About PhD Program,
The Ph.D. program in the Department of Economics at Columbia University trains students to do cutting edge research in economics. Students in our program do research in all major areas of economics including microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, international economics, labor economics, public finance, industrial organization, development economics, and urban economics. Our department provides strong training both in theoretical economics and in applied and empirical economics. The Ph.D. program is primarily designed for students that are interested in pursuing a career in teaching and research within academia but is also useful for student interested in certain positions within governments, research organizations, or private businesses.
The first two years of our Ph.D. program is largely devoted to rigorous coursework. After the second year, however, students devote most of their time to their own research under the supervision of faculty advisors. Students in our program generally complete their Ph.D. in 5 or 6 years.
Admission to the Ph.D. program is highly selective. We receive approximately 1,000 applications each year for an incoming class of roughly 25 students. We place a high value on attracting the very best minds, and recruiting members of groups who will both enhance the diversity of research in the field and contribute to the diversity of the university’s academic and professional community.
The Ph.D. program has a long and illustrious history. Alumni of the program include some of the most distinguished economists of the last century – including Nobel Prize winners Kenneth J. Arrow, Milton Friedman, Simon Smith Kuznets, and William S. Vickrey.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
The department does not release information about applicants or admitted students, including GPA and GRE scores. As the department receives hundreds of applications, admitted students are generally very qualified. Anyone interested in the program is encouraged to apply.
All tests should be taken at least six weeks before the application deadline to ensure timely receipt by the admissions office.
The Department of Economics offers a graduate program leading to the PhD in Economics; students earn the MA and the MPhil in the course of earning the PhD degree.
PhD Funding Coverage,
Columbia offers multi-year, financial aid packages to admitted students including fellowships and appointments to teaching and/or research positions. Ph.D. students receive annual stipend, tuition and health fees for five years if they remain in good academic standing. Students in years 2-4 must also complete requirements as teaching or research officers. After year five, requests for additional funding are considered on a case-by case basis.
The Center on Japanese Economy and Business Doctoral Fellowship is available to any PhD applicant to the Columbia University Department of Economics or Columbia Business School who is interested in developing a Japan expertise, culminating in a dissertation focused primarily on Japan.
The Fellowship provides full funding for an incremental doctoral student opening, with funding renewed yearly, contingent on the student’s continued focus on Japan and success in meeting basic language acquisition and research requirements.
More details and scheduled information sessions about the Fellowship can be found here.
CJEB founded the fellowship in 2013 and plans to continue offering it on an annual basis, with the goal of supporting and training the next generation of experts on Japan’s economy and business systems.
Application Requirement,
Admissions Supporting Materials
Letters of Recommendation
Transcripts
Standardized Tests
Transfer Credit
Credentials Verification
BA/MA Option
Application Deadline,
Dec 12, 2024
Application Fee,
A nonrefundable fee of $120 will be required for the 2025 online application.
