Program Overview

Ph.D. in Economics

The University of NebraskaLincoln offers a Ph.D. in Economics, a program known for its blend of advanced economic theory and applied policy analysis. With over 100 years of experience in awarding doctoral degrees in economics, the university provides students with the opportunity to work closely alongside faculty to develop robust research skills and pursue a career in academics, business, or government.

Admission Information

• Admission Requirements:
  • Academic transcripts
  • Three letters of reference
  • A statement of purpose
  • GRE score
  • TOEFL score (for international students, with a minimum of 550 written, 213 computer-based, 80 iBT, or 6.5 IELTS)
• Admission Deadlines: Apply by February 1 to begin in the fall semester.
• The department does not employ a rigid formula for admission but expects excellent undergraduate (or graduate, if applicable) records in economics, mathematics, and statistics, along with excellent GRE scores, TOEFL scores (when applicable), and strong letters of recommendation.

Program Requirements

• A minimum of 90 hours of graduate coursework is required.
• The program is composed of coursework, comprehensive exams, a third-year research paper, and a dissertation.
• Foundational Courses:
  • ECON 815: Analytic Methods
• Core Courses:
  • ECON 912A and 912B: Microeconomics I and II
  • ECON 911A and 911B: Macroeconomics I and II
  • ECON 917, 918, and 919: Econometrics I, II, and III
• Fields of Concentration: Students can choose from fields like Economic Education, Econometrics and Empirical Methods, International Trade and Development, Labor Economics, and Public and Urban Economics, with the option to include electives within economics or cognate areas.

Prerequisites

• Intermediate level training in both macroeconomics and microeconomics.
• A strong mathematical background, including at least two semesters of calculus, a course in linear (matrix) algebra, and a course in mathematical statistics. Differential equations and math analysis are also recommended.
• All course deficiencies must be removed prior to the first semester of enrollment.

Benefits

• The Department of Economics awards three to four assistantships to new students each year, which include a competitive stipend, tuition remission, health benefits, and teaching and research opportunities.
• Additional funding opportunities, such as the McConnell Dissertation Fellowship and the Bingham Teaching Fellowships, are available.

Research Opportunities

• Students can develop robust research skills and participate in meaningful economic research through one of five economics-related centers: the Bureau of Business Research, Central Plains Research Data Center, National Center for Research in Economic Education, Nebraska Council on Economic Education, and Lincoln Center for Economic Education.

Why Nebraska?

• The city of Lincoln offers a low cost of living, great schools, and a friendly, community-minded environment, making it an attractive location for students.
• The university is committed to placing Ph.D. students into academic and non-academic careers, with recent placements including tenure-track professors, economists at research-focused non-academic institutions, and economists in the private sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions

• Can I apply to the doctoral program directly from my undergraduate degree? Yes, well-qualified students with a 4-year undergraduate degree are encouraged to apply directly to the Ph.D. program.
• Do you admit international students? Yes, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln does not discriminate based on gender, age, disability, race, color, religion, marital status, veterans status, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation.
• What are the math/economics prerequisites for the program? Ph.D. students are expected to have adequate backgrounds in economics and mathematics, including intermediate micro and macro economics, a full calculus background, and courses in linear (matrix) algebra, mathematical statistics, and differential equations.
• Is there a minimum GRE score requirement? The department does not employ a rigid formula for admission and does not have a minimum GRE score requirement, although applicants are expected to perform well.
• Is the GRE Economics Subject test required? No, the Economics subject test is not required.

Funding

• What is the cost of the program? For up-to-date information on costs, see the UNL's Office of Graduate Studies Prospective Student Financial Information page.
• What funding options are available? The department awards three to four assistantships to new students each year, which provide a full tuition waiver, stipend, and medical insurance.
• What percentage of new students receive departmental funding? Typically, 7080 percent of new, first-year Ph.D. students receive assistantship funding.
• How do you apply for an assistantship? All applicants are considered for assistantships; no separate application for financial aid is required.
• Can the application fee be waived under special circumstances? The application fee cannot be waived.