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Home / Academics / Graduate Program / Ph.D. Economics

Ph.D. in Economics

2019 Ph.D. cohort

The Economics Department

The graduate program coordinator/advisor, the graduate director, and the graduate committee administer the economics graduate program.  If students have questions or concerns about university/program administration, policy, processes, or degree progress, the following people would be the appropriate contacts:

Meenoo Kohli , graduate programs coordinator

Suzi Burkhardt, graduate programs adviser

Ajay Shenoy , Ph.D. program director

In addition to policy matters, the graduate committee is responsible for awarding funds for presentations at scholarly meetings, funds for summer field work, and nominations for fellowships.

For issues related to academic and professional development, courses, academic milestones, etc., students should contact their faculty advisor. 

Graduate Offices and Mailboxes

Graduate students have assigned office space located in Engineering 2. Each student is issued an office key from the graduate program coordinator.

Graduate mailboxes are located in the graduate lounge, room 410. Be sure to check your mailbox frequently, as important announcements are placed in the mailboxes. No personal mail should be delivered here. Mail sent to campus should be addressed to:

Graduate Web Sites and Email

Graduate student web sites and email can be found on the economics web site at  http://economics.ucsc.edu/about/people/phd.html . 

Students are responsible for managing their own web site.  Students may have their personal web site linked on the department web site.  For more information on personal pages:  http://its.ucsc.edu/directory/how-to-update.html

Graduate Computer Facilities

The graduate student computer room is located in E2, room 434.  There is also a copy machine/printer/scanner across the hallway.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS In the first year, students normally take a three-quarter sequence of core theory courses in microeconomics (Economics 204 A-B-C), a similar sequence in macroeconomics (Economics 205 A-B-C), and three quarters of econometrics (Economics 211A-B-C). If mathematics review is needed, students have the opportunity to take a prior course in September, "Mathematical Methods for Economic Analysis" (Economics 210B).

Students are expected to pass two written examinations covering micro- and macroeconomics theory at the end of the first year. An econometrics project, designed to provide an opportunity to evaluate the student's ability to do applied econometric analysis, is required by the beginning of the second year of studies.

In the second year, students are required to take a minimum of 40 units. Students are required to take at least two sequences. A sequence is normally defined as at least two courses in a clearly designed subfield of economics.

Students are required to write a field paper due at the end of the second year.



In the third year, students take and pass an oral qualifying exam. In years 3-5, students enroll in a workshop in their field of study (Economics 274, 275, or 276). They also work under the supervision of a faculty advisor as they progress towards writing a dissertation.

ACADEMIC STANDING INFORMATION Residency The minimum residency requirement for a Ph.D. degree from the UC system is six quarters. To receive a degree from UCSC, students must be registered at the Santa Cruz campus for at least three of the six quarters. A minimum of one quarter in residence must elapse between advancement to candidacy and the awarding of the degree.



 Preliminary Examinations
 Students are required to pass two written examinations. The examinations cover microeconomic and macroeconomic theory and are taken at the end of the first year. Students are expected to pass both exams in June of their first year. Students will be allowed to retake each prelim exam only once, in the following September. Both exams must be passed before attempting to write a field paper.

Econometrics Project In lieu of an econometrics preliminary exam, an econometrics project is required at the beginning of the second year of studies. The paper is designed to provide an opportunity for each student to do applied econometric analysis and to evaluate students' ability to do so. The paper will not substitute for passing the econometrics course sequence.

Field Paper Students are required to write a field paper due at the end of the second year. The purpose of the field paper is to demonstrate that the student can identify a research question and bring appropriate techniques to bear in addressing it.

Qualifying Examination Before a student can advance to candidacy, he or she must pass an oral examination. The examination is a general exam in the subject area of the student's proposed dissertation research. A prospectus outlining the proposed topic and reviewing the background literature in the general area of the topic is prepared before the oral examination. The exam covers the student's command of the literature in the subject area and areas related to the proposed research approaches and techniques. It is not restricted to the prospectus, but the purpose of the exam is to assess the student's preparation to begin the dissertation research. Students are expected to take the oral examination no later than the end of the first quarter of the third year in the program.



Advancement to Candidacy 
To advance to candidacy for the Ph.D. a student must pass the preliminary examination, field paper and qualifying examination and clear all incompletes from his/her record. The student is officially advanced to candidacy on the date the $90 Advancement of Candidacy Fee, Report on Qualifying Examination, and Dissertation Reading Committee forms are received in the Graduate Studies office. The student must be registered for at least one quarter after advancement to candidacy and prior to awarding of the degree.



Dissertation 
To satisfy the requirements for the Ph.D., a student must present a dissertation on a topic from within his/her subfield of specialization. The dissertation must reflect original research and demonstrate command of previous work on the topic and closely-related areas. It must make a significant contribution to understanding the issue analyzed. A three-member dissertation advisory committee, headed by the student's research adviser, will read and evaluate the dissertation. The dissertation advisory committee, must be approved by both the Economics Ph.D. Committee and the Graduate Council. The Committee is convened soon after the student advances to candidacy to provide continuing guidance throughout the development of the thesis.

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Last modified: October 18, 2023 128.114.113.82

• PhD Program

The PhD Program at UC Santa Barbara is designed for students interested in pursuing advanced study and conducting original research in economics. The PhD is awarded in recognition of the recipient's qualifications as a general economist and of the ability to make scholarly contributions in one or more fields of specialization.

Completing the PhD program will take on average five to six years, although some students will be able to complete the program in less time.

Admission decisions are made by the Department’s Graduate Faculty Admissions Committee, whose goal is identifying students of outstanding promise. The committee will make decisions based on academic achievement, intellectual potential and scholarly promise, programmatic fit, and available space

There is no single criterion for admission, but the most successful candidates will have the following qualities:

• A history of academic success as indicated by coursework in economics and mathematics
• Excellent grades
• Strong scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), particularly in the quantitative section
• Three high-quality letters of recommendation, which speak to the candidate’s ability to excel in academic work and conduct independent research. As a practical matter, this usually means Economics faculty or other economists active in research.

The UC Santa Barbara Department of Economics actively seeks to recruit a diverse set of graduate students. Our program is made up domestic and international students with a wide range of perspectives and experiences. We welcome students from colleges and universities in the United States and abroad. We strongly encourage applications from students who have excelled academically despite economic or social disadvantages.

UCSB is the first university in the prestigious AAU to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution. The University has earned a four-and-a-half star rating for being LGBTQ friendly.

While admission is competitive and based on merit alone, the University may provide extra fellowships to candidates who increase diversity. Criteria for diversity are varied, and applicants should read the information provided on the UC Santa Barbara Graduate Division website and include relevant elements in the personal statement.

Data from Previous Years

For more information on the competitiveness of the program, please refer to the table below. Although the minimum undergraduate grade point average requirement for admission to graduate school at UC Santa Barbara is 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), the average for those admitted and starting the program is normally much higher. Meeting or exceeding the listed information does not guarantee admission to our program.

  PhD Application Deadlines

• Priority Financial Support: December 1, 2023
• Final Deadline: January 2, 2024

Important Documents

Graduate advisor.

Mark Patterson

• Email: [email protected]

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UCLA Graduate Programs

Graduate Program: Economics

UCLA's Graduate Program in Economics offers the following degree(s):

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Masters available on Doctoral track

With questions not answered here or on the program’s site (above), please contact the program directly.

Economics Graduate Program at UCLA 8292 Bunche Hall Box 951477 Los Angeles, CA 90095-1477

Visit the Economics Department’s faculty roster

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Visit the registrar's site for the Economics Department’s course descriptions

• Admission Requirements
• Program Statistics

(310) 206-1413

[email protected]

MAJOR CODE: ECONOMICS

Economics PhD

The Economics PhD program at UC Berkeley is designed for students interested in pursuing advanced study and conducting original research in economics. The PhD degree is awarded in recognition of the recipient's qualifications as a general economist and of the ability to make scholarly contributions in fields of specialization. New admissions to the graduate program are restricted to students pursuing the PhD degree. There is no external, terminal program for the MA degree.

Contact Info

[email protected]

530 Evans Hall

Berkeley, CA 94720

At a Glance

Department(s)

Admit Term(s)

Application Deadline

December 4, 2023

Degree Type(s)

Doctoral / PhD

Degree Awarded

GRE Requirements

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Berkeley Berkeley Academic Guide: Academic Guide 2023-24

About the Program

The Economics PhD program at UC Berkeley is designed for students interested in pursuing advanced study and conducting original research in economics. The PhD degree is awarded in recognition of the recipient's qualifications as a general economist and of the ability to make scholarly contributions in fields of specialization. New admissions to the graduate program are restricted to students pursuing the PhD degree. There is no external, terminal program for the MA degree.

Visit Department Website

Admission to the University

Applying for graduate admission.

Thank you for considering UC Berkeley for graduate study! UC Berkeley offers more than 120 graduate programs representing the breadth and depth of interdisciplinary scholarship. A complete list of graduate academic departments, degrees offered, and application deadlines can be found on the Graduate Division website .

Prospective students must submit an online application to be considered for admission, in addition to any supplemental materials specific to the program for which they are applying. The online application can be found on the Graduate Division website .

Admission Requirements

The minimum graduate admission requirements are:

A bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution;

A satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale; and

Enough undergraduate training to do graduate work in your chosen field.

For a list of requirements to complete your graduate application, please see the Graduate Division’s Admissions Requirements page . It is also important to check with the program or department of interest, as they may have additional requirements specific to their program of study and degree. Department contact information can be found here .

Where to apply?

Visit the Berkeley Graduate Division application page .

Admission to the Program

A degree equivalent to a US bachelor’s is required for admission to the program. An undergraduate degree in economics is not required for admission to the PhD program, provided that applicants have achieved an adequate background in economics and mathematics at the undergraduate level.

• Economics: All applicants are expected to have completed intermediate math-based economic theory courses. Further education in economics and economic theory is helpful, but not required.
• Math: Applicants must have knowledge of multivariate calculus, basic matrix algebra, and differential equations; completion of a two-year math sequence, which emphasizes proofs and derivations. Some knowledge of statistics and elementary probability is highly desirable, as is additional coursework in algebra and real analysis.

The GRE is also required. Please visit our website  for all department-specific requirements.

Doctoral Degree Requirements

Normative time requirements.

In advancing to the PhD degree, students pass through two major stages:

s1) Preparation for candidacy typically takes three years. During the first two semesters, students take courses to achieve competence in econometric methods, methods of economic history, and fundamentals of microeconomic and macroeconomic theory. During the next two years, students prepare for examination in two fields of specialization of their choosing, prepare a dissertation prospectus, and take an oral examination. When these steps are completed, students are advanced to candidacy.

2) Completion of a dissertation after advancing to candidacy typically takes three to four years. The dissertation must be based on original research and represent a significant contribution to the body of economic knowledge.

The entire process takes approximately six to seven years, although some students are able to complete the program in less time.

Time to Advancement

During the first two semesters of graduate study, students must take a set of eight core courses to satisfy requirements in mathematics, economic history, economic theory, and econometrics. Syllabi for current and recent economics courses, including the core courses described below, can be found on the   Economics Course Home Page Registry .

Preliminary Exams—Field Examination

All graduate students must take written qualifying examinations in two fields of specialization. Students prepare for these examinations in the second year by completing graduate courses offered in their chosen fields. 

Fields Available in the Economics Department

• Advanced Economic Theory
• Development Economics
• Econometrics
• Economic History
• Financial Economics
• Industrial Organization
• International Economics
• Labor Economics
• Macroeconomics
• Political Economics
• Psychology and Economics
• Public Finance

Alternative fields offered by another department or designed by the student may be substituted for one of the fields listed above if approved by the graduate committee. Alternative fields may include Economic Demography, Education and Economics, Health Economics, Law and Economics, Resource Economics, Urban and Regional Economics, or City and Regional Planning.

Students must complete at least one semester of any  department seminars   prior to taking their oral examination. This is typically done in the third year of study.

Dissertation Prospectus and Oral Examination (QUALIFYING EXAMINATION)

Students are encouraged to begin discussing possible dissertation topics with appropriate faculty members at an early stage. After completing the written field examinations, students choose a faculty member to serve as an advisor on developing a dissertation topic involving significant and original research, and to supervise the writing of a prospectus. The prospectus describes the research to be conducted, the techniques to be used, and initial findings. Students who cannot find an adviser on their own will be matched with a preliminary adviser at the beginning of the third year of study.

Qualifying Examination

When the prospectus is approved by the faculty adviser, the qualifying examination is scheduled. The examining committee consists of four faculty members who conduct an oral examination based on the student's areas of specialization and on the dissertation prospectus. A primary function of the oral examination is to aid the student in developing a dissertation and to determine whether the student is sufficiently prepared to complete original research successfully.

Time in Candidacy

Advancement.

Upon successful completion of the oral examination and selection of a dissertation committee, the student is advanced to candidacy. Following advancement to candidacy, students pursue research necessary for the completion of their dissertation.

Fourth Year Paper

In the fourth year students will work with their advisor to write a complete draft of a research paper. The topic can be on what was done for the orals examination, or something new. Students may be excused from this requirement under exceptional circumstances (e.g., lengthy field work), but they would need to submit a letter to the Graduate Chair from the student's advisor requesting an exception. 

Dissertation

Students are encouraged to select dissertation topics that can be completed in one to two years. 

Upon completion of the dissertation and its acceptance by the dissertation committee, the student is awarded the PhD degree.

Graduate Program Outcomes

Professional placement.

Students who have received, or will soon receive, the PhD in Economics are assisted by the department in finding suitable career positions. The department learns of available openings for qualified economists through an exchange of information with universities, colleges, government agencies, and research institutes.

The department staff coordinates and facilitates placement activities, and a faculty member oversees and advises placement. Serious effort is made to help students find positions in which their capacities will be both used and rewarded. The department has been highly successful in placing students, which is a reflection on the quality of its students and their training, and the importance the department places on this activity.

Past placement outcomes can be found on the department's website .

ECON 201A Economic Theory 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Basic preparation for the Ph.D. program including theory of the firm and the consumer, game theory. Economic Theory: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: 101A-101B, 204, Mathematics 53 and 54; or equivalent

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 2 hours of discussion per week

Additional Format: Three hours of Lecture and Two hours of Discussion per week for 15 weeks.

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Economics/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Economic Theory: Read Less [-]

ECON 201B Economic Theory 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 Basic preparation for the Ph.D. program including agency theory and mechanism design, general equilibrium theory. Economic Theory: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 101A-101B, 201A, 204, Mathematics 53 and 54; or equivalent

ECON 202A Macroeconomics 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Basic preparation for the Ph.D. program including aggregation theory, national accounting and index problems, survey of major short-term models, implications of various expectations hypotheses, wage price determination, the role of money and financial assets, theories of consumption and investment, disequilibrium theory, dynamic systems, and international considerations. Macroeconomics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 100A-100B or 101A-101B or equivalent. Mathematics 53 and 54 or equivalent

Macroeconomics: Read Less [-]

ECON 202B Macroeconomics 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 Basic preparation for the Ph.D. program including aggregation theory, national accounting and index problems, survey of major short-term models, implications of various expectations hypotheses, wage price determination, the role of money and financial assets, theories of consumption and investment, disequilibrium theory, dynamic systems, and international considerations. Macroeconomics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 100A-100B or 101A-101B or equivalent. Mathematics 50A or equivalent

ECON 204 Mathematical Tools for Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2024 3 Week Session, Fall 2023, Summer 2023 3 Week Session The course provides a rigorous abstract treatment of the elements of real analysis and linear algebra central to current research in economics. The course develops in the students the ability to read mathematical proofs and to compose simple proofs on their own. Mathematical Tools for Economics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Mathematics 53 and 54 or equivalent and consent of instructor

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Summer: 3 weeks - 10 hours of lecture and 5 hours of discussion per week

Additional Format: Two hours of Lecture and One hour of Discussion per week for 15 weeks. Ten hours of Lecture and Five hours of Discussion per week for 3 weeks.

Mathematical Tools for Economics: Read Less [-]

ECON 206 Mechanism Design and Agency Theory 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2019 This course will study the optimal design of mechanisms in the presence of incomplete information and imperfect observability. The course will begin with the "classic" principal-agent problem and will then develop its applications to the "implicit contracts" theory of agency and to the choice of government policies for regulated industries. The second half of the course will treat the design of auctions, regulation with costly or imperfect monitoring, mechanism design with limited contracts. Mechanism Design and Agency Theory: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 201B and 209A or consent of instructor

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Two hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks.

Formerly known as: 209B

Mechanism Design and Agency Theory: Read Less [-]

ECON 207A Mathematical Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Spring 2022 Mathematical analysis of economic theory. The problems treated involve as wide a range of mathematical techniques and of economic topics as possible, including theories of preference, utility, demand, personal probability, games and general equilibrium. Also listed as IDS 213A-213B and Math 213A-213B. Mathematical Economics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Math 104 and 110 and Statistics 101

Additional Format: Two hours of lecture per week. Twelve hours per week including class time and preparation.

Mathematical Economics: Read Less [-]

ECON 207B Mathematical Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2020, Spring 2015, Spring 2011 Mathematical analysis of economic theory. The problems treated involve as wide a range of mathematical techniques and of economic topics as possible, including theories of preference, utility, demand, personal probability, games and general equilibrium. Also listed as IDS 213A-213B and Math 213A-213B. Mathematical Economics: Read More [+]

ECON 208 Microeconomic Theory Seminar 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Microeconomic Theory Seminar: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: Two hours of Seminar per week for 15 weeks.

Microeconomic Theory Seminar: Read Less [-]

ECON 209A Theory and Application of Non-Cooperative Games 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2013, Fall 2012, Fall 2011 This course will study both pure game theory and its application to such problems as oligopoly pricing, non-cooperative bargaining, predatory pricing, and optimal auctions. The focus will be on game theory as a modelling process as opposed to a body of known results. Theory and Application of Non-Cooperative Games: Read More [+]

Theory and Application of Non-Cooperative Games: Read Less [-]

ECON 209B Theory and Application of Non-Cooperative Games: II 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2016, Spring 2015, Spring 2014 The course will cover basic topics not covered in 209A; will provide a more thorough treatment of topics covered in 209A; will cover a selection of advanced topics. Theory and Application of Non-Cooperative Games: II: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 209A or consent of instructor

Theory and Application of Non-Cooperative Games: II: Read Less [-]

ECON 210A Introduction to Economic History 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 Survey of some central themes in world economic history. Required of all Ph.D. candidates in economics. Introduction to Economic History: Read More [+]

Introduction to Economic History: Read Less [-]

ECON 210B Topics in European Economic History 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021 A survey of some central themes in European economic history. Topics in European Economic History: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 210A

Topics in European Economic History: Read Less [-]

ECON 210C Topics in American Economic History 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2016, Fall 2013 A survey of some central themes in American economic history. Topics in American Economic History: Read More [+]

Topics in American Economic History: Read Less [-]

ECON 211 Seminar in Economic History 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Seminar in Economic History: Read More [+]

Seminar in Economic History: Read Less [-]

ECON 215A Political Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015 Tools of political economics: preferences and institutions, electoral competition, agency, partisan politics. Redistributive politics: general interest politics, special interest politics. Comparative politics: electoral rules, separation of powers, political regimes. Dynamic politics: fiscal policy, growth. Political Economics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 215A is a prerequisite to 215B

Instructor: Roland

Political Economics: Read Less [-]

ECON 215B Political Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 Tools of political economics: preferences and institutions, electoral competition, agency, partisan politics. Redistributive politics: general interest politics, special interest politics. Comparative politics: electoral rules, separation of powers, political regimes. Dynamic politics: fiscal policy, growth. Political Economics: Read More [+]

ECON C215A Political Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2010, Fall 2009 Tools of political economics: preferences and institutions, electoral competition, agency, partisan politics. Redistributive politics: general interest politics, special interest politics. Comparative politics: electoral rules, separation of powers, political regimes. Dynamic politics: fiscal policy, growth. Political Economics: Read More [+]

Also listed as: POL SCI C237A

ECON C215B Political Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007 Tools of political economics: preferences and institutions, electoral competition, agency, partisan politics. Redistributive politics: general interest politics, special interest politics. Comparative politics: electoral rules, separation of powers, political regimes. Dynamic politics: fiscal policy, growth. Political Economics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: ECON C215A is a prerequisite to ECON C215B , and POL SCI C237A is a prerequisite to POL SCI C237B

Also listed as: POL SCI C237B

ECON 217 Risk Seminar 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023 This interdisciplinary seminar features seminar participants and guest speakers from academic institutions and financial services firms, presenting work on the analysis and management of risk in financial markets. Economics, statistics, finance, operations research, and other disciplines will be represented. Risk Seminar: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. Graduate standing

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for Economics 217 after completing Statistics 278B.

Additional Format: Two hours of seminar per week.

Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.

Instructors: Goldberg, Anderson

Risk Seminar: Read Less [-]

ECON 218 Seminar in Psychology and Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 A graduate seminar in the field of behavioral economics. Seminar in Psychology and Economics: Read More [+]

Instructors: Della Vigna, Koszegi, Rabin

Seminar in Psychology and Economics: Read Less [-]

ECON 219A Foundations of Psychology and Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 This course presents psychological and experimental economics research demonstrating departures from perfect rationality, self-interest, and other classical assumptions of economics and explores ways that these departures can be mathematically modeled and incorporated into mainstream positive and normative economics. The course will focus on the behavioral evidence itself, especially on specific formal assumptions that capture the findings in a way that can be used by economists. Economic applications will be used for illustrative purposes, but the course will emphasize formal theory. Foundations of Psychology and Economics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 201A-201B or consent of instructor

Foundations of Psychology and Economics: Read Less [-]

ECON 219B Applications of Psychology and Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 This course will build off of the material presented in 219A. It will expand on the psychological and experimental economic research presented there, but will emphasize a range of economic applications and especially empirical research. Applications of Psychology and Economics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 219A, 240A-240B or consent of instructor

Applications of Psychology and Economics: Read Less [-]

ECON 220A Industrial Organization 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Market structure, conduct and performance in the unregulated sector of the American economy. Public policies related to the promotion or restriction of competition. Industrial Organization: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 201A

Industrial Organization: Read Less [-]

ECON 220B Industrial Organization 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Fall 2021 Continuation of 220A. The characteristics of regulated industries and the consequences of regulation for economic performance. Industrial Organization: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 220A

ECON 220C Special Topics in Industrial Organization 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2020 See course announcement for current topics. Special Topics in Industrial Organization: Read More [+]

Special Topics in Industrial Organization: Read Less [-]

ECON 221 Seminar in Industrial Organization: Regulation and Public Enterprise 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Seminar in Industrial Organization: Regulation and Public Enterprise: Read More [+]

Seminar in Industrial Organization: Regulation and Public Enterprise: Read Less [-]

ECON C222 Economics of Innovation 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2020, Fall 2018, Fall 2016, Spring 2016, Fall 2015 Study of innovation, technical change, and intellectual property, including the industrial organization and performance of high-technology industries and firms; the use of economic, patent, and other bibliometric data for the analysis of technical change; legal and economic issues of intellectual property rights; science and technology policy; and the contributions of innovation and diffusion to economic growth. Methods of analysis are both theoretical and empirical, econometric and case study. Economics of Innovation: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Three hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks.

Also listed as: PHDBA C279I

Economics of Innovation: Read Less [-]

ECON 224 Economics of Institutions 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2016, Spring 2015, Fall 2012 This course develops the proposition that institutions have pervasive ramifications for understanding economic organization. A comparative institutional approach is employed whereby the transaction is made the basic unit of analysis and alternative modes of organization are assessed with respect to their comparative contracting properties. Economics of Institutions: Read More [+]

Economics of Institutions: Read Less [-]

ECON C225 Workshop in Institutional Analysis 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2015, Fall 2014, Fall 2013 This seminar features current research of faculty, from UC Berkeley and elsewhere, and of advanced doctoral students who are investigating the efficacy of economic and non-economic forms of organization. An interdisciplinary perspective--combining aspects of law, economics, and organization--is maintained. Markets, hierarchies, hybrids, bureaus, and the supporting institutions of law and politics all come under scrutiny. The aspiration is to progressively build toward a new science of organization. Workshop in Institutional Analysis: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Economics 100 or 101; Business Administration 110 or equivalent; or consent of instructor

Also listed as: PHDBA C270

Workshop in Institutional Analysis: Read Less [-]

ECON 230A Public Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 The economic and policy analysis of government expenditures, taxes, and intergovernmental fiscal relations. 230A is not a prerequisite for 230B. Public Economics: Read More [+]

Public Economics: Read Less [-]

ECON 230B Public Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 Government intervention changes opportunities and incentives for firms, families, individuals, service providers, and state and local government. This course considers the incentive effects of government expenditure programs. The primary emphasis will be in the examination of the effect of social expenditure programs on individuals and families. Most of the papers will be empirical. The course will not contain an explicit section on methodology and econometric techniques; instead, relevant econometric techniques (e.g., discrete choice, duration analysis) will be discussed in the context of the empirical literature. Public Economics: Read More [+]

ECON 230C Public Sector Microeconomics 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2009, Spring 1999 The economic and policy analysis of government expenditures, taxes, and intergovernmental fiscal relations. Public Sector Microeconomics: Read More [+]

Additional Format: Two hours of lecture per week.

Public Sector Microeconomics: Read Less [-]

ECON 231 Seminar in Public Sector Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Seminar in Public Sector Economics: Read More [+]

Seminar in Public Sector Economics: Read Less [-]

ECON 234A Macroeconomic Finance 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2012, Spring 2011, Fall 2009 Introduction to macroeconomic finance. Course covers static portfolio choice, capital asset pricing model (CAPM), consumption based models, dynamic equilibrium asset pricing theories, and current issues in behavioral finance. Strong emphasis on household finance and risk-sharing. Course is both theoretical and empirical. Macroeconomic Finance: Read More [+]

Formerly known as: 236D

Macroeconomic Finance: Read Less [-]

ECON 234C Financial Decision-Making in Firms 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2015, Spring 2014 This course provides a theoretical and empirical treatment of the core topics in corporate finance including internal corporate investment; external corporate investment (mergers and acquisitions); capital structure and financial contracting; bankruptcy; corporate governance. Financial Decision-Making in Firms: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 240A-240B or equivalent

Financial Decision-Making in Firms: Read Less [-]

ECON C234C Empirical Corporate Finance 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Fall 2020, Spring 2020 This course provides a theoretical and empirical treatment of the core topics in corporate finance including internal corporate investment; external corporate investment (mergers and acquisitions); capital structure and financial contracting; bankruptcy; corporate governance. Empirical Corporate Finance: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: ECON 240A -240B or equivalent

Credit Restrictions: Students who have passed ECON 234C are not eligible to also receive credit for passing ECON C234C .

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture per week.

Instructor: Malmendier

Also listed as: PHDBA 239FD

Empirical Corporate Finance: Read Less [-]

ECON 235 Financial Economics Seminar 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 This course presents speakers who work on the boundary of economics and finance, on topics including asset pricing, behavioral finance, and corporate finance. Financial Economics Seminar: Read More [+]

Additional Format: One and one-half hours of seminar per week for eight weeks.

Financial Economics Seminar: Read Less [-]

ECON 236A Advanced Macroeconomics I 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Macroeconomic models; theory and practice of aggregate economics; rational expectations models; finance theory integrated with macro. Advanced Macroeconomics I: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: For 236A: 201A-201B and 202A-202B. For 236B: 236A

Advanced Macroeconomics I: Read Less [-]

ECON 236B Advanced Macroeconomics II 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 Macroeconomic models; theory and practice of aggregate economics; rational expectations models; finance theory integrated with macro. Advanced Macroeconomics II: Read More [+]

Advanced Macroeconomics II: Read Less [-]

ECON 236D Behavioral Macroeconomics 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2021, Fall 2006 This course focuses on incorporating insights from behavioral economics into macroeconomic analysis. Behavioral Macroeconomics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Economics 202A or their equivalents. Economics 202B, Economics 219A/B will be useful, but not required Admission will be automatic for regular Berkeley PhD students. Undergraduate and master students who have an interest in economics graduate studies are also encouraged to consider taking the course, but with instructor's consent

Behavioral Macroeconomics: Read Less [-]

ECON 237 Seminar in Advanced Macroeconomics and Money 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Seminar in Advanced Macroeconomics and Money: Read More [+]

Seminar in Advanced Macroeconomics and Money: Read Less [-]

ECON 240A Econometrics 5 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Basic preparation for the Ph.D. program including probability and statistical theory and the classical linear regression model. Econometrics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 100A or 101A or equivalent; 100B or 101B or equivalent; Mathematics 53 and 54, or equivalent; Statistics 131A or equivalent

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 4 hours of lecture and 2 hours of discussion per week

Additional Format: Four hours of Lecture and Two hours of Discussion per week for 15 weeks.

Formerly known as: 240

Econometrics: Read Less [-]

ECON 240B Econometrics 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 Basic preparation for the Ph.D. program including generalized least squares; instrumental variables estimation; generalized method of moments; time series analysis; and nonlinear models. Econometrics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 240A or equivalent

ECON 241A Econometrics 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 Intended for students specializing in econometrics and others with strong mathematical backgrounds. Linear and nonlinear statistical models and their applications in economics. Special problems in analyzing data from non-controlled experiments. Econometrics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Econ 240A,B; linear algebra; multivariable calculus; basic probability and inference theory

ECON 241B Econometrics 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 This course will cover fundamentals of time series econometrics. It is intended both for students specializing in econometric theory and for students interested in applying time series methods to economic data. Econometrics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Econ 240A-B, or equivalent

ECON 241C Econometrics 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 The course covers topics in classic nonparametric and modern approaches to econometrics. Topics include (among others) decision theory, high-dimensional models, causal inference, and Bayesian methods. Econometrics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Econ 240A-B; linear algebra; multivariable calculus, basic probability and inference theory

ECON 242 Seminar in Econometrics 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Seminar in Econometrics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 240A-240B

Seminar in Econometrics: Read Less [-]

ECON 244 Applied Econometrics 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2023, Fall 2021 Methods of applied econometrics, with emphasis on alternative modelling strategies and problems met in practice. Intended for doctoral students conducting empirical research. Applied Econometrics: Read More [+]

Applied Econometrics: Read Less [-]

ECON 250A Labor Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Fall 2021 Analysis of labor market behavior. Labor Economics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 250A is prerequisite to 250B. Consent of instructor

Labor Economics: Read Less [-]

ECON 250B Labor Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Analysis of labor market behavior. Labor Economics: Read More [+]

ECON 250C Labor Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2014, Spring 2013, Spring 2012 Analysis of labor market behavior. Labor Economics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 250B

ECON 251 Seminar in Labor Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Seminar for students at the doctoral dissertation level. Seminar in Labor Economics: Read More [+]

Seminar in Labor Economics: Read Less [-]

ECON 255 Spatial Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024 The course covers issues in spatial economics, from a variety of viewpoints, including public finance and economic geography. The class will introduce students to advanced tools for both theoretical and empirical analysis of spatial topics. Spatial Economics: Read More [+]

Spatial Economics: Read Less [-]

ECON 260A Comparative Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2021, Fall 2020 New issues raised by transition for economics. Political economy of reform: speed, sequencing, reform design, political economy of privatization. Allocative changes: speed of sectoral reallocation, price liberalization, output fall and macroeconomic dynamics, law enforcement, dynamics of institutional change. Comparative Economics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 260A is prerequisite to 260B

Comparative Economics: Read Less [-]

ECON 270B Development Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 Problems of underdevelopment and poverty, policy issues and development strategies. Development Economics: Read More [+]

Development Economics: Read Less [-]

ECON 270C Development Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 Basic macro-policy planning with investment project analysis. Development Economics: Read More [+]

ECON C270A Microeconomics of Development 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Theoretical and empirical analyses of poverty and inequality, household and community behavior, and contract and institutions in the context of developing countries. Microeconomics of Development: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 4 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Four hours of lecture per week.

Also listed as: A,RESEC C251

Microeconomics of Development: Read Less [-]

ECON 271 Seminar in Development Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Seminar in Development Economics: Read More [+]

Seminar in Development Economics: Read Less [-]

ECON 274 Global Poverty and Impact Evaluation 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2016, Spring 2015, Spring 2013 Rather than simply describing the causes and symptoms of global poverty, this course will explore the variety of tools available for rigorously measuring the impact of development programs. Through weekly case studies of field research, the course will cover impact evaluation theory and methods. The course will culminate with a final project in which each student will design an impact evaluation of a policy or intervention. Global Poverty and Impact Evaluation: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: At least one prior term of intermediate economics (i.e., 100A or 100B) and some prior coursework in statistics

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Additional Format: Three hours of Lecture and One hour of Discussion per week for 15 weeks.

Instructor: Miguel

Global Poverty and Impact Evaluation: Read Less [-]

ECON C275A Economic Demography 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2022, Spring 2019, Spring 2015 Economic consequences of demographic change in developing and developed countries including capital formation, labor markets, and intergenerational transfers. Economic determinants of fertility, mortality and migration. Economic Demography: Read More [+]

Instructor: Lee

Also listed as: DEMOG C275A

Economic Demography: Read Less [-]

ECON C275B Aging: Economic and Demographic Aspects 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2006, Spring 2004, Spring 2002 Course considers demographic and economic aspects of population aging. Aging: Economic and Demographic Aspects: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 7.5 weeks - 2 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Two hours of lecture per week for seven and one-half weeks.

Also listed as: DEMOG C236

Aging: Economic and Demographic Aspects: Read Less [-]

ECON 280A International Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 The world economy as a general equilibrium system. The theory of international economics, trade policy. International Economics: Read More [+]

International Economics: Read Less [-]

ECON 280B International Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2021, Fall 2020 This course develops basic theoretical models for studying issues in open-economy macroeconomics. The current account and the trade balance, international capital market integration, developing country debt problems, the real exchange rate, fiscal policy in the open economy, and international policy coordination. International Economics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 280A is not prerequisite to 280B

ECON 280C International Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021 This course is an empirical treatment of open-economy macroeconomics and finance. Topics include trade elasticities, the determination of the trade balance and income under fixed and floating exchange rates, purchasing power parity, devaluation in small open economies, quantifying the degree of international capital mobility, implications for the effectiveness of monetary and fiscal policy, international interdependence and coordination, models of exchange rate determination. International Economics: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 280B

ECON 281 Seminar in International Trade and Finance 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Seminar in International Trade and Finance: Read More [+]

Seminar in International Trade and Finance: Read Less [-]

ECON 291 Departmental Seminar 1 Unit

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 A general interest seminar featuring speakers and topics of broad interest whose work will be important for all areas of economics. Departmental Seminar: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: 201B, 202B

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1.5 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: One and one-half hours of seminar every other week.

Departmental Seminar: Read Less [-]

ECON 295 Survey of Research in Economics 1 Unit

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Presentations by departmental faculty of new research directions in different subfields of economics. Survey of Research in Economics: Read More [+]

Survey of Research in Economics: Read Less [-]

ECON 296 Special Topics in Economics 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2014, Spring 2013, Fall 2010 Topics of different sections to be announced annually. Special Topics in Economics: Read More [+]

Special Topics in Economics: Read Less [-]

ECON 298 Directed Group Study for Graduates 1 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Seminars for the group of selected topics, which will vary from year to year. Directed Group Study for Graduates: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 0 hours of independent study per week

Additional Format: Hours to be arranged.

Directed Group Study for Graduates: Read Less [-]

ECON 299 Supervised Independent Study and Research 1 - 12 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Summer 2024 First 6 Week Session, Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session Open to candidates for the Ph.D. degree who have passed the qualifying examination and who are engaged in research for the thesis, and in special cases, with consent of the instructor in charge, to graduate students who desire to do special work in a particular field. Supervised Independent Study and Research: Read More [+]

Summer: 6 weeks - 0 hours of independent study per week 8 weeks - 0 hours of independent study per week

Additional Format: Zero hours of Independent study per week for 15 weeks. Zero hours of Independent study per week for 8 weeks. Zero hours of Independent study per week for 6 weeks.

Supervised Independent Study and Research: Read Less [-]

ECON 301 GSI Practicum 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Course credit for experience gained in academic teaching through employment as a graduate student instructor. GSI Practicum: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Appointment as graduate student instructor in department, consent of graduate advisor

Subject/Course Level: Economics/Professional course for teachers or prospective teachers

Instructor: Olney

GSI Practicum: Read Less [-]

ECON 375 GSI Pedagogy Workshop 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 This course is the pedagogy workshop for graduate student instructors (GSIs) in the Departments of Economics and Agricultural and Resource Economics (ARE), and satisfies the Graduate Division requirement for first-time GSIs. The goal of the workshop is to teach teaching. Through readings, discussion, assignments, and in-class activities, GSIs develop teaching skills grounded in pedagogical research. GSI Pedagogy Workshop: Read More [+]

Credit Restrictions: Not repeatable.

GSI Pedagogy Workshop: Read Less [-]

ECON 602 Individual Study for Doctoral Students 1 - 8 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Individual study in consultation with the major field advisor, intended to provide an opportunity for qualified graduate students to prepare themselves for the various examinations required of candidates for the Ph.D. A student will be permitted to accumulate a maximum of 16 units of 602. Individual Study for Doctoral Students: Read More [+]

Credit Restrictions: Course does not satisfy unit or residence requirements for doctoral degree.

Additional Format: Zero hours of Independent study per week for 15 weeks.

Subject/Course Level: Economics/Graduate examination preparation

Individual Study for Doctoral Students: Read Less [-]

Contact Information

Department of economics.

530 Evans Hall

Phone: 510-642-0822

Fax: 510-642-6615

[email protected]

Department Chair

Andres Rodriguez-Clare

609 Evans Hall

Phone: 510-643-1654

[email protected]

Graduate Chair

Yuriy Gorodnichenko

619 Evans Hall

Phone: 510-642-6649

[email protected]

Undergraduate Chair

Demian Pouzo

663 Evans Hall

Phone: 510-642-6709

[email protected]

Director of Student Services

Michelle Fong

551 Evans Hall

[email protected]

Assistant Director, Course Management

Isabel Burle

545 Evans Hall

[email protected]

Curriculum & Enrollment Coordinator

Blair Van Tassel

543 Evans Hall

[email protected]

Assistant Director, Graduate Student Services

Janene Vernard

541 Evans Hall

Phone: 510-642-6172

[email protected]

Assistant Director, Undergrad Student Services

Carlos Garcia

533 Evans Hall

Economics Undergraduate Advisor

Trinh Nguyen

Ashley Vera

Dinko Lakic

539 Evans Hall

Mildred Flores

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Ph.D. in Economics Graduate Admissions Profile

Admission is based primarily on four factors:

• Mathematical ability and training as evidenced by courses taken in mathematics and related subjects, grades in those courses, and the quantitative GRE score.
• General academic ability as evidenced by the applicant's academic record, including both grades and the difficulty of courses taken.
• Training in economics as evidenced by the applicant's academic record in economics and related fields, letters of recommendation, and work experience related to economics.
• Evidence of motivation and aptitude for research judged primarily on the basis of the letters of recommendation, the statement of purpose, work experience in economics, and previous research projects.

In past years most applicants recommended for graduate admission were in the following profile areas:

• Major GPA of 3.8 or higher with consideration for the degree of difficulty of the course work.
• Upper level mathematical course work including real analysis or honors advanced calculus with grades of A- minus or better.
• Quantitative GRE score of 165 or higher.*
• Grades of A-minus or better in intermediate level theory courses (microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics) with a strong preference for honors or mathematical track versions of all three courses.
• Advanced undergraduate or graduate-level course work in economics.
• Proven independent research ability (e.g., honors thesis).
• Very strong letters of recommendations from at least two faculty members who know the candidate in both classroom and out-of-class settings (e.g. independent research).
• Statement of purpose that expresses coherent ideas about why the candidate is interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in economics and describes likely areas of research interest.
• TOEFL (if applicable) at least 90 for the Internet-based test (iBT).
• IELTS (is accepted) most recent overall Band score must be at least 7 on a 9-point scale.

*GRE scores will not be required for the 2023-24 admissions season (for matriculation in Fall 2024).

UPDATE 12/18/2020 (a note on P/NP grades since the Covid-19/Coronavirus Pandemic):

UC Berkeley evaluates applicants for admission to its graduate and professional schools holistically, meaning that we consider an applicant’s combination of personal accomplishments, letters of recommendation, personal statements, academic record, and test scores in making our admissions decisions. Such a review will take into account the significant disruptions of COVID-19 when reviewing students’ transcripts and other admissions materials during the pandemic. Thus, we will not penalize students for the adoption of P/NP grades and reduced research experiences during this unprecedented period, whether the choices were made by institutions or by individual students. What is most important is that applicants demonstrate that they pursued a challenging curriculum that was relevant to their plan for graduate or professional school.

As we have continued to observe in admissions cycles, Berkeley graduates have a remarkable track record of success in graduate school admissions to the most competitive programs in the country. Our graduates are admired for their academic abilities and resilience, and are assessed, as always, on their overall performance. We are confident that graduate admissions committees will make generous allowances for the academic challenges produced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• University of California, Irvine

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Ph.D. in Economics

ONLINE APPLICATION APPLY NOW

about OUR PROGRAM

Ranked #17 among all public economics programs in the country ( U.S. News & World Report ), the UCI graduate program in economics offers students five years of guaranteed funding .

Scholars in the department have a proven track record of earning competitive research funding from national agencies, including the National Science Foundation, Army Office of Research, and U.S. Department of Agriculture; from private foundations including the Russell Sage Foundation and Arnold Foundation; and from campus-level fellowships, such as the Public Impact, Fletcher Jones and Chancellor's Club fellowships.

The department has achieved national stature by attracting well-known senior scholars to its faculty and through the advancement of a host of young economists who have achieved national prominence. Graduate students within the department have incredible opportunities to publish alongside these world-renowned faculty.

And if that wasn't enough, the UCI campus - located less than 10 miles from Newport Beach - is the #1 university doing the most for the American dream ( New York Times College Access Index ), and the #1 ranked best value university in the U.S. ( Forbes ).

Learn more about economics at UCI...

university doing the most for the American dream - The New York Times College Access Index

"coolest school" for sustainability efforts - Sierra Club Magazine

best public university in the U.S. - U.S. News & World Report

best public economics program in the U.S. - U.S. News & World Report

LOCATION Campus is located less than 10 miles from Newport Beach.  

FUNDING Admitted students receive 5 years of guaranteed funding.  

SPECIAL PROGRAMS Special programs in transportation economics and public choice are available to interested students.

DEGREE Ph.D.; a master's degree may be earned while in pursuit of the Ph.D.  

ENROLLMENT Full-time, on-campus with housing.    

METHODOLOGY Quantitative, qualitative, and multi-method approaches to micro and macro issues.

JOB PLACEMENTS

Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas

Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City

Marquette University

National University of Singapore

Northeastern University

University of New South Wales, Sydney

Washington and Lee University

Read more about alumni job placements...

SPECIALITIES

Development economics

Economic history

Experimental economics

Industrial organization

International economics

Labor economics

Public economics

Transportation economics

Urban economics

what makes us

  T he department has 32 permanent faculty members with research and teaching interests that span a broad range of fields. In addition to strengths in micro theory, macroeconomics, and econometrics, the department has expertise in many applied fields.

• Minimum wage debate
• California policy toward enterprise zones
• Regulation of airline alliances
• California high-speed rail demand forecasts
• Public health
• Government regulation

Students have an opportunity to earn a master's degree while in pursuit of their Ph.D. And graduate students from UCI's economics program have gone on to work in high-tech startups, research consultancy companies, government offices, and in professorial posts around the world.  

  Life as a UCI Ph.D. student is really fun... we find time to work and play here.  

- Nikki Tavasoli, '20  

So what are you waiting for?

APPLY TODAY

If full funding, opportunities to publish, and a proven track record of excellence in the field are what you're looking for in a graduate program, contact us today to learn more about UCI economics.  

UCI Department of Economics

Online Application

Department Chair

William Branch   [email protected]  949.824.4221

Graduate Program Director

Fabio Milani   [email protected]  949.824.4519

Graduate Admissions Program Director

John Duffy   [email protected]  949.824.8341

Graduate Advisor

Jennifer Gerson   [email protected]  949.824.4074

connect with us

© UC Irvine School of Social Sciences - 3151 Social Sciences Plaza, Irvine, CA 92697-5100 - 949.824.2766

Graduate Program

Our department offers a Ph.D. degree in Economics.  This website gives a complete list of our core program requirements, field options, areas of faculty research, current Ph.D. students, and placements of our recently-graduated students.  It also has a publicity video that introduces the department from the perspective of current graduate students and recent alumni/ae.  Our graduate program is STEM-approved.

We take pride in the value added by our program.  Our commitment to graduate student teaching and thesis supervision is unusually strong. While our program is oriented toward students who aim for faculty positions at universities and for research positions in the public sector and international agencies, in recent years a number of our graduates have chosen to take positions in the private sector, especially in financial and high-tech firms.

We admit those students who demonstrate the greatest promise for success not only in the Ph.D. program but also in their subsequent careers. We base our admissions decisions primarily on the standard criteria (academic preparation, grades, research experience, letters of recommendation, and GRE scores) but also look for personal traits such as joyfulness, resilience, creativity, and independence.

We encourage applicants from a variety of backgrounds, but a good understanding of intermediate microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics, multivariate calculus, basic linear algebra, and probability and statistics is required before beginning the core requirements.  Training in econometrics and in more advanced mathematics and statistics is desirable but not necessary.

UCR is a rapidly expanding campus.  There are many exciting initiatives on campus, such as the School of Public Policy and the Global Studies Program, which offer opportunities for students interested in public policy.  The City of Riverside is a very livable community that was recently ranked among the best places to reside and do business in the United States.  Situated halfway between the City of Los Angeles and Palm Springs, and blessed with a Southern California climate,  Riverside is less than an hour away from the beach, the mountains, and the desert. Few places in the United States offer such a range of recreational opportunities.

Please contact Gary Kuzas, Graduate Student Affairs Assistant, if you have any questions about our program or the admissions process: [email protected]

Hiroki Nishimura, Graduate Advisor for Enrolled Students Siyang Xiong, Graduate Advisor for Admissions

• Econ 291 Form
• Econ 299 Form

What are you looking for?

Suggested search, doctoral studies.

The USC PhD in Economics program is designed to prepare students for careers in teaching, research, industry, and government. The Department emphasizes economic theory, econometrics, and applied economic analysis—microeconomics, macroeconomics, international & development economics, behavioral economics, urban, and regional economics.

Why pursue your PhD at USC?

Continuous mentoring.

Faculty closely guide students throughout their time in the program. As soon as they arrive, students are assigned a faculty mentor, with whom they maintain close contact during their doctoral education. First-year students take part in a workshop designed to familiarize incoming scholars with the Department of Economics’ distinguished faculty members and their respective fields of research. When students transition from coursework to research work, they participate in small-group discussion workshops (“Reading Groups”), where students can expect to regularly receive feedback on their own research from a varied group of faculty members.

True Interdisciplinary Research

Our faculty believe in the value of interdisciplinary research and have robust connections to other departments, schools, and research centers at the University. Doctoral students work on multidisciplinary projects in areas such as health care, environmental science and policy, traffic engineering, neuroscience, psychology, and computer science. Students are often encouraged to work with the amazing scholars throughout USC, including those within the following:

USC Marshall School of Business Sol Price School of Public Policy Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics Center for Economic and Social Research

Beyond Academia

Our program is designed to train students to conduct original research. This is not limited to careers in the academic sector. Many of our students go on to deploy their skills in the public sector and in the private industry. We give our full support to students who choose these paths and are proud of their achievements.

Improvement & Innovation

The Department of Economics is devoted to maintaining a progressive curriculum. Staff and faculty continually assess and update courses to provide students with the tools that will enable them to perform frontier research. We have had great recent success in bringing new faculty and research members to our department, which continues to expand our reach into all areas of economics.

Southern California

USC Dornsife doctoral students get to enjoy the many advantages of life in Southern California. Nearby, students can enjoy a variety of events and activities in Los Angeles—beaches, concerts, arts, music, and amazing food. For students who seek to venture a little further, the reserves and national forests in Southern California are just a scenic drive away! Imagine being able to step foot on sand and snow within the same day. With great weather year-round, students are free to explore opportunities beyond campus and discover new passions.

Explore the Program

Take the next step, usc economics bloomberg lab.

USC Economics has partnered with Bloomberg to provide our students and faculty with access to Bloomberg terminals and data. Bloomberg is a global leader in real-time financial market data and analytics, and their tools are used throughout the world by financial institutions and academics alike. Whether engaging in a significant research project, or simply reviewing the latest news on the economy and markets, Bloomberg is a key and vital source of information and data for our Economics students.

Access:  Located in KAP 305 Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm

Program Leadership

Director of doctoral studies.

Prof. Pablo Kurlat [email protected]

Associate Director, Doctoral Program

Ms. Annie Le Admissions:  [email protected] Advisement:  [email protected]

Application deadline: December 1

The PhD in Economics requires 60 units of graduate level courses numbered 500 or higher (excluding ECON 500   , ECON 501   , ECON 590   , ECON 690   , ECON 691   , ECON 692   , ECON 693   , ECON 694   , ECON 790    and ECON 794a   , ECON 794b   , ECON 794c   , ECON 794d   , ECON 794z   ).

Required Courses

The following courses must be taken within the first 36 units of graduate level courses:

• ECON 601 Microeconomic Theory I Units: 4
• ECON 602 Macroeconomic Theory I Units: 4
• ECON 603 Microeconomic Theory II Units: 4
• ECON 605 Macroeconomic Theory II Units: 4
• ECON 609 Econometric Methods Units: 4
• ECON 611 Probability and Statistics for Economists Units: 4

Additional Required Units

A minimum of 6 units selected from the following:.

• ECON 690 Seminar in Economic Theory Units: 2
• ECON 691 Seminar in Econometrics Units: 2
• ECON 692 Seminar in Economic Development Units: 2
• ECON 693 Seminar in Applied Economics and Public Policy Units: 2
• ECON 694 Seminar in Dynamic Economics Units: 2

A minimum of 4 units of:

• ECON 794a Doctoral Dissertation Units: 2
• ECON 794b Doctoral Dissertation Units: 2
• ECON 794c Doctoral Dissertation Units: 2
• ECON 794d Doctoral Dissertation Units: 2
• ECON 794z Doctoral Dissertation Units: 0

Additional Requirements

Students must take a core theory examination immediately after the completion of ECON 601   , ECON 602   , ECON 603    and ECON 605    in order to continue in the PhD program. There is also a breadth requirement, which may be satisfied by taking either ECON 523 Economic History and Development    or ECON 527 Theory of Value: Classical Origins and Neoclassical Critique    or ECON 538 Values and Social Analysis   .

After passing the core theory examination, the student should consult the director of graduate studies on the appointment of a PhD qualifying exam committee. The student should complete two advanced fields of study with the approval of the qualifying exam committee and the director of graduate studies. The requirements for completing each advanced field of study consist of (1) at least two courses numbered 600 or higher in that field with a minimum grade of A- in each, (2) satisfactory completion of one of the seminars related to the field and (3) presentation of a research paper in a class or seminar. In addition, the student should complete a minor field, which consists of a course numbered 600 or higher with a minimum grade of B. The signing of the student’s Permission to Take the Qualifying Examination form will signify the satisfactory completion of the field requirements.

The remainder of the courses to total 60 units must be preapproved by the qualifying exam committee. However, not more than four units of ECON 590    and/or ECON 790    can be taken in each semester. Courses taken outside the department or USC cannot count toward the completion of a field and are not allowed before at least one advanced field is completed. Waivers to the course requirements based on equivalent work at another university may be made upon petition to the director of graduate studies up to a maximum of 12 units. Waivers for any other reason require the approval of the department graduate committee.

Grade Point Average Requirements

In addition to the Graduate School requirements, a minimum GPA of 3.0 on all course work taken toward the 60 units requirement must be achieved. ECON 615    or a higher level course in econometrics must be completed with a grade of B or better.

Screening Procedure

Students desiring the PhD must undergo a screening procedure before completing more than 24 units of graduate level courses. The process involves a review of the student’s course grades, performance on the core theory examination, and demonstrated research ability. Students who pass the screening procedure are permitted to continue studies toward the PhD degree.

Core Theory Examination

Before beginning the third semester of graduate study, the student must pass a written examination in general economic theory including applications. A maximum of two attempts is allowed. Not taking the examination at a given due time is considered as failing the examination once. The core theory examination is offered twice every year during the summer session. Any exceptions are subject to approval of the director of graduate studies.

Empirical Research Paper

During the summer after the fourth semester of study, the student must submit an empirical paper using quantitative methods to the examination committee. The paper may use field, experimental or simulated data. In this paper, the student should demonstrate competence in using a computer programming language and software.

Research Paper

During the summer after the sixth semester of study, the student must submit a research paper to a committee of faculty. The paper must be of publishable quality.

Seminar Requirements

Every student is required to take and satisfactorily complete three, two-unit research seminars chosen from ECON 690   , ECON 691   , ECON 692   , ECON 693    and ECON 694   . The same seminar may be taken more than once. Before completing the dissertation, the student must present at least one original research paper in a seminar of the student’s choice.

Dissertation Proposal Preparation

The student is required to write a research proposal on a topic suitable for a dissertation. Normally, the chair of the student’s qualifying exam committee directs this work. The written proposal is presented and critiqued during the qualifying examination.

Qualifying Examination

Upon successful completion of course and grade requirements, the paper requirement, and the core theory examination, the student takes an examination, which focuses on the presentation and defense of the written dissertation proposal. After passing this examination, the student is admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree. This examination must be taken not later than the end of the seventh semester of study.

Doctoral Dissertation

After admission to candidacy, the student forms a dissertation committee composed of three faculty members, one of whom must be from an outside department. The chair of this committee is the dissertation supervisor. The student must register in sequence for ECON 794a   , ECON 794b   , ECON 794c   , ECON 794d   , ECON 794z    Doctoral Dissertation each semester, excluding summer sessions, until the dissertation and all other degree requirements are completed.

The dissertation is defended in an oral examination administered by the dissertation committee when the committee agrees that the student has completed the research and a satisfactory draft of the dissertation has been written. If the committee agrees to pass the student, all suggested extensions, modifications, and corrections are incorporated into a final draft, which must be approved by all members of the committee.

It is the student’s responsibility to see that the proper paperwork is submitted to the Graduate School upon completion of each requirement for the PhD degree.

PhD Students who wish to receive the MA degree

ECON 601   , ECON 602   , ECON 609    and ECON 611    can be substituted for ECON 500   , ECON 501    and ECON 513    requirements for the Master of Arts degree in Economics. The remaining elective units can be fulfilled with ECON courses at the 500 level or above.

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Program description.

The UC Merced Economics Ph.D. is a STEM-designated, applied-micro focused program, with faculty expertise in immigration, innovation, public economics, development, political economy, economic history, international trade, and experimental and labor economics. The hallmarks of our program are strong mentorship from our vibrant, and very research-active faculty and strong training in the latest frontiers in data analysis and computing. Faculty have recently published in journals such as the Quarterly Journal of Economics, American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, Journal of Human Resources, Journal of International Economics, Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, Journal of Public Economics, Labour Economics, Games, Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics, International Labor Relations Review, and the American Economic Review P&P. 

The Economics program is excellent preparation for careers in academia, industry, government, and public policy. We introduce students to research at an early stage and facilitate collaborations between students as well as with faculty (almost 100% of 2nd years are producing work co-authored with a faculty member). There is a great sense of camaraderie and cooperation, with frequent faculty get-togethers and a student-run reading group exploring the latest research. Students have ample opportunities to interact with leading scholars from around the globe through our active seminar series and there are also several All-UC and All-CA groups, for example in economic history and labor economics, to connect students to the research environment and vast array of resources associated with the University of California, the world’s premier public university system.

We currently have 12 students across three cohorts who are successfully navigating their path towards independent research. We are searching for more outstanding candidates to form the third cohort of our strong program. We plan to admit another small, high-quality cohort and to provide full funding for those students for 5-6 years through guaranteed teaching assistantships.

Our 2023-2024 grad course offerings are as follows:

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Economics (M.A.*, Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. program in economics at UC Merced prepares students to contribute to a discipline that is increasingly problem-centered, requiring mastery of frontier quantitative methods and a new wave of economic theory incorporating insights from multiple perspectives. This spirit is embodied by our young, vibrant, and research-active faculty conducting research in a variety of areas, including development, migration, labor economics, behavioral and experimental economics, innovation and culture.

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*M.A. offered only along the way to Ph.D.

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PhD in Economics

Our PhD program promotes practice-based scholarship that embraces the scientific method to better understand how people and societies make decisions.

Students are exposed to cutting-edge research in international economics and behavioral and applied microeconomics. Students are encouraged to collaborate with top scholars impacting the field today. Because we are an all-graduate student program, we mentor our students closely and prepare them for success in a competitive and fast-changing world. We have a long history of both influential research and of training students for careers in academia, government, and the private sector.

Program Highlights

• We closely mentor our students throughout their graduate school experience. CGU is an all-graduate institution & its core faculty are dedicated to enhancing our students’ success.
• We offer an active intellectual environment through informal brainstorming groups, and formal workshops and seminars.
• Students can get teaching and research assistantships at CGU and can also gain valuable teaching experience through lectureships in Los Angeles area colleges and universities.
• Our apprentice/experienced practitioner educational model offers our students research experience by involving them in research projects that require problem solving and the application of analytical skills as well as the ability to effectively collaborate as a member of a research team.
• As members of The Claremont Colleges, Economics PhD students have access to one-of-a-kind support from adjunct faculty and the Consortium’s infrastructure that prepare them for career success.
• This program is STEM designated, allowing international students who hold F-1 visas to apply for OPT work authorizations for a total of 36 months (an initial 1-year period and a 24-month OPT STEM extension) of paid work experience in the U.S. after graduation.

Program At-a-glance

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Akita International University, Japan

Assistant Professor of Economics, Akita, Japan

ALG, TrueCar

Vice President, Data Analytics, Santa Barbara, CA

California State University at San Marcos

Assistant Professor of Economics, San Marcos, CA

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Assistant Professor of Economics, Rohnert Park, CA

Central Bank of Guatemala

Economist, Guatemala

Central Bank of Indonesia

Economist, Indonesia

Central University of Finance and Economics

Assistant Professor of Economics, Beijing, China

Chapman University

Assistant Professor of Economics, Orange, CA

Eckerd College

Assistant Professor of Economics, St. Petersburg, FL

Ernst & Young

Analyst, Los Angeles, CA

Finance Ministry of Thailand

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Harvard Law School

Manager Empirical Research Center, Boston, MA

Ivey Business School – Univ. Western Ontario

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Kansai Gaidai University

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Kent State University

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Ministry of Economy and Planning, Saudi Arabia

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Ministry of Finance

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National University of Sciences and Technology

Assistant Professor, Islamabad

Northern Arizona University

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Oxford University

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Pepperdine University

Assistant Professor of Finance, Malibu, CA

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University of California, Riverside

Clinical Assistant Professor of Finance, Riverside, CA

University of Massachusetts, Boston

Visiting Professor of Economics, Boston, MA

Whittier College

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Paul J. Zak

Professor of Economic Sciences, Psychology & Management Director, Center for Neuroeconomics Studies

Research Interests

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C. Mónica Capra

Professor of Economic Sciences

Experimental Economics, Behavioral Economics, Neuroeconomics

Joshua Tasoff

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Behavioral Economics, Experimental Economics, Animal Welfare Economics

Gregory DeAngelo

Associate Professor of Economic Sciences Director, Computational Justice Lab

Law, Political Economy, Public Choice

Robert Klitgaard

University Professor

Public Policy, Economic Strategy, Institutional Reform, Corruption

Tom Kniesner

Senior Research Fellow

Labor Economics, Health Economics, Econometrics

Graham Bird

Clinical Professor of Economic Sciences Program Director: International Money and Finance; International Economics and Development Policy Co-Director: Claremont Institute for Economic Policy Studies

International Finance, International Macroeconomics, Economic Development

Thomas Willett

Professor Emeritus Director, Claremont Institute for Economic Studies

International Money and Finance, International Political Economy and Economic Policy

Research Opportunities

As a student in the Department of Economic Sciences, you will have the opportunity to contribute to faculty-led research opportunities that offer practice-oriented learning.

Application Guidelines

Key dates and deadlines.

CGU operates on a priority deadline cycle. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit complete applications by the priority dates in order to assure maximum consideration for both admission and fellowships.

Once the priority deadlines have passed, the University will continue to review applications for qualified candidates on a competitive, space-available basis. The final deadlines listed are the last date the University can accept an application in order to allow sufficient time to complete the admissions, financial aid, and other enrollment processes.

Spring 2024 Priority Deadline – November 1, 2023 Final Deadline (International) – November 15, 2023 Final Deadline (Domestic) – December 1, 2023 Classes begin – January 16, 2024

Summer 2024 Priority Deadline – February 1, 2024 Final Deadline (International) – March 1, 2024 Final Deadline (Domestic) – April 1, 2024 Classes begin – May 13, 2024

Fall 2024 Priority Deadline – February 1, 2024 Final Deadline (International) – July 5, 2024 Final Deadline (Domestic) – August 1, 2024 Classes begin – August 26, 2024

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ESTIMATED TUITION (CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS, NON-RESIDENTS, INTERNATIONAL)

*Based on 2023-2024 tuition rates.

STUDENT FEES (PER SEMESTER)

For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s  Cost of Attendance 2022-2023  .

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About the Graduate Program

The UC San Diego Graduate Program in Economics has set historical precedence for the strong preparation its students receive in econometrics and microeconomic theory. During the last few years, our Department has expanded dramatically, with rapidly growing strengths in macroeconomics and applied microeconomics. Among the fields we now cover are behavioral economics, development, environmental economics, finance, labor economics, international trade,  industrial and organizational economics,  macroeconomics, political economy, and public finance, in addition to econometrics and microeconomic theory.

Another important strength of our Department is the close contact between graduate students and faculty. In contrast to many departments, our first year core courses are staffed by leading faculty members so that on your first day at UCSD you will begin studying with top figures in the economics profession. The Department also promotes faculty-student interactions through summer research grants with an advisor, conducts a special workshop for third-year students in which faculty members supervise the initial stages of dissertation research, and organizes a series of lunch-time seminars specifically devoted to early-stage research  presentations by graduate students. These are just a few examples of how our Department supports the important mentorship relationship between faculty and doctoral students.

The promotion of collaboration with researchers across the institution is certainly encouraged.  UC San Diego has a particularly strong program in  Political Science , a remarkable group of faculty at the  School of Global Policy and Strategy  interested in economic development and at Rady School of Management , a rapidly growing faculty interested in finance and behavioral economics. Faculty from other programs often teach in our program and serve as advisors for our students.  Such collaborations often lead to faculty from these departments serving as outside committee members helping to supervise student dissertation research.

Our department has an excellent track record in placing graduates in top departments, including Stanford, University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Harvard, MIT, Chicago, Northwestern, Penn, Wisconsin, Michigan, Cornell and Duke. We also consistently place graduates in top governmental agencies, such as the Federal Reserve Board, and prominent private sector firms.

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UC Davis Agricultural and Resource Economics

The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at UC Davis offers one of the world's top graduate programs in agricultural economics, development economics, and environmental and resource economics. Students in our program complete a rigorous plan of study in microeconomic theory, econometrics, and field courses, and benefit from close collaboration and hands-on advising with faculty. We welcome students from a wide range of backgrounds and places, and value the diversity they bring to our program.

In these pages you will find key information about our program, including the program philosophy, application procedure, financial aid, and course offerings. Our graduate handbook provides you with all the relevant information about expectations, procedures, and requirements to be met as you make your way toward your degree objective.

If you have any questions after reading these pages, please send an e-mail to [email protected] .

We also offer a post-graduate certificate program, for students currently enrolled in a graduate program abroad who seek to enhance their training in applied economics at UC Davis.

Main Office: 530-752-1515 Student Advising Services: 530-754-9536 DeLoach Conference Room: 530-752-2916 Main Conference Room: 530-754-1850

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Graduate Program

Graduate program in economics.

Start Fall 2024! Domestic Application Deadline is April 1, 2024! The International Application Deadline is March 15, 2024!

The Department of Economics offers one program: Master of Arts in Economics. Our program is designed to prepare students for careers in the public or private sectors and gives a solid foundation for students who will pursue a doctorate degree. We specialize in areas of research that align with our recognized expert faculty members, including transportation and development economics. 

Students are encouraged to participate and take advantage of our sponsored events and organizations, including the Economics Seminar Series, the Economics Graduate Association (EGA), the CSULB Student Research Competition, the Annual Economics Poster Competition, and the Long Beach Regional Economic Forum.

For more information or if you have questions, contact Mariya Mileva or visit her Grad Advising office hours on Tuesdays from 2 PM – 3 PM  via Zoom .

Thank you for your interest in the Master of Arts in Economics at California State University, Long Beach.  The department and university requirements for admission are found below.  All students begin the program in the fall semester; we are not accepting applications for the spring semester.

Any questions about admissions may be directed to  [email protected] .

Click here for our  MA application packet  to learn more about our program and how to apply.

IMPORTANT DATES

Applications for the Fall 2024 admission open on October 1, 2023.

• For D omestic Applicants, Fall 2024 applications are accepted from October 1, 2023 -  April 2024.
• For I nternational Applicants, Fall 2024 applications are accepted from October 1, 2023 - March 2024.
• Admission decisions will be made on a rolling basis from March to May 2024.
• Graduate Assistantship offers will be made from May to June 2024.
• The Fall semester starts on August 19, 2024.

To officially apply visit Cal State Apply .

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• You must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year college or university. List of Foreign Universities.
• You must have either majored or minored in economics or taken 18 units of core economics courses.
• You must have completed (1) principles of macroeconomics, (2) principles of microeconomics, (3) intermediate microeconomics, (4) intermediate macroeconomics, (5) statistics, and (6) calculus.
• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.50.
• A minimum GPA 3.0 GPA in (1) principles of macroeconomics, (2) principles of microeconomics, (3) intermediate microeconomics, (4) intermediate macroeconomics, (5) statistics, and (6) calculus.

APPLICATION

• $70 application fee
• A Personal Statement of 500-750 words
• CSULB students & alumni: two CSULB faculty with at least one being from Economics
• non-CSULB students: two faculty with at least one preferable from Economics
• See Submitting Transcripts below.
• GRE (or GMAT) scores are not required but encouraged. If completed, please send scores to Institution Code 4389, and Department Code 1801 for non-CSULB students .
• A Resume/CV is not required but encouraged, indicating any work experience and activities relevant to the program.
• If you wish to upload a writing sample of a research paper or any other relevant documentation, you can do so in the Supplemental Materials section.
• Monitor the status of your application by visiting the Applicant Self-Service .

Download a 2024 Application Checklist .

Through Mail

• Enrollment Services/Admissions California State University, Long Beach 1250 Bellflower Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90840

Electronic Transcripts

• Official transcripts may be submitted electronically directly from a U.S. college or university.
• Follow instructions on the CSULB Graduate Admissions site

CSULB vs Non-CSULB Students

• CSULB Students and Alumni do not need to submit official transcripts.
• Current B.A. Non-CSULB Students: Unofficial transcript(s) documenting that you have completed the required courses in Economics for admission are okay.
• Non-CSULB Students with a Bachelors: Official transcripts documenting that you have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year college or university are required.

TUITION & FEES

Please refer to the university's webpage on Tuition and Fees . Tuition and fees will depend on each student's residency status and part-time/full-time unit load.  The typical MA in Economics student takes 10 units per Fall and Spring semester for a total of three semesters.

GRADUATE & TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIPS

Assistantships are available to students on a competitive basis. No additional application materials are required. Students are automatically considered for an assistantship when their application is reviewed. In the 2022-2023, each semester we offered about 110 hours per week of graduate assistantships and 6 teaching assistantships . Graduate assistantships included grading and tutoring responsibilities. Teaching assistantships included running lab sections for Economics Statistics, Introduction to Econometrics, Econometrics I, Econometrics II, and Forecasting.

College of Liberal Arts Equity Scholars Assistantship

This Assistantship was created "to recruit promising students into the Humanities and Social Sciences" and for "recruitment of first-generation, historically underrepresented, and/or low-income graduate students". The stipend from the Assistantship ranges from about $3500 per semester up to about $7000 for one year.

To be considered for the award, you must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or above. For you application to the Assistantship to be reviewed by the Graduate Admissions Committee, you must also submit your Cal State Apply application for the M.A. in Economics at CSULB.

Please complete the Equity Scholars Application to be considered for this position. Application review will be ongoing until the Assistantship(s) have been awarded. The application deadline is April 15.

Visit the College of Liberal Arts Equity Scholars site for more information on this program.

SCHOLARSHIPS

For the 2022-23 academic year, MA in Economics students received a total of $2,000 from department scholarships. Applications for department scholarships are accepted between November and March, and are awarded the next academic year.

Along with the General Application Requirements, all international applicants must meet the following additional requirements:

• Submit your application by March 15, 2024 .
• Meet or exceed the English language requirement minimum test score and submit the official test scores to International Admissions. Information and instructions can be found HERE .
• Submit original or certified copies of ALL OFFICIAL academic records, transcripts/individual mark sheets, certificates, and diplomas. Submission instructions can be found HERE .
• Applicants who have studied in the U.S. are required to have the institution(s) directly send their official transcript(s) to International Admissions. Opened transcripts are not considered official.
• English translations of all academic records and certificates/diplomas are required if they are in a language other than English.
• Use WES (World Education Services) for 3rd party evaluation
• Any questions related to the English Language Requirement and submission of documents should be directed to the International Admissions at [email protected] . Please include your application (CAS ID) number or CSULB Student ID number in all correspondences.

FINANCIAL AID:

International students are eligible for department-sponsored graduate and teaching assistantships and for the Equity Scholars assistantship. See above for more details and application instructions.

Goals & Objectives

The program features a 30-unit curriculum that can be completed in as little as 3 semesters for full-time students. Core courses are offered in the evenings to accommodate working professionals. Goals and Objectives of the Program

Graduation Requirements

• Program Requirements and Curriculum

Candidates in this program are responsible for observing the general requirements stated in the  university catalog as well as requirements specified by the Department. Information may be obtained from the graduate advisor. A limited number of graduate assistantships are available to qualified students.

The program features a 30-unit curriculum that can be completed in as little as 3 semesters for full-time students. Core courses are offered in the evenings to accommodate working professionals. The degree culminates with seminar courses in a specific field and general economics, where students undertake independent research projects. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and successfully defend their research as part of a comprehensive exam to graduate. Please see our sample course schedule for more details.

Printable flyer with requirements and sample schedule: Program Requirements and Curriculum

SAMPLE SCHEDULE FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS

• ECON 510: Advanced Microeconomics (3 units; complete with a grade of B or better)
• ECON 511: Advanced Macroeconomics (3 units; complete with a grade of B or better)
• ECON 585: Econometrics I (4 units; complete with a grade of C or better)
• ECON 586: Econometrics II (4 units; complete with a grade of C or better)
• ECON 587: Research Methods in Economics (3 units; complete with a grade of C or better)
• In recent years, we have offered ECON 565: Economic Development (3 units)
• ECON 690: Seminar in Economics (3 units; complete with a grade of B or better)
• ECON 691: Economics Research Lab (1 unit; complete with a grade of B or better)
• In recent years, we have offered ECON 666: Seminar in Transportation Economics (3 units) and ECON 670: Seminar in Trade and Development (3 units)
• 400-Level Economics Elective (3 units; complete with a grade of C or better)

Last edited 11/2022 - Curriculum subject to change

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Note: The department is closed for lunch from 12 PM to 1:00 PM every day.

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70 years after brown v. board of education, new research shows rise in school segregation.

As the nation prepares to mark the 70th anniversary of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education , a new report from researchers at Stanford and USC shows that racial and economic segregation among schools has grown steadily in large school districts over the past three decades — an increase that appears to be driven in part by policies favoring school choice over integration.

Analyzing data from U.S. public schools going back to 1967, the researchers found that segregation between white and Black students has increased by 64 percent since 1988 in the 100 largest districts, and segregation by economic status has increased by about 50 percent since 1991.

The report also provides new evidence about the forces driving recent trends in school segregation, showing that the expansion of charter schools has played a major role.  

The findings were released on May 6 with the launch of the Segregation Explorer , a new interactive website from the Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford University. The website provides searchable data on racial and economic school segregation in U.S. states, counties, metropolitan areas, and school districts from 1991 to 2022. 

“School segregation levels are not at pre- Brown levels, but they are high and have been rising steadily since the late 1980s,” said Sean Reardon , the Professor of Poverty and Inequality in Education at Stanford Graduate School of Education and faculty director of the Educational Opportunity Project. “In most large districts, school segregation has increased while residential segregation and racial economic inequality have declined, and our findings indicate that policy choices – not demographic changes – are driving the increase.” 

“There’s a tendency to attribute segregation in schools to segregation in neighborhoods,” said Ann Owens , a professor of sociology and public policy at USC. “But we’re finding that the story is more complicated than that.”

Assessing the rise

In the Brown v. Board decision issued on May 17, 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racially segregated public schools violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and established that “separate but equal” schools were not only inherently unequal but unconstitutional. The ruling paved the way for future decisions that led to rapid school desegregation in many school districts in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Though segregation in most school districts is much lower than it was 60 years ago, the researchers found that over the past three decades, both racial and economic segregation in large districts increased. Much of the increase in economic segregation since 1991, measured by segregation between students eligible and ineligible for free lunch, occurred in the last 15 years.

White-Hispanic and white-Asian segregation, while lower on average than white-Black segregation, have both more than doubled in large school districts since the 1980s. 

Racial-economic segregation – specifically the difference in the proportion of free-lunch-eligible students between the average white and Black or Hispanic student’s schools – has increased by 70 percent since 1991. 

School segregation is strongly associated with achievement gaps between racial and ethnic groups, especially the rate at which achievement gaps widen during school, the researchers said.  

“Segregation appears to shape educational outcomes because it concentrates Black and Hispanic students in higher-poverty schools, which results in unequal learning opportunities,” said Reardon, who is also a senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research and a faculty affiliate of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning . 

Policies shaping recent trends 

The recent rise in school segregation appears to be the direct result of educational policy and legal decisions, the researchers said. 

Both residential segregation and racial disparities in income declined between 1990 and 2020 in most large school districts. “Had nothing else changed, that trend would have led to lower school segregation,” said Owens. 

But since 1991, roughly two-thirds of districts that were under court-ordered desegregation have been released from court oversight. Meanwhile, since 1998, the charter sector – a form of expanded school choice – has grown.

Expanding school choice could influence segregation levels in different ways: If families sought schools that were more diverse than the ones available in their neighborhood, it could reduce segregation. But the researchers found that in districts where the charter sector expanded most rapidly in the 2000s and 2010s, segregation grew the most. 

The researchers’ analysis also quantified the extent to which the release from court orders accounted for the rise in school segregation. They found that, together, the release from court oversight and the expansion of choice accounted entirely for the rise in school segregation from 2000 to 2019.

The researchers noted enrollment policies that school districts can implement to mitigate segregation, such as voluntary integration programs, socioeconomic-based student assignment policies, and school choice policies that affirmatively promote integration. 

“School segregation levels are high, troubling, and rising in large districts,” said Reardon. “These findings should sound an alarm for educators and policymakers.”

Additional collaborators on the project include Demetra Kalogrides, Thalia Tom, and Heewon Jang. This research, including the development of the Segregation Explorer data and website, was supported by the Russell Sage Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.   

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Canada to introduce new rules around off-campus work hours for international students

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

News release

International students enrich Canada’s social, cultural and economic fabric. That is why, in recent months, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has introduced reforms to the International Students Program, to ensure system integrity while protecting students from fraud and financial vulnerability.

April 29, 2024—Ottawa— International students enrich Canada’s social, cultural and economic fabric. That is why, in recent months, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has introduced reforms to the International Student Program, to ensure system integrity while protecting students from fraud and financial vulnerability.

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced today that the temporary policy allowing students to work more than 20 hours per week off campus will come to an end on April 30, 2024, and it will not be extended. This fall, we intend to change the number of hours students may work off campus per week to 24 hours.

Students who come to Canada must be here to study. As such, allowing students to work up to 24 hours per week will ensure they focus primarily on their studies, while having the option to work, if necessary.

As we head into the summer session, students who have a scheduled academic break can continue working unlimited hours.

In developing this change, we looked at the needs of students, policies in other countries, as well as research that has shown that academic outcomes suffer the more a student works while studying. It also strikes the appropriate balance so students have the option to work without compromising academic outcomes. More details will be shared in due course.

We also continue to develop the new Recognized Institutions Framework to reward post­secondary institutions that set high standards for selecting, supporting and retaining international students. We will continue to support and protect international students from financial vulnerability and keep protecting the integrity of the International Student Program.

“Working off campus helps international students gain work experience and offset some of their expenses. As international students arrive in Canada, we want them to be prepared for life here and have the support they need to succeed. However, first and foremost, people coming to Canada as students must be here to study, not work. We will continue working to protect the integrity of our student program.” – The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Quick facts

Recent studies conducted in the US and Canada have shown that there is a considerable decline in academic performance for students working more than 28 hours per week, and that working more than 24 hours per week increases the chances that a student will drop out of their program.

Most countries that welcome international students set limits on the number of hours they may work while they study. Australia recently changed its policy to allow a student to work 48 hours every 2 weeks. In the US, students must meet additional criteria before being permitted to work off campus at all.

In December 2023, the Government of Canada raised the cost-of-living threshold that students must meet to be approved for a study permit so they are financially prepared for life in Canada and are not as dependent on working.

International students who begin a college program delivered through a public-private curriculum licensing arrangement on or after May 15, 2024, will not be eligible for a post-graduation work permit when they graduate. Those who already started this type of program prior to May 15, 2024, will still be able to access a post-graduation work permit, provided they meet all other criteria .

The new letter of acceptance (LOA) verification process has been a success. Since its launch on December 1, 2023, through April 1, 2024, IRCC has

•  received almost 162,000 LOAs for verification
• confirmed nearly 142,000 LOAs as valid directly with designated learning institutions (DLIs)
• identified almost 9,000 LOAs that didn’t match any LOA issued by a DLI or that the DLI had already cancelled before the foreign national applied for a study permit

Associated links

• Statement: Minister Miller issues statement on international student allocations for provinces and territories
• Notice: Update on public-private college partnership programs for international students
• Notice: Additional information about International Student Program reforms
• News release: Canada to stabilize growth and decrease number of new study permits issued
• News release: Revised requirements to better protect international students
• News release: Changes to International Student Program aim to protect students
• Website: Work off campus as an international student

Aissa Diop Director of Communications Minister’s Office Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [email protected]

Media Relations Communications Sector Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 613-952-1650 [email protected]

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