Program Overview
Introduction to the PhD in Economics Program
The doctoral program in Economics at Rice University provides rigorous training in economic theory and econometrics to prepare students for research careers in economics. The program is designed to enhance the university's role as a leading center of economic research.
Program Overview
The program has a small size, with approximately 45 graduate students working with 24 full-time faculty, promoting close faculty-student interactions and collaboration, as well as strong relationships among the students.
Fields of Study
The program offers the following fields of study:
- Theoretical and Applied Econometrics
- Applied Microeconomics
- Economic Theory
- Financial Economics
- Game Theory
- Political Economics
- Energy Economics
- Development Economics
- Empirical Industrial Organization
- Labor Economics
- Macroeconomics
- Public Finance
- Health Economics
Degrees Awarded
The program awards the following degrees:
- PhD in Economics with a Major Concentration in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics (STEM designated)
- Ph.D. in Economics with an M.A. in Statistics
- An additional Major Concentration in Finance
- An M.A. degree is awarded to students pursuing Ph.D. in Statistics when they complete the requirements for M.A. in Economics with a Ph.D. in Statistics
- It is also awarded to students who complete all the requirements for the Ph.D. in Economics working toward their dissertation
Program Statistics
- Full-time faculty working with students: 24
- Students: 50 doctoral students
- Number Admitted: 5-7 students each year
Special Features
Effective academic year, all students receiving MA or PhD degrees in Economics will also receive Major Concentration in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, and will be able to apply for a 24-month STEM extension of F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT). The department has established itself as a leading institution for structural empirical microeconomics, an approach to economic analysis that combines economic theory and econometrics to address substantive economic issues. In 2014, the department launched the Rice Initiative for the Study of Economics (RISE) in order to enhance its role as a leading center of economic research, and has since hired ten new faculty.