Program Overview

The Graduate School

The Graduate School at Georgia State University offers a range of programs for students seeking advanced degrees.

Program Details

• Economics, Ph.D.: The doctoral program in economics takes a pioneering approach to economics that emphasizes public policy and empirical evaluation.
• Description: The program combines the latest economic theory, analytical skills, research methodology, and empirical techniques to equip students to meet today's complex challenges and educate the next generation of public economics experts.
• Fields of Specialization: The program offers five fields of specialization within economics: experimental, health, labor, public, and urban/environmental.
• Research Centers: Students can collaborate with researchers in various centers to gain practical experience, including the Atlanta Census Research Data Center, Center for State and Local Finance, Experimental Economics Center, Fiscal Research Center, Georgia Health Policy Center, Georgia Policy Labs, International Center for Public Policy, and Usery Workplace Research Group.

Admissions Requirements

• Application Fee: A nonrefundable fee of $50 is required for each application.
• Personal/Goal Statement: A two- to three-page typed statement of interest covering personal and professional goals as they relate to the Ph.D. in economics.
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae: A complete, current resume or curriculum vitae summarizing academic, research, clinical, and/or other relevant experiences.
• Official GRE Scores: Official scores must be reported to institution code 5251 and received by Georgia State by the application deadline.
• TOEFL or IELTS Academic Scores: International applicants are required to submit official TOEFL or IELTS academic scores.
• Three Letters of Recommendation: Letters should be submitted through the online application.
• Transcripts: Upload transcripts from each post-secondary college/university attended.

Curriculum

• Economic Theory and History: 15 credit hours
• Mathematical and Statistical Tools: 12 credit hours
• Applied Economics: 12 credit hours
• Elective Fields: 9 credit hours
• Secondary Field: 6 credit hours
• Dissertation Research: 3 credit hours

Tuition and Funding

• Graduate Assistantship: Students admitted to the program are typically offered a graduate assistantship with a minimum $24,000 yearly stipend and full tuition waiver.
• Fellowships: Additional funding through fellowships is also available.

Careers

• Placements: Graduates hold top positions in academia, international agencies, the private sector, and all levels of federal and state government.
• Recent Placements: Include academic and research appointments at Columbia University, Indiana University, and Williams College, and critical leadership roles at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and the World Bank.

Program Overview

• Degree Requirements: 57 semester hours of coursework must be successfully completed for graduation.
• Registration: Students must register for at least 9 hours per semester (excluding summer session).
• Location: Classes are held on the Atlanta Campus.