About PhD Program,
The rigorous PhD economics program at Johns Hopkins is among the best in the nation. With its world-class faculty, individualized attention, and small classes, the doctoral program is the centerpiece of the Department of Economics. From financial analysis to applied research, students are well-prepared to be leaders in the field.
The department is dedicated to maintaining strong research and teaching cores in applied microeconomics, economic theory, macroeconomics, and econometrics. Faculty members are experts in their fields, and they are actively involved in thesis supervision and research seminars. The unique Hopkins difference is the direct interaction and one-on-one attention students receive from faculty. Such attention opens the door to myriad opportunities for students to conduct groundbreaking research, apply complex economic theories, and make educated financial analyses and predictions.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Students take two years of course work. The first year is comprised of two semesters each of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, and statistics/econometrics. Students also take a fall semester course in mathematical methods. In the second year, students take courses in their chosen fields. Students may also take relevant courses in related departments, such as mathematics, mathematical sciences, political science, and public health. The compulsory first-year courses are:
Administered by the department, this consists of three written examinations designed to test the candidate’s knowledge of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. These exams are given before the beginning of the third term.
A research paper is submitted during the fourth term.
PhD Funding Coverage,
The department offers a departmental fellowship to all enrolled students. This fellowship covers full tuition costs plus an annual stipend of $33,000 (starting in July 2022) and full student health insurance coverage. During a student’s first year of study, this fellowship support is provided with no teaching assistantship duties. Though attrition during the first year of the program is very low, it is still very challenging and, for that reason, we feel it is essential that students are able to devote almost all of their energies to their studies. Beginning in the second year of study, students who are performing satisfactorily will again receive the same departmental fellowship coverage as in their first year. In addition, during years 2, 3, 4 and 5, this fellowship will involve a teaching or research assistantship assignment. The department guarantees financial support for a minimum of five years of graduate study, conditional on satisfactory performance and often for a sixth year as well.
In addition to these sources of funds, there are many other opportunities both on and offcampus involving research or teaching. The summer program at Hopkins is taught exclusively by our graduate students. Students have also taught in nearby universities such as Loyola College, Goucher College, and the University of Maryland Baltimore County. One can also find research assistantships in other Hopkins programs; for example, the School of Public Health and the Carey Business School. Many students take advantage of the proximity of Washington, D.C. to serve as research assistants at institutions related to their field of research during the academic year and/or summer. In recent years, our graduate students have been research assistants at such institutions as Brookings, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve Board of Governors, Federal National Mortgage Association, International Monetary Fund, Inter-Development Bank, World Bank, and the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice.
Application Requirement,
A completed online application
Statement of purpose
Unofficial transcripts
2-3 letters of recommendation (depending on the program)
Additional documents, requirements, or supplemental Materials specific to the program.
Some programs also request exam scores.
Please do not submit paper copies of any materials unless Specifically requested.
Application Deadline,
Jan 01, 2025
Application Fee,
A non-refundable fee of $75.00 is required for each application to the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences.
