PhD in Economics
Syracuse University, United States
PhD in Economics
Syracuse University
Economics
PhD in Economics at Syracuse University — Program Overview
The PhD in Economics at Syracuse University is a STEM-designated, research-oriented degree housed within the prestigious Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Designed for those who aspire to conduct applied economics research in academic settings, government agencies, international organizations, or private businesses with a substantial research mission, this program provides rigorous training in economic theory and quantitative methods.
The graduate program reflects the department's focus on research in labor economics, public economics, international trade, urban economics, and econometric theory. A distinguishing feature of the PhD program is its tradition of providing close faculty guidance and support, helping students shape their work to facilitate conference presentations and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Many PhD students co-author work with faculty advisors, gaining valuable collaborative research experience. Students can also participate in the Future Professoriate Program, a special university initiative that fosters good teaching practices and professional development through workshops, conferences, and mentored teaching experiences.
Key Program Highlights
- STEM-designated research degree with strong focus on applied economics and quantitative methods
- Five specialized fields: labor economics, public economics, international trade, urban economics, and econometrics
- Close faculty mentorship with co-authorship opportunities and conference presentation support
- Housed within the Maxwell School, ranked #1 in Public Affairs by U.S. News and World Report
Curriculum and Modules
The PhD in Economics curriculum requires 72 total credit hours, including 51 credits of coursework and 21 credits of dissertation research. Students complete core courses in economic theory and econometrics, followed by specialization in two fields chosen from the department's areas of strength. The program begins in the summer, typically the first week of July, with a preparatory mathematical economics course.
Mathematical Economics
3 CreditsA foundational course covering the mathematical tools and techniques essential for advanced economic analysis, including optimization, dynamic systems, and fixed-point theorems.
Microeconomic Theory Sequence
9 CreditsA three-course sequence providing rigorous training in consumer theory, producer theory, general equilibrium, game theory, and mechanism design at the doctoral level.
Macroeconomic Theory
3 CreditsAn advanced course examining modern macroeconomic models including dynamic stochastic general equilibrium frameworks, growth theory, and business cycle analysis.
Econometrics Sequence
12 CreditsA four-course sequence covering probability theory, statistical inference, regression analysis, time series methods, panel data techniques, and advanced causal inference methodologies.
Primary Field Courses
6 CreditsA two-course sequence in the student's chosen primary field, selected from labor economics, international economics, public economics, urban economics, or econometrics.
Secondary Field Courses
6 CreditsA two-course sequence in a second field of specialization, allowing students to develop complementary expertise and broaden their research capabilities.
Elective and Breadth Courses
Admission Requirements
The PhD in Economics program at Syracuse University welcomes applicants from varied undergraduate backgrounds, including economics, other social sciences, engineering, and mathematics. An earned master's degree in economics is not required to enter the PhD program. All applications are processed through Uni4Edu, your dedicated point of contact for guidance and support throughout the admissions process.
Academic Requirements
- Academic BackgroundBachelor's degree (or international equivalent) with strong quantitative preparation
- Mathematics PrerequisitesAt least one year of calculus, a course in mathematical statistics, and a course in linear algebra
- GRE ScoresGeneral GRE scores required; strong quantitative scores are expected
- Academic TranscriptsOfficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Letters of RecommendationThree letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
English Language Requirements
- TOEFLPreferred score of 100 or above (iBT)
- IELTSPreferred score of 7.0 or above (Academic module)
- ExemptionsApplicants from English-speaking countries or with degrees from accredited U.S. institutions may be exempt
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The Economics Department at Syracuse University offers generous merit-based financial support to PhD students. Financial support is typically renewed each year for five years of study, subject to maintaining satisfactory performance in the program. Contact Uni4Edu for the latest information on funding opportunities and application procedures.
University Fellowship
Full tuition scholarship plus stipendAwarded to top incoming students, the University Fellowship provides a stipend and full-tuition scholarship. Recipients receive fellowship support in their first and fifth years and a graduate assistantship in years two through four. Fellowship students have no service responsibilities during fellowship years.
Graduate Assistantship
Full tuition scholarship plus stipend and health insurance subsidyTeaching and research assistantships provide a stipend, full graduate tuition scholarship, and a subsidy toward health insurance. Students gain valuable experience through teaching, grading, running recitation sessions, and conducting faculty-supervised research.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the PhD in Economics program at Syracuse University are consistently placed at prestigious institutions and organizations worldwide. The program's emphasis on applied research, close faculty mentorship, and publication-oriented training prepares graduates for successful careers in academia, government, international agencies, and the private sector.
Potential Career Paths
Recent Placement Institutions
Rankings and Recognition
Syracuse University and its Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs enjoy strong national and international recognition. The Maxwell School has been ranked the number one public affairs school in the United States by U.S. News and World Report in nearly every survey since rankings began in 1995, providing an exceptional interdisciplinary environment for economics doctoral students.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Public Affairs (Maxwell School) | U.S. News & World Report | #1 |
| Public Management and Leadership | U.S. News & World Report | #1 |
| Public Policy Analysis | U.S. News & World Report | Top 10 |
| Social Policy | U.S. News & World Report | Top 10 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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