve people’s economic well-being and quality of life. This phenomenon is seen in the economy and development programs through improvements in education, resource availability, and living standards. Collaboration creates jobs, builds infrastructure, and trains workers. The ultimate goal is a sustainable, inclusive future for communities.

Economic activity refers to the process of producing, supplying, acquiring, or trading products and services. It encompasses any action that entails the production, distribution, or consumption of goods or services. Economic activities are present at every level of society. Furthermore, any activities that include the use of money or the trading of goods or services are considered economic activities.

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