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Economics (Ph.D.) Program

The doctoral program in Economics provides rigorous training in applied economic analysis, microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, game theory, and econometrics. Our graduates are at the forefront of applied economics research spanning fields like public finance, household economics, international economics, behavioral economics, and labor economics.

Program Overview

The Ph.D. program in Economics at Howard's Graduate School provides students with rigorous technical training in applied economic analysis, microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, game theory, and econometrics. Our program prepares students for careers in academia, public policy, and government as leading economists, consultants, statisticians, and senior researchers.

Program Details

• Credit Hours: 72 credit hours
• Program Format: Full-time, On-campus format
• Degree: Ph.D.
• Fields of Specialization: Growth and development, urban economics, labor economics, and international economics

Application Deadlines

• Spring 2026 entry: November 15 (final deadline)
• Fall 2026 entry:
  • November 15 (early deadline)
  • February 15 (priority deadline)
  • April 15 (final deadline)

Admission Requirements

Application for Admission

• Online application
• Statement of purpose/Statement of academic interest (500-1,000 words)
• Official transcripts
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Autobiographical statement (500-750 words)

GRE Requirements

• GRE scores not required
• No preferred minimums for GRE scores

GPA Requirements

• Overall GPA minimum: 3.0
• Undergrad GPA minimum: 3.0

Prerequisite Courses

• Intermediate Economic Theory (6 semester credit hours)
• Economics (12 semester credit hours)
• Mathematics for Economists or Differential Calculus (3 semester credit hours)
• Statistics (6 semester credit hours)

Reference Requirements

• Evaluator type accepted: Professor (Required), Supervisor/Manager, Other
• Evaluator type not accepted: Coworker, Friend, Family Member, Clergy

Program Structure

Students shape their course of study in a major subfield and in a minor subfield and pursue original policy-relevant research tailored to their individualized program of study. Regularly scheduled graduate seminars and workshops offer a forum for students to present their early-stage research or learn about the latest research in their fields from invited speakers.

Research Areas

The Department of Economics is affiliated with research centers like the Center on Race and Wealth, the Center of Excellence in Housing and Urban Research and Policy, and the Center for Urban Progress. Faculty are committed to students' professional development and are at the forefront of economics research spanning fields including public finance, household economics, environmental economics, international economics, development economics, econometrics, behavioral economics, and labor economics.