About PhD Program,
Lehigh’s Ph.D. in Business and Economics is a full-time program in economics offering fields of specialization in health economics, applied econometrics, empirical macroeconomics, and labor economics. The program admits cohorts of 6 to 9 students every other year. With the small class size, students are able to work closely with faculty in their research.
Applicants from a variety of backgrounds are encouraged to apply. However, past applicants who have been admitted and did well in the program typically had undergraduate coursework that included intermediate microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics, probability and statistics, multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and real analysis. Applicants who fall short of completing these courses would still be considered.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
We evaluate applications based on undergraduate coursework (particularly in economics and
mathematics), recommendation letters, and a personal essay. Submission of standardized test
scores is optional, but highly encouraged. Though not a requirement, past successful applicants
typically had taken intermediate microeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics, probability and
statistics, multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and introductory real analysis.
You may view all the admission requirements on the Ph.D. in Business and Economics “Admissions Information” webpage.
PhD Funding Coverage,
All students accepted into the Ph.D. Program are offered funding packages, subject to satisfactory progress, that guarantee four academic years of tuition remission and a monthly stipend (9-month per year) to cover living expenses. Though not guaranteed, almost all students in the past also received funding in their fifth year.
The standard funding package provided by the College of Business requires students to serve as teaching assistants during each semester. There are also selective research assistantships or semester-long fellowships with no duty available in the third or fourth year of study.
Outstanding applicants to the program will be considered for Presidential and University fellowships. Recipients of these fellowships receive the monthly stipend during their first year of study with no duty.
There are also summer funding opportunities available for Ph.D. students at all levels to apply. The summer supports are typically provided in the form of research assistantships and teaching of summer courses. Historically, a high proportion of students who remained at Lehigh during the summer have received summer support.
Although we do not accept students on a part-time basis, individuals with funding from external sources for full-time study, such as foundation or government fellowships, are welcome to apply to the program.
Application Requirement,
1. Application (no fee)
2. Essay
3. Resume or CV
4. GMAT or GRE Test Score (optional)
5. Transcripts
6. Letters of Recommendation (Minimum Two)
7. English Proficiency
Application Deadlin
Jan 01, 2026
Application Fee,
Application (no fee)
