At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
€45k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Emphasis on early research involvementResearch Focus
- Flexible curriculum with focus on core principlesCurriculum Design
- Rigorous training in Economic Theory, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, and EconometricsCore Disciplines
- Exposure to diverse research topics including Macro Finance, Market Design, and Industrial OrganizationResearch Areas
- Development of skills for original and creative economic researchResearch Skills
The Ph.D. in Economics program at Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business is designed to train students to become researchers who advance economic knowledge. The program emphasizes developing strong theoretical understanding and quantitative skills necessary for innovative research. Unlike programs with rigid course structures, this Ph.D. focuses on early research involvement, guiding students to conduct original and creative work. Students gain in-depth knowledge of specialized areas through elective courses, seminars, faculty collaboration, and independent research. The goal is for graduates to master fundamental economic theory and research techniques, enabling continued self-development and contributions to the field. Active participation in the school's intellectual life and weekly seminars is highly encouraged as a critical component of professional development for research economists.
Curriculum
The Ph.D. program requires completion of core sequences in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics, followed by an Advanced Economic Analysis (AEA) / Elective sequence. A second-year paper is also a requirement, after which students begin thesis topic formulation and proposal preparation.
- Year 1 & 2
- Math for Economists
- Microeconomics I, II, III
- Macroeconomics I, II, III
- Econometrics I, II, III
- Advanced Economic Analysis (AEA) / Elective Sequence (6 courses, subset offered annually)
Careers
Graduates are trained as scientists equipped with exceptional research skills in economic theory and quantitative tools, prepared for careers advancing economic knowledge through research and teaching.
- Economic Researcher
- University Professor
- Policy Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Consultant
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for the Ph.D. in Economics program?
- The doctoral tuition is $52,300 per academic year for the 2026-2027 academic year. The estimated living expenses are $34,018 per academic year, making the total estimated cost of attendance $86,318, excluding health insurance and loan fees.
- What are the entry requirements for the Ph.D. in Economics?
- Applicants need an undergraduate degree in fields such as Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Biomedical Engineering, with college-level coursework in life sciences, statistics, and programming. A minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100 overall is required.
- How do I apply for the Ph.D. in Economics program?
- You should use the School of Computer Science online application portal to create an account, complete the form, upload required documents like transcripts and your statement of purpose, and submit three letters of recommendation. Admission is for the Fall semester only.
- When is the application deadline for the Ph.D. in Economics?
- The application opens on September 9, 2026, for Fall 2027 admissions. Please ensure all documents are submitted by the unspecified deadline.
- What are the career prospects after completing the Ph.D. in Economics?
- Graduates are trained as researchers and are prepared for careers as economic researchers, university professors, policy analysts, data scientists, or consultants, advancing economic knowledge through research and teaching.
- Are there any scholarships or funding opportunities available?
- The program offers grants for conference funding, professional engagement, and scholarly projects, including a $750 grant for scholarly projects. The Rales Fellowship Program is also available for future STEM leaders.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeIn fields like Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Biomedical Engineering (or a combination).
College-level CourseworkCompletion of coursework in at least one life science, statistics, and some programming. Familiarity with algorithms and data structures is ideal.
TOEFL iBT100 (minimum overall)
TOEFL waivers are not issued for any reason, including previous study in English-speaking environments or institutions.
Fees
Tuition (international)Doctoral Tuition: $52,300 per academic year.
Tuition (home)—
LivingEstimated Living Expenses (Housing, Food, Books, Personal, Travel, Transportation, Technology): $34,018 per academic year. Total estimated Cost of Attendance (excluding health insurance and loan fees): $86,318.
Amounts are for the 2026-2027 academic year. Health insurance cost is TBD. Student Activities Fee is $244 per academic year.
How to apply
1. Create an AccountAccess the School of Computer Science online graduate admissions portal.
2. Complete the Application FormFill in all required personal information, program interest, and any other specified fields.
3. Upload Required DocumentsSubmit PDF copies of transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, and TOEFL scores (if applicable).
4. Submit Letters of RecommendationArrange for three letters of recommendation to be submitted, with at least two from faculty or recent employers.
5. Review and SubmitEnsure all sections are complete and submit the application by the deadline.
Scholarships
Conference Funding—
Professional Engagement Funding—
Scholarly Project Funding$750
Rales Fellowship Program—
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for the Ph.D. in Economics program?
+
The doctoral tuition is $52,300 per academic year for the 2026-2027 academic year. The estimated living expenses are $34,018 per academic year, making the total estimated cost of attendance $86,318, excluding health insurance and loan fees.
What are the entry requirements for the Ph.D. in Economics?
+
Applicants need an undergraduate degree in fields such as Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Biomedical Engineering, with college-level coursework in life sciences, statistics, and programming. A minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100 overall is required.
How do I apply for the Ph.D. in Economics program?
+
You should use the School of Computer Science online application portal to create an account, complete the form, upload required documents like transcripts and your statement of purpose, and submit three letters of recommendation. Admission is for the Fall semester only.
When is the application deadline for the Ph.D. in Economics?
+
The application opens on September 9, 2026, for Fall 2027 admissions. Please ensure all documents are submitted by the unspecified deadline.
What are the career prospects after completing the Ph.D. in Economics?
+
Graduates are trained as researchers and are prepared for careers as economic researchers, university professors, policy analysts, data scientists, or consultants, advancing economic knowledge through research and teaching.
Are there any scholarships or funding opportunities available?
+
The program offers grants for conference funding, professional engagement, and scholarly projects, including a $750 grant for scholarly projects. The Rales Fellowship Program is also available for future STEM leaders.