Program Overview

PhD in Political Economy

The PhD in Political Economy is a program that offers extensive knowledge of the dynamics of the Asian economies and the key trends underlying the global political economy and its transformation. The program specializes in Political Science and Economics.

Key Facts About the Program

• Minimum residence: Two years (four semesters)
• Maximum residence: Seven years (fourteen semesters)
• Language: English
• Admission slots: 14 students (3 local students, 10 international students, 1 Overseas Chinese student)
• Tuition:
  • First six semesters: NT$135,000 per semester (equal to US$ 4,500, at an exchange rate of US$ 1 = NT$ 30)
  • From the seventh semesters on: NT$40,000 per semester (equal to US$ 1,333, at an exchange rate of US$ 1 = NT$ 30)
• Qualification: Proficiency in English and with sufficient social sciences background (but not necessarily social sciences majors)
• Track: Political Science, Economics
• Course work requirement: 30 credits (equivalent of around 15 courses), plus 8 credits of Mandarin Chinese courses for International students
• PhD thesis: Required (must pass the qualification exam first)
• Start date: September 2026
• Applications Open:
  • September 1, 2025 (international)
  • October 8, 2025 (domestic)
  • TBA (Oversea Chinese)

Curriculum

Core Courses (21 credits)

• Advanced International Political Economy
• Advanced Comparative Political Economy
• Institutions and Behavior
• Conflict and Peace
• Quantitative Methods II (QM2)
• Research Design in Social Inquiry
• Independent Research

Elective Courses (9 credits)

Examples of elective courses include:

• Asian Development in Historical and Global Perspective
• Asian Economic Development in Comparative Perspective
• Chinese Development Model in Comparative Perspective
• Civilizations and World Order
• China in the Global Political Economy
• Government and Politics in Asia
• Regional Integration in Asia
• State and Development in Asia
• The Transformation of Global Order in the 21st Century
• International Relations of East Asia
• Economic Transition of Socialist Countries and International Competition of Economic Systems
• Political Economy of Global Trade System
• Political Economy of Global Financial System
• China and the Global South
• Development Economics
• Economic Growth and Structural Transformation
• Trade and Economic Development
• Technology Policy and Economic Development
• Human Resources for Economic Development
• Wealth of Nations: Economic Growth Theory and Practice
• Industrial Policy and Economic Development
• East Asian Confucianism
• Environmental Policy and Development
• Ethnology of East and Southeast Asia
• Financial Market Development in Asia
• Foreign Direct Investment in Asia
• Global Political Economy and India
• Human Rights and Democracy
• International Financial and Monetary Relations
• Law and Environment in East Asia
• Political Economy of Cross-Strait Relations
• Political Economy of Development in Southeast Asia
• Production Network in Asia
• Political Economy of the Semiconductor Industry
• Tax and Economic Development

Track Requirements

Political Science Track Required Course (21 credits)

• Advanced International Political Economy
• Advanced Comparative Political Economy
• Institutions and Behavior
• Conflict and Peace
• Quantitative Methods II (QM2)
• Research Design in Social Inquiry
• Independent Research

Economics Track Required Course (21 credits)

• Advanced International Political Economy
• Advanced Comparative Political Economy
• Advanced Macroeconomics Analysis
• Advanced Microeconomic Analysis
• Quantitative Methods II (QM2)
• Quantitative Methods III (QM3)
• Independent Research

Mandarin Courses

International PhD students must complete 8 credits of Mandarin courses before graduation. Students who meet certain criteria may apply for a waiver.